Australian gymnast Thomas Pichler has won gold

FLOOR specialist Thomas Pichler has claimed Australia's fourth gold medal in the gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games.

Pichler scored 14.675 in his routine in the men's floor final at Indira Gandhi Stadium to beat England's Reiss Beckford (14.625) and India's Ashish Kumar (14.475).

It is the Brisbane gymnast's second gold in Delhi after being a part of the men's team triumph on Monday.

Pichler moved to Queensland from Austria at five years of age due to a skin problem that was solved by the warmer climate of his new home.

After starting as the favourite following his 15.100 in qualifying, a stumble on his final dismount cost the Brisbane pocket-rocket at the end of his routine, ensured a nervous wait for the remainder of the field.

Pichler only resumed competition in April this year and immediately rolled his ankle but bounced back well enough to qualify for the Games team at the July national titles.

"I'm glad I didn't give it away (last year),'' he told AAP after receiving his medal.

"It was a hard road back but I had a lot of helpers back home."

"But in the end it worked out well."

"I'll keep chugging away and see where it takes me.''

Pichler now has the chance to end the Games with three medals after qualifying for the vault final on Friday.

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AAP, The Australian, 07/10/10