Ben Watson has admitted that he is "absolutely ecstatic" to have picked up a bronze medal in the 105kg event at the Commonwealth Games.

The 24-year-old was not expected by many to challenge for medals in Glasgow, but a total of 337kg was enough to see him finish behind New Zealand's Stanislav Chalaev and David Katoatau, who recorded victory to claim the first ever Commonwealth medal for the Pacific island of Kiribati.

"I'm absolutely ecstatic, I can't stop smiling – it's the best feeling," Watson told Team England's official website. "After the snatches when I came out with a 157kg I thought I had given myself a chance, but I knew there were other guys who were stronger clean and jerkers.

"It's brilliant. I'm just so happy with it. I'm the happiest person here I think.

"Realistically for me, the next Commonwealth Games is my aim and hopefully I can go one or two medals better."

Watson led after the snatch, but Chalaev and Katoatau proved to be too strong in the clean and jerk.