SPORTS fans were finally able to snap up Commonwealth Games tickets today after last week’s chaotic false start.

The Final Sprint, as Games bosses have dubbed it, was under way this morning after organisers ironed out technical issues that blighted last week’s sale.
Thousands of people previously faced hours of waiting as the official website struggled to cope.
But today fans heaped praise on Games organisers as they faced a maximum wait of just 20 minutes.
Phone lines were red hot as sports fans began snapping up extra Glasgow 2014 tickets, but people trying to book were only forced to wait a matter of minutes.
Some eager fans, who logged on exactly at 10am today, reported only a 10-minute wait.
Today’s phased sales proved hugely popular, with many people landing gold dust tickets for their favourite sports.
A Glasgow 2014 insider said: “We’re delighted with the enthusiasm of customers visiting the website since opening this morning.
“There are currently no queues and thousands of customers who have been securing tickets. We’re also seeing lots of positive feedback on social channels.
“We thank everyone for their support so far and remind people that there are still lots of great opportunities to be part of the Games.”
The first batch of tickets – for the team sports and opening and closing ceremonies – went on sale at 10am as part of a phased release.
Sports fan, John McGivern, from London, wrote on Twitter: “Got two tickets for the Opening Ceremony, only had to wait online 10 minutes.”
Another customer wrote: “Top marks on the website changes, much quicker turnaround!”
Others reported getting onto the tickets web page within five minutes.
In the coming days, tickets will go back on sale for other sports and organisers hope tomorrow’s sale will be as successful as today.
Glasgow 2014 chief executive David Grevemberg said: “Ticketmaster has checked, tested, re-tested the system.
“And are very confident now, in re-launching today, that customers are going to have a much, much better experience.
“We are now focused on selling those tickets and ¬really making sure that everyone who wants to be a part of the Games can be.”
Games bosses had to shut down their ticketing website and hotline a day after 10,000 extra tickets went on sale last Monday.
Disgruntled sports fans blasted organisers after they were left waiting for hours because of the technical issues.
Ticket agency bosses revealed staff have been working “around the clock” to ensure everything goes to plan.
Chris Edmonds, chairman of Ticketmaster UK, which is handling the ticket sales, advised online ticket buyers not to refresh their screens if they experience any delays.
He said: “We are of course expecting to witness very high levels of demand on the site each day this week so would ask all customers to be patient if they find themselves queuing.
“Our advice to everyone would be to refrain from refreshing their screens or opening multiple browsers.
“Our number one ¬objective is to see as many tickets as possible reach fans and supporters as we can.”
Scotland rugby sevens captain Colin Gregor, Lesley MacDonald, of the Scottish Thistles netball team, and hockey star William Marshall joined forces
to relaunch the ticket sales.
Organisers decided to ensure as many people as possible could attend the sporting event and released extra tickets as a result of finalising venue ¬layouts and seating plans.
From tomorrow at 10am, all remaining sports will be back on public sale as the power, precision and combat sports of weightlifting, para-sport powerlifting, lawn bowls, rhythmic gymnastics, shooting, boxing, judo and wrestling are added to complete the phased on-sale.
Tickets for Glasgow 2014
start at £15 for adults and
£7.50 for under 16s and over 60s.
lTICKETS will be available online via the Glasgow 2014 ticketing website: tickets.glasgow
2014.com or via three new free- phone ticketing hotline numbers: – Ticket Hotline: 0800 458 2014; Group sales: 0800 542 2014; ¬Accessible sales: 0808 161 2014.
rebecca.gray@eveningtimes.co.uk