Search Results

Josh Geary kisses the Vic Open trophy and will now try to win the NZ Open. PHOTO: PGA OF AUSTRALIA Straight from his impressive win at the Victorian Open, Kiwi Josh Geary has turned his attention to the next big challenge, the New Zealand Open. Geary was the clubhouse leader going into the final round at the 13th Beach Golf Links, and his final round was not about going low, but more about managing the “super, super tough” conditions with high winds buffeting the course. LATEST HEADLINES: Hunt, Lynch take Coast to Coast titles Jackson-Cartwright named Breakers' POY Late try denies Warriors pre-season win Geary wins Vic Open; Alker  runner-up Paul Coll takes Motor City Squash title “It’s the hardest round of golf I’ve had to play,” said Geary. “It’s hard enough trying to close out a tournament, let alone in those conditions which meant literally you could make any score from anywhere. “If you’d asked me if I shot 78 tomorrow if I’d still have a four-shot margin, I’d tell you you’re dreaming, but that’s just how hard it was.” Geary headed over to Australia aiming to prepare for another shot at the New Zealand Open, but as the putts kept rolling in, the possibility of winning came into focus. “My plan was to come over here and get ready for the New Zealand Open, but my game turned up this week and I just went with it. I’m super happy, obviously, and stoked to get it done.” The New Zealand Open has often been a happy hunting ground for Geary who in 2011 finished third, one shot behind eventual winner Brad Kennedy. In 2019 he finished two shots behind Zach Murray to tie for second, and finished tied for third last year, again two shots behind winner Takahiro Hataji. But Invercargill-born Geary insists the ultimate goal is the New Zealand Open crown this year. “Millbrook’s a very special place and it’s hard to have a bad time in Queenstown. There’s usually family and friends, cousins and aunts and uncles who come out and watch which puts a bit more energy into my game and sharpens the focus a bit,” he said. “I’m definitely aiming to have my name on the trophy this year. It’s my national Open and something I’ve contended for quite a few times now. It’d be nice to be in the winner’s circle come Sunday with the Kiwi crowd right in behind me.” Geary joins what is arguably one of the strongest Kiwi fields at the New Zealand Open in recent memory which includes the already confirmed Steven Alker who claimed the 2024 PGA Tour Champions Season, two-time New Zealand Open runner-up Ben Campbell, and DP World Tour players Daniel Hillier and Sam Jones. Other Kiwis who have entered to contest the Brodie Breeze trophy later this month include Michael Hendry, the last Kiwi to win the New Zealand Open, Nick Voke and Denzel Ieremia now both competing on the Asian Tour as well as Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia players Kerry Mountcastle and Tyler Wood. Tournament director Michael Glading believed Geary’s victory has upped the ante on a potential home win. “With Josh, Dan Hillier, Steve Alker, Ben Campbell, Michael Hendry and so many other Kiwi’s in great form, we’ve decided to name this group the ‘Kiwi Challenge’, as it’s about time we had another Kiwi winner.” The 104th New Zealand Open tees off at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown between February 27-March 2.

Parker-Jackson-Cartwright was name MVP for the Breakers PHOTO: BREAKERS SUPPLIED/GETTY IMAGES Despite being suspended and then injured in the later part of the season Breakers co-captain Parker Jackson-Cartwright was named the club’s Most Valuable Player for the NBL25 season. In his second season at the club, Jackson-Cartwright led the team in points per game (18.9), assists per game (6.7), and was second in steals per game (1.6) behind Matt Mooney. LATEST HEADLINES: Late try denies Warriors pre win Geary wins Vic Open, Alker secon d Paul Coll takes Motor City Squash title Pre-season wins for Hurricanes, Chiefs Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan He also earned this season’s Members Choice award, as voted by BNZ Breakers members. The Moment of the Year, which went to Sam Mennenga for his career-high performance against Tasmania JackJumpers in Round 17. Mennenga was instrumental in the win over the JackJumpers, scoring a career best 29 points on 13-15 from the field, along with nine rebounds and a block in 26 minutes on the floor. Defensive Player of the Year went to Mojave King for his tireless hustle in locking down his opposition players. The Breakers finsihed second-to-last on the points table despite promising start to the season, but it appeared the NBA trip to the United States and some influence from owner Matt Walsh made the season difficult and it turned into freefall. NBL25 BNZ Breakers Award Winners: Brian Pankhurst Clubman of the Year Kevin Blakeman Blackwell Community Cup Mark Xu Fans’ Moment of the Year Sam Mennenga’s career-high night Members Choice Parker Jackson-Cartwright Defensive Player of the Year Mojave King MVP Parker Jackson-Cartwright

Australian Alex Hunt gets a kiss from his wife Maggie after his Coast to Coast victory. PHOTO: COAST TO COAST Alex Hunt made history on Saturday afternoon, becoming the first Australian since 1993 to win the Coast to Coast 'Longest Day' multisport race. The Tasmanian crossed the line at Sumner Beach in Christchurch four minutes ahead of defending champion Hamish Elliot, with a time of 11 hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds.  LATEST HEADLINES: Jackson-Cartwright named Breakers' POY Late try denies Warriors pre-season win Geary wins Vic Open; Alker runner-up Paul Coll takes Motor City Squash title Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan “I still can’t believe it, I’m just in shock. It’s going to take a moment to sink in.” Hunt trailed Elliot for much of the race and made his move half way into the 70km kayak stage on the Waimakariri River, emerging with a two-minute lead going onto the final cycle leg.  The 33-year-old is no stranger to the iconic race, having competed six times previously and coming an agonisingly close second place last year where he missed out on the win by just three minutes.  “It wasn’t an immediate decision to come back, that’s for sure! I’d told myself and my family that it was going to be the last one, but Maggie my partner was supportive and keen for me to go again.” The civil engineer from Hobart threw everything at it this year, relocating to New Zealand in early January with his partner and two-year-old daughter to dedicate six weeks specifically to training on the 243km course. “We’ve done close to 20 trips to Arthurs Pass this year to train on the mountain run and Maggie’s driven and looked after our daughter every day. She’s amazing.”  It’s a tough gig coming from Australia to this race. I don’t think some people appreciate how hard it is.”  The last Australian to win the Coast to Coast was Melbourne’s John Jacoby in 1993, with a time of just over 11 hours. Deb Lynch claimed the women's elite title in just her third Coast to Coast race. PHOTO: COAST TO COAST Meanwhile, after consecutive sixth-placed finishes, New Zealand's Deb Lynch has won the women's 'Longest Day' title. In a thrilling race, Lynch crossed the finish line in 13:06:11, holding off five-time defending champion Simone Maier, who finished just over four minutes behind. The 32-year-old Porirua athlete, in only her third attempt at the iconic 243km multisport race, executed a flawless performance to finally clinch the title. Lynch made her move at Klondyke Corner, arriving three minutes ahead of Maier after a strong 30.5km mountain run over Goat Pass. She maintained her lead into the 70km kayak stage down the Waimakariri Gorge, extending her advantage during the first half of the paddle. Even with a strong lead, Lynch remained uncertain about her victory until she crossed the finish line. “I was not letting up the whole way,” she said. “Even on that last stretch along the boulevard, I thought, ‘She could come.’ So, I was redlining the whole way. “I spent my entire day just trying to stay in the moment … I didn’t believe it until I crossed that finish line. Honestly, it’s yet to sink in.” For Maier, a record-breaking sixth title proved just out of reach in what she had already confirmed would be her final elite Coast to Coast. “It was fantastic,” Maier said post-race. “It’s second place, but I wanted to race. I said before that whoever beats me deserves it, and today, Debbie had an amazing race.” Multisport legend Elina Ussher, competing in her 20th Coast to Coast, rounded out the podium, improving on her fourth-place finish from last year. The seasoned competitor showed her endurance and race smarts, securing third place in 13:22:28, just under 16 minutes behind Lynch.

Trophy time for New Zealand's Josh Geary at the Vic Open. PHOTO: PGA OF AUSTRALIA New Zealand's Josh Geary battled to a final round six-over 78 in the very testing conditions but still won the Vic Open title at the Beach Golf Links by four shots. It was Geary's first PGA Tour of Australasia title in almost 12 years and takes away A$36,000 prizemoney after rounds of 64, 64, 68 and 78 to finish the tournament at 13-under. LATEST HEADLINES: Paul Coll takes Motor City Squash title Pre-season wins for Hurricanes, Chiefs Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan Geary leads into final round of Vic Open Phoenix Women draw with Melbourne WA's Connor McKinney carded a two-under 70 earlier in the day - the equal-best on Sunday saw him rocket up the leaderboard to second. An improved performance from New Zealand's Kerry Mountcastle with a 70 saw him up to third equal, alongside compatriot Michael Hendry, and more than A$10,700 in winnings. Geary admitted it was tough to win. “It's the hardest round of golf I've had to play,” the new champion said. “It's hard enough trying to close out a tournament, let alone in those conditions which meant literally you can make any score from anywhere. “If you’d asked me if I shot 78 tomorrow and still have a four-shot margin, I’d tell you you're dreaming, but that's just how hard it was. “I'm super happy, obviously, and stoked to get it done.” It was always going to be extremely difficult for Geary to match his near-faultless first 54 holes, with a double-bogey on his final hole of the Creek course on Friday his only dropped shots. He bogeyed the first hole on Sunday, but was impressively under-par for the day after back-to-back birdies at the fifth and sixth. It was at the par-four eighth where Geary’s round threatened to unravel – a penalty drop after a wayward approach shot into the greenside bush and three putts leading to a triple-bogey. But a bounce back birdie on No 9 ensured he would take a five-shot lead into the back nine on Sunday. As all his potential challengers fell away, the 2013 WA Open champion only had to avoid a catastrophe. Five bogeys on the way to the clubhouse didn’t create too many concerns. “Even when you got downwind, you couldn't hold the greens. You’d have a sand wedge and 180 metres and it's going through the back of the green,” Geary said. “I was just trying to keep it out of the real trouble.” The next PGA Tour of Australasia tournament is the Players Series Sydney event, starting next week. Meanwhile, New Zealand golfer Steven Alker has been beaten for the title at the Trophy Hassan II tournament on the PGA Tour Champions circuit in Rabat, Morocco. Alker, who carded a two-under 71 featuring four birdies and two bogeys on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time) to finish at nine-under, was edged by Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez by two shots. The pair were level on the 17th hole at nine-under when Jimenez drove the green and converted for an eagle. Alker could only manage a par, which was the deciding margin.  On the DP World Tour, Kiwi Daniel Hillier was tied for 18th after the third round at the Qatar Masters on Saturday (Sunday NZT). Hillier fired a second straight two-under 70 at the Doha Golf Club, featuring five birdies and three bogeys, to sit at five-under overall, eight strokes behind the leader, China's Li Haotong. Fellow Kiwi Kazuma Kobori missed the weekend cut by one shot after rounds of one-over 73 and one-under 71. At the PGA Tour's Phoenix Open, New Zealand No 1 Ryan Fox was tied for 52nd following the third round on Saturday (Sunday NZT). With two birdies and two bogeys, Fox managed an even-par 71 at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course to remain at two-under, 16 strokes adrift of the runaway leader, Belgian Thomas Detry. Kiwi veteran Lydia Ko and rookie Fiona Xu are both tied for 49th at one-under after the third round of the LPGA's Founders Cup tournament in Bradenton, Florida. Ko had four birdies and three bogeys in a one-under 70 on Saturday (Sunday NZT), while Xu, in her first LPGA tournament, managed two birdies and two bogeys in an even-par 71, to trail the leader, American Yealimi Noh, by 17 strokes. Two New Zealand golfers finished in the top-15 at the Women's Vic Open, with another in the top-35. Hanee Song moved up 16 places into solo 14th at seven-over with a two-over 74 in the final round on Sunday, while Wenyung Keh moved up seven spots to a share of 15th at eight-over, following a five-over 77. Siyi Keh ended 34th at 17-over after a 12-over 84. On the Ladies European Tour, Momoka Kobori missed the cut after the second round at the Lalla Meryem Cup in Morocco by one shot, finishing tied for 65th at four-over after rounds of six-over 79 and two-under 71.

Luke Metcalf (right) was impressive in the NZ Warriors' first pre-season match. PHOTO: NRL The NZ Warriors' first hit-out of the NRL pre-season has ended in a stalemate. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad and Taine Tauapiki scored tries as the Warriors and Cronulla Sharks ended locked up at 12-12 at the close of their match at Sharks Stadium in Sydney on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES: Pre-season wins for Hurricanes, Chiefs Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan Geary leads into final round of Vic Open Phoenix Women draw with Melbourne Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle With five Warriors featuring in next week's NRL All-Stars game, Friday night marked the side's primary trial.  The visitors were slow out of the gates, however, they found their groove midway through the first half and looked slick with ball in hand.  Dylan Walker's pass to Nicoll-Klokstad for his try was a brilliant one, while Tuaupiki finished off a nice attacking play early in the second half. Plenty of questions have been raised about who will replace Warriors legend Shaun Johnson in the No 7 jersey and Luke Metcalf had first crack. The halfback took on the primary playmaking role and had an impressive outing.  Warriors recruit James Fisher-Harris was solid in his first outing for his new club and his combination with fellow starting prop Mitchell Barnett is set to be one to watch this season. The Warriors only other pre-season match, before their season-opener against the Canberra Raiders in Las Vegas on March 1, is against the Melbourne Storm in Hamilton on Saturday (kick-off 3.30pm).

All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard featured in the Hurricanes' dominant pre-season win over the Blues. PHOTO: HURRICANES The Hurricanes and Chiefs have completed the Super Rugby Pacific pre-season with wins over New Zealand rivals. The Hurricanes were dominant in dispatching the defending champion Blues 31-19 at Wainuiomata's Williams Jones Park on Friday, while the Chiefs over-ran Moana Pasifika 31-19 at Pukekohe's Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan Geary leads into final round of Vic Open Phoenix Women draw with Melbourne Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle Wright beats strong field for road title The dangerous Hurricanes backline displayed what they could achieve this season, with four of their five tries. After Blues No 9 Taufa Funaki put the Blues up early, the Hurricanes responded, following a yellow card to Blues wing Caleb Clarke, through Kini Naholo and All Blacks centre Billy Proctor for a 12-7 halftime lead. Blues fullback Zarn Sullivan also spent 10 minutes on the sideline early in the second half but the Canes could not capitalise on the man-advantage. A 10-minute spell - resulting in tries to wing Kade Banks, former NZ Sevens player Fehi Fineanganofo and flanker Peter Lakai, and 19 unanswered points - secured the Hurricanes the win at 31-7. Late tries from Cameron Suafoa and Patrick Tuipulotu earned the Blues some respectability on the scoreboard. The Hurricanes face the Crusaders in the 2025 season opener in Christchurch on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm), while the Blues host the Chiefs at Eden Park in a repeat of the 2024 final on Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm). It was a similar story for the Chiefs and Moana Pasifika, with the Chiefs dominating and well in control of the match before two late scores. Fullback Oscar Koller and halfback Xavier Roe scored in the first half as the Chiefs led 14-0 at the break, before replacment hooker Taine Kolose made it 21 straight points early in the second. Wing Tuna Tuitama got one back for Moana Pasifika but Chiefs wing Emoni Narawa and forward Samipeni Finau slammed the door shut on a comeback with five-pointers within four minutes of each other. Moana Pasifika head to Perth to face the Western Force in Round 1 on Saturday (kick-off 9.35pm NZ Time).

Paul Coll with the trophy at the Music City Open in Detroit. PHOTO: PSA WORLD TOUR New Zealand squash pro Paul Coll has won his first title of the 2024-25 season, with victory at the Motor City Open Silver PSA tournament in Detroit. He defeated Mexico’s Leonel Cardenas in a marathon 91-minute clash in four games for the title on Saturday (Sunday NZ Time). LATEST HEADLINES: Pre-season wins for Hurricanes, Chiefs Black Caps score ODI win over Pakistan Geary leads into final round of Vic Open Phoenix Women draw with Melbourne Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle Second seed Coll was the favourite after being a beaten finalist last year and stepping up in the late withdrawal four-time champion Diego Elias. However Coll was pushed all the way at the Birmingham Athletic Club, eventually taking the match by an 8-11, 12-10, 11-9, 11-9 scoreline. The four-game win was a demonstration of Coll’s relentless hitting, physical power and mental steeliness, having had to fight back from 1-0 down, and then from game ball down in the second, on his way to capturing the title. The match began with both players happy to play long rallies while retaining the high tempo of the match. It was Cardenas, though, who managed to get himself an early lead on the scoreboard, never letting Coll retake the lead throughout the 26-minute first game before sealing it with a sublime overhead volley into the nick. Coll started quickly in the second, looking to press on the short line and hunt down the volley on both sides. However, Cardenas proved tough to break down, coming from behind to hold a game ball on his racket at 10-9 up. Coll then pulled off a string of incredible retrievals to force a tie-break before levelling the match after almost 50 minutes of squash. The two players continued to go toe-to-toe in a well-matched third game, but two consecutive strokes from Cardenas at 7-7 opened the door for Coll. The No.2 seed held his nerve to move 2-1 up and within a game of the title. The fourth then went down to the wire, with the players deadlocked at 9-9 before Coll found his best squash at this pivotal moment. The 32-year-old managed to squeeze out Cardenas down the backhand wing on his first championship ball, letting out a huge roar towards his team as he picked up his first PSA title since April 2024. “It’s been a pretty tough week for me all week. I haven’t been on my top form, but I’m very proud of how I got through it mentally. To get the title here today in my third final here at the Motor City Open, I’m extremely proud, said Coll. “Leonel was impressive. I thought he was getting very tired, but he never gave me any cheap errors. I had to hit winners to win it. Credit to him because he was playing very well and very tough. It was nice to see him playing like that. He made it very tough today, a bit tougher than I would have liked, but it was a good battle. “I’m starting to feel a bit better on court. This week was good for working a few things out and getting through a few tough matches mentally. I managed to find some good form at the back end. I’m excited to hit home to my hometown and play some good squash.” Coll's next tournament is the New Zealand Open in Christchurch, a silver PSA event followed by the gold event the Australian Open in Brisbane.

Glenn Phillips hit his maiden ODI century with 106 not out in the win over Pakistan PHOTO: ICC A comprehensive 78-run win for the Black Caps to start the ODI tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa. Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell made 106 not out and 81 respectively in the total of 330-6 in their 50 overs. Kane Williamson compiled 58 runs. Surprisingly it was Phillips first ODI centrury. LATEST HEADLINES: Geary leads into final round Vic Open Phoenix women draw with Melbourne Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle Wright beats strong field in road race win Asian Tour No 1 locked in for NZ Open Chasing 331 was always going to be a difficult task for Pakistan in Lahore and only Fakhar Zaman gave a fight with 84 at the top of the innings. Once Zaman went out only Salman Agha (40) and Tayyab Tahir (30) made significant scores. Matt Henry took 3-53 from 9.5 overs while captain Mitchell Santner had the figures of 3-41 from 10. Michael Bracewell took two wickets and Phillips one as Pakistan were dismissed in the 48th over for 252. New Zealand will have some concern over Rachin Ravindra who took a ball to his face while attempting a catch. The Black Caps face South Africa tomorrow.

Josh Geary successfully negotiated a windswept afternoon on the Bellarine Peninsula to hold the third-round lead at the 2025 Vic Open at 13th Beach Golf Links. A two-shot leader at the start of the third round, Geary adopted a conservative approach and played exceptional bogey-free golf in difficult, windy conditions to record a 4-under-par 68. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix women draw with Melbourne Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle Wright beats strong field in road race win Asian Tour No 1 locked in for NZ Open Webster set to join Tall Blacks century club Foity-year-old Geary, hit birdies on the fourth, 10th, 13th and 18th holes. Chasing a first Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia victory since the 2013 WA Open, he moved to 19-under for the tournament and a four-stroke advantage over NSW’s Austin Bautista (69). Fellow Kiwi Michael Hendry is tied 10th at 10-under after a third round 73 while Denzel Ieremia moved up the leaderboard with a 70. He's now tied 16th at nine-under. Kerry Mountacastle is tied 27th

The starting lineup for the Wellington Phoenix women v Melbourne Victory PHOTO: A-LEAGUE The Wellington Phoenix have been held to a draw by Melbourne Victory at Porirua Park despite a classy first half performance. Maya McCutcheon’s early goal from a corner set the tone, but the Nix could not find a second finish. A defensive error allowed Victory to equalise, and the match finished 1-1. LATEST HEADLINES: Alker still leading, other Kiwis struggle Wright beats strong field in road race win Asian Tour No 1 locked in for NZ Open Webster set to join Tall Blacks century club Cadzow captures NZ road cycling double Wellington Phoenix head coach Paul Temple was left frustrated after the team’s performance was not reflected by the scoreline. An impressive first half display could, and perhaps should, have led to a greater lead at half-time. It was a welcome return to Porirua Park for Temple after two games away, with a raucous crowd providing an energy boost. Seventeen year old Ela Jerez made her debut for the Nix after signing a scholarship deal at the beginning of the season. Paul Temple made one change to the team that narrowly lost to Brisbane Roar, striker Olivia Fergusson replacing midfielder Daisy Brazendale. Teenager Ela Jerez was also included on the bench for the first time. It was a dream start for the Nix, Maya McCutcheon heading in from a corner just 90 seconds into the match. Annalie Longo was the creator in chief, having sparked chaos in the Melbourne penalty box before the corner, then delivering a pinpoint cross from it. The Victory almost equalised immediately, Carolina Vilão called into action to make a brilliant double save after Sara D’Appolonia was set free inside the area. Tiana Jaber was the next to try her luck ten minutes in, but her attempt from range sailed into the arms of Courtney Newbon. The Phoenix were buoyed by the early strike, and kept Victory hemmed in with a ferocious press. The left wing proved particularly productive, Lara Wall supplying regular crosses. McCutcheon had a chance to double her tally following another corner, but couldn’t get over her shot on the bounce. The Phoenix were firmly on top, a driving run from Manaia Elliott ending in a shot finding the side netting. Elliott came even closer in the 27th minute, throwing herself onto another Wall cross before planting her header just wide. A rare opening for the away side saw Emily Gielnik race through, but good recovery defending from Alivia Kelly meant the Matilda could only scoop over the bar. Vilão was called into action again when D’Appolonia took aim, but a weak shot was never going to seriously test her. And it was Grace Jale who had the last significant action of the first half, fizzing into Newbon’s arms from 25 yards out. Elliott nearly opened the scoring five minutes into the second stanza, a cleverly worked free kick seeing her fire across goal, Newbon doing well to palm away. Despite piling on pressure, Wellington were unable to find a second goal, which came back to bite them on the hour mark. A defensive miscommunication allowed Victory substitute Nicki Flannery in to slot past Vilão and restore parity. Fergusson almost instantly restored the lead when her shot on the turn was saved, The goal had fired Melbourne up, and Jaber was required to make an outstanding sliding challenge to deny another clear chance. Alivia Kelly and Alyssa Whinham produced two shots from distance in quick succession, before Temple turned to his bench for the first time. Whinham and Fergusson were withdrawn for Emma Main and Ela Jerez, making her professional debut. Main was set free almost immediately with a magnificent pass from Longo, but she was just unable to bring it under control when one-on-one with Newbon. Both teams were able to create chances, but neither could take them, leading to a frantic final ten minutes. WIth Wellington streaming forward to attack, Victory were able to find space on the counter. The best chance forced Vilão into a brilliant save, taking the ball off Gielnik’s toes when she looked certain to score. Amelia Abbott was introduced for the final five minutes, replacing Jaber to make her home debut. And the last chance for Victory fell to Holly Furphy, her header barely floating wide left. There was still time for McCutcheon to force Newbon into a stretching stop, but both sides ultimately had to settle for a point. The Wellington Phoenix will return to action next Sunday, making the long trip to Perth to face the Glory in the final match before the international break.

Steven Alker is tied for the lead going into the final round of the Champions Tour event in Morocco PHOTO: PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR New Zealand's Steven Alkeris tied for the lead going into the final round of the PGA Champions event at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat, Morocco. He's joint leader with Spaniard Miguel Angel Jimenez who shot a 4-under-par 69 in the second round to tie with Alker at seven-under. LATEST HEADLINES: Wright beats strong field in road race win Asian Tour No 1 locked in for NZ Open Webster set to join Tall Blacks century club Cadzow captures NZ road cycling double NZ golfers, Geary, Alker lead tournaments Alker, who is aiming for his ninth career Champions Tour victory, shared the first-round lead with Englishman Simon Griffiths. Alker had three bogeys to offset three birdies on the front nine before carding three more birdies to close his second round. Meanwhile Dame Lydia Ko has made up some ground after a horror opening round at the latest LPGA Tour event, the Founders Cup, in Florida. She was tied for 97th after the first round but is now in tied 50th place and has survived the cut after a second round 3-under 68. Fellow New Zealander Fiona Xu improved two places to be tied 34th with another score of 70. South Korean golfer Jin Young Ko leads at 12-under. Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox has moved up 50 places on the leaderboard in the second round of the PGA's Phoenix Open in Arizona. He carded a five-under par 66 to be four-under overall and is currently tied for 32nd, eight shots off leader Thomas Detry at 12-under. At the Qatar Masters in Doha on the DP World Tour Daniel Hillier is tied 27th at three-under after a second round 70. Kazuma Kobori missed the cut The leading player is England's Brandon Robinson Thompson at 10-under. In the first event of the LIV golf season in Saudi Arabia, New Zealand golfer Ben Campbell is tied for 15th and compariot Danny Lee is tied at 41 after two rounds. Adrian Meronk of Poland remains atop of the leaderboard at 16 under.

Paul Wright on his way to the elite victory men’s road nationals in Timara PHOTO: CYCLING NZ In arguably the strongest group of UCI WorldTour riders, a young journeyman professional from Wanaka, Paul Wright, upset all predictions to claim the Cycling New Zealand men’s elite road national title in Timaru. Wright, 27, who has moved around some respected UCI Continental professional teams for several years, put all his cards on the table with an emphatic victory in the stern 190km test in South Canterbury. LATEST HEADLINES: Asian Tour No 1 locked in for NZ Open Webster set to join Tall Blacks century club Cadzow captures NZ road cycling double NZ golfers, Geary, Alker lead tournaments Sadowski-Synnott gold, Harrington second He formed part of an initial group that opened a lead on the second of eight laps, then into a select seven-strong bunch that worked hard to stay clear as the big guns shaped up to challenge. However the lead continued to grow out to 1:30 at the 90km mark, and by the sixth lap the lead had split into two select groups. Wright was together with 2023 champion George Bennett, fellow World Tour rider and Olympic track medallist Campbell Stewart, rising pro star Logan Currie, Paris Olympian track rider Keegan Hornblow and highly respected road rider and Commonwealth Games MTB medallist Ben Oliver. The big guns behind were unable to fire any threatening shots on the closing two laps, with the quartet of Wright, Bennett, Currie and Oliver showed the way on the final telling club before Hornblow attacked and Wright speared over top of him. Once in clear air, Wright held on to win in 4:17.36 impressively with Oliver runner-up nine seconds back and Bennett 25 seconds behind in third. It proved an outstanding performance from Wright, who has earned some respectable performances as he has moved around several UCI Pro Continental teams. He will be taking the national jersey proudly back to Europe, where he currently riders for Factor Racing, comprising all Slovenians, along with former MTB world champion Henrique Avancini and a proud young kiwi. “I did some good training behind the moped and the car. I would do a five-hour ride followed by 90 minutes pacing behind the car or moped,” said Wright. “This means a lot. I needed the win. Halfway through last year I switched up my training, started coaching myself and there were some good signs like in the Tour of Britain before I crashed. “Today I knew I was good; I just needed some luck. Following George (Bennett) up the climbs a few times – he is one of the best climbers - I knew I had good legs. And if it all went well it was going to finish like that. “I always feel like the under-dog. I never feel like a favourite. Never have and probably never will. I really can’t believe that I have done it.” Otago rider James Gardner, the 2024 national criterium champion, claimed the under-23 title. He worked his way into the second group that split off the leading six, comprising mostly under-23 riders. But it was Gardner who proved strongest, finishing in 4:21.43, to be ninth overall and 55 seconds clear of second placed under-23 rider, Lewis Bower, the Groupama FDJ professional from Auckland, with North Canterbury’s Nate Pringle third. “Winning the national jersey is something you always dream of when you are a young bloke. I did it as an Under-19 and that was the best feeling of my life. So to do it as an under-23 and on a course that does not necessarily suit me, and execute as I did, then I am thrilled. “Last year I got a taste of riding in the elite criterium jersey in pro races and now this year I can wear the under-23 road jersey on my back when racing overseas and my local club races in Dunedin for sure.” It proved an excellent day for the home-grown MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project professional outfit with Oliver, Hornblow and Gardner all performing strongly for the kiwi team. Result: Elite men, 190km: Paul Wright (Factor Racing, Wanaka) 4:17.36, 1; Ben Oliver (MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project, Rangiora) at 9s, 2; George Bennett (Israel Premier Tech, Nelson) at 25s, 3; Logan Currie (Lotto, Staveley) at 28s, 4; Keegan Hornblow (MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project, Nelson) at 33s, 5. Under-23: James Gardner (MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project, Dunedin) 4:21.43, 1; Lewis Bower (Groupama FDJ Conti, Auckland) at 55s, 2; Nate Pringle (Pringle Homes, Leeston) at 1:32, 3.