By 1news.co.nz

David Liti has won silver for New Zealand, hoisting a total of 394kg in the weightlifting plus 109kg category at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The 26-year-old Aucklander looked relaxed as he waited for his turn to get up on the stage.

In his first attempt in the snatch, he cleared 166kg with ease before waving to the crowd and following up with a successful 170kg second effort.

David Liti embraces Pakistan rival who pipped him to gold

Pakistan’s Muhammad Nooh Dastgir Butt claimed gold in the men’s super heavyweight division, forcing NZ’s defending champion into second place. (Source: SKY)

At the end of the snatch, Liti was second behind Pakistan’s Muhammad Nooh Dastgir Butt who had a best lift of 173kg.

READ MORE: Full coverage from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham

Samoan Petelo Tuiloma posed a big challenge in the clean and jerk while Gurdeep Singh of India raised 223kg in his last attempt.

‘It’s good’ – David Liti happy with silver medal performance in Birmingham

The Kiwi weightlifter said he’s got his sights on a podium spot at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. (Source: Breakfast)

Despite the pressure in his final attempt, Liti still had a smile on his face, something we’ve been used to seeing from the fun and laid-back character.

Butt took to the stage last, winning gold and setting a new games record of 405kg, surpassing Liti’s previous record of 403kg.

Liti had won gold at the last Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.