Birmingham takes a step closer to Commonwealth Games
Birmingham has taken a huge step towards hosting the 2022 Commonwealth Games, with one of its main rivals for the competition set to pull out.
Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia is believed to be about to drop its bid to host the Games.
Serious competition to the Birmingham bid is now running thin with only Australia - which is already hosting the 2018 competition - and Canada likely to provide competition.
It is the latest boost for the second city after it was chosen as the UK candidate ahead of Liverpool last week.
If Birmingham is successful, it will mean events coming to the Black Country and Staffordshire, with Sandwell lined up to host swimming and diving competitions and cycling due to take place on Cannock Chase.
It is believed the Kuala Lumpur bid is on the verge of collapse with reports suggesting it will not be backed by the Malaysian government.
