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Daniel Hillier is looking for a big result at next month's New Zealand Open PHOTO: DP WORLD TOUR Kiwis Daniel Hillier and Sam Jones are returning from a year in Europe to Queenstown next month, aiming to lift the Brodie Breeze Trophy at the New Zealand Open. Hillier and Jones are the latest homegrown talents to stake their claim for the 104th Open, to be hosted at Millbrook Resort from February 27-March 2. LATEST HEADLINES: Breakers broken by Goulding 3's Young riders take NZ MTB titles Experienced van Hattum, Ball depart Phoenix women suffer defeat in Adelaide Lulu Sun keen to get back to winning Wellington-born Hillier is a familiar name at the NZ Open, having played six times between 2016 and 2024. He has also racked up seven professional wins overseas, most recently, a stunning two-stroke victory at the 2023 British Masters. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Hillier expressed his affection for the tournament and believes he is ready to make a charge for the title. “The New Zealand Open is always such an incredible week,” he said. “Millbrook is such a special place and I feel like my game's at a point now where I can actually go and compete, so it'd be nice to try to have a little shot at the trophy. “I think it’s most golfers dream to win their national and it's been a few years since we've had a Kiwi name on it, so to be the next one would be incredible.” Hillier joins Steven Alker and Ben Campbell in bidding to restore a Kiwi name to the Brodie Breeze Trophy, acknowledging that current champion Takahiro Hataji and 2023 champion Brendan Jones will be strong contenders. “I’ve got a job to do and hopefully I’ll be as ready as I can be,” said Hillier. Taranaki’s Jones has also confirmed his entry in next month’s event, saying he believed it is “one of the best tournaments in the world.” Jones has spent the past year playing on the DP World Tour, and while he acknowledged not everything went to plan, he said his game was improving and he was positive about the future. “I’ll be playing maybe four or five tournaments on the main tour in 2025 and a full season on the Challenge Tour but it would be awesome to come to my home tournament and see if I could get my name on the trophy.” “I’m pretty sure that the New Zealand Open has been won more times by Australians than New Zealanders, so hopefully one of us gets to win our national Open. That would be awesome.”e

David Havili (left) will take over from Scott Barrett (right) as captain of the Crusaders for the 2025 Super Rugby season. PHOTO: DAVE /LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY All Blacks backline utility David Havili has been confirmed as the new Crusaders captain for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific. With 128 appearances under his belt since debuting with the Crusaders in 2015, Havili was named vice-captain in 2020 and has long been part of the leadership group.. LATEST HEADLINES: Hillier, Jones look for NZ Open win Breakers broken by Goulding 3's Young riders take NZ MTB titles Experienced van Hattum, Ball depart Phoenix women suffer defeat in Adelaide Havili also captained his provincial side, the Tasman Mako, to the 2019 and 2020 National Provincial Championship (NPC) titles, and no stranger to captaining Crusaders. The 30-year-old led the side on several occasions over the years when his predecessor, Scott Barrett, was unavailable for selection. Returning to camp this week after his fifth All Blacks tour, Havili will be addressing the squad for the first time Wednesday morning as captain. His maturity and wealth of experience will lead the team next week in their first preseason game, against the Blues at Kirwee Rugby Club on Friday, January 31.

Shaun Stevenson (head down) has been granted a short-term release to play for the Kubota Spears in Japan PHOTO: SIMON WATTS/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and the Chiefs Rugby have agreed to an immediate short-term release to allow Shaun Stevenson to play for Japanese side Kubota Spears. He will return to New Zealand to be available for the Chiefs for Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific against the Blues. LATEST HEADLINES: David Havili new Crusaders capt Hillier, Jones look for NZ Open win Breakers broken by Goulding 3's Young riders take NZ MTB titles Experienced van Hattum, Ball depart NZR General Manager of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said the decision was a good outcome for all parties. “We’ve been discussing Shaun’s future for a little while and have reached a decision that balances Shaun’s individual circumstances with his commitments to the Gallagher Chiefs and Super Rugby. “Shaun has been a professional rugby player in New Zealand for 10 years and has progressed through to the very top of our game. Throughout that time, he has been a committed Chiefs player and remains so for the upcoming season.” Stevenson has played one game for the All Blacks and just under 100 Super Rugby games, all for the Chiefs.

Amelia Garvey has secured her place on the LEt for 2025 after coming through qualifying PHOTO: EPSON TOUR Canterbury golfer Amelia Garvey has earned a place on the Ladies European Tour next season. The 24-year-old from Kaiapoi has finished fourth in a qualifying tournament in Morocco to gain her card and will join fellow Kiwi Momoka Kobori on tour. LATEST HEADLINES: Breakers further into ANBL losing streak Another sevens player for Warriors Women Liam Lawson joins Verstappen at Red Bull Ajeet Rai wins singles, doubles in Capital Season-ending injury for Nix's Colakovski Garvey carded a 20-under score over her five rounds including a 65, eight-under in her fifth at the Royal Golf Marrakech Al Maaden Golf Marrakech courses. She hit an eagle, seven birdies and one bogey in her final round. “I’m feeling good, it was a pretty stress-free round for me today. I just wanted to put a low number and actually try and chase the lead down,” said Garvey, who had her cousin Jamie Tipper on the bag. “I really love this course, and it suits my game, so I’m really proud of the way I finished the five days out here. “Jamie [caddie] is the reason why I’m here. I’ve struggled on Epson the last few years to get my LPGA card, and I just wanted to change it up a little bit. “He’s been out here this year, and he said, I really think that you’ll like it out here. It was really nice to have him on the bag this week and just have a comfortable, familiar face. He’s done a really good job.” The overall winner was Daniela Darquea from Colombia at 24-under. A total of 24 players qualified for the Ladies European Tour.

Melbourne United's Chris Goulding drives by the Breakers' Sam Mennenga as the visiting star scored 42 points in New Plymouth. PHOTO: ANBL A huge performance by Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) legend Chris Goulding has handed Melbourne United a 91-89 victory over the NZ Breakers In New Plymouth. Goulding, who scored a season-high 42 points, landed a 10th three-pointer on one of his more incredible game-winning shots of his 464-game ANBL career as United escaped TSB Stadium with the win on Monday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Young riders take NZ MTB titles Experienced van Hattum, Ball depart Phoenix women suffer defeat in Adelaide Lulu Sun keen to get back to winning Black Caps pace for Champions Trophy In response to Goulding, Matt Mooney landed three huge triples and scored the Breakers final 14 points, including a massive three with 5.1 seconds to go to give his team the one-point lead. United still had time to execute out of a timeout and the ball got to Goulding, he pulled up for the three well outside the arc, put plenty of air on it and it never looked like missing to give him 42 points for the game. It was a crucial win for Melbourne, who were nine points down to the Breakers early in the fourth quarter, but found a way to escape to remain in second spot in the standings at 15-9. Goulding ended up shooting 10-of-19 from three for the game along with having our rebounds and there assists with Tall Blacks guard Shea Ili adding 15 points and five assists, Matthew Dellavedova eight points and six assists, and Jack White eight points and 13 rebounds. It was a heartbreaking way for the Breakers to a lose an 11th game in their past 12, and third straight in six days, when they did so much right throughout the game. Mexican 'Next Star' Karim Lopez finished with 19 points and five rebounds, Mooney 19 points and eight assists, Sam Mennenga 18 points and five boards, and Jonah Bolden 10 points and seven rebounds. Tacko Fall scored eight points and pulled in nine rebounds. United made a fast start in New Plymouth with the game's opening seven points starting with buckets to Matthew Dellavedova and Shea Ili before a three-pointer to Chris Goulding. The Breakers answered with he next six points before the runs from either side continued with Goulding knocking down another two threes for Melbourne with Kyle Bowen and Ian Clark also hitting from outside to set up a six-point lead. The home side responded with nine straight points including a triple to Jonah Bolden and that saw the home team head into quarter-time leading 26-25. The scoring dried up significantly in the second quarter and there was even a significant delay with problems with the shot clock. The Breakers did push out to a four-point lead just before half-time but Goulding hit a fifth three of the half just before the buzzer to cut the lead to 42-41 at the break where they scored 28 points in the paint while United had 21 of their 41 coming from outside the arc. Goulding opened up the second half with his sixth three ball of the game, but he was proving his team's only player in any sort of offensive groove with the Breakers hitting the next eight points to be out to a six-point lead. By the time Sam Mennenga knocked down a three-pointer shortly after, New Zealand's lead was out to nine and by three quarter-time that's where the advantage remained for the Breakers. Melbourne were staring down the barrel at a loss that would see them slide down the table until going on a 9-0 scoring run including an eighth three ball from Goulding. Mooney answered with a triple for his side to put his team back up by that margin before he also hit three free-throws to put the Breakers back out to a four-point edge. Goulding brought the scores back level with the next four points and then United took the lead when he landed a ninth triple with 2:25 on the clock. Mooney answered with his second three of the game to bring scores back square and then he put them in front with 1:30 to play before Ili found Jack White for an alley-oop up the other end. White again scored soon after to put United in front but the Breakers had the last possession with Mooney landing a massive triple to put his team up one with 5.1 seconds to go. But Goulding gave his three ball plenty of air and it fell for a 10th three of the game or one of the most stunning game winners of his career. The Breakers now return to Spark Arena to play host to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Thursday while United play their fifth of seven straight road matches against the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday. Melbourne United 91 (Chris Goulding 42, Shea Ili 15) NZ Breakers 89 (Matt Mooney 19, Karin Lopez 19, Sam Mennenga 18, Jonah Bolden 10). 1Q: 25-26, HT: 41-42, 3Q: 70-63

Auckland FC's Max Mata can't believe he missed an open goal by pushing his goal over the post PHOTO: A-LEAGUE Auckland FC have suffered a second loss of their A-League season going down 1-0 at Perth Glory, the second-lowest side in the competition. For Perth the win ended a seven-game losing streak while defeat means Auckland fall from the top of the table to third in the A-League table. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps pace for Champions Trophy Black Caps well-beaten in Eden Park ODI Another NBL loss for New Zealand Breakers Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle Venus wins Auckland doubles title after injury The solitary goal for Glory was scored by teenage midfielder Jaylan Pearman in the 29th minute. The Steve Corica-coached Auckland side had their chances, particularly through Max Mata in the 68th minute, but skied a sitter over the bar. Former Nix player and All Whites keeper Oli Sail had an outstanding game for Perth. Auckland finished the game with ten men after defender Adama Coulibaly was red carded in stoppage time for taking down a Perth player who was through on goal. Auckland's next game is against leaders Melbourne City at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart next weekend.

Pace bowler Ben Sears is back from injury and included in the Black Caps' Champions Trophy squad. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Black Caps pace trio Will O’Rourke, Ben Sears and Nathan Smith are set to embark on their maiden senior ICC event at next month’s Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE. The trio have been selected in a 15-strong squad for the tournament and the preceding Tri-Series in Pakistan. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps well-beaten in Eden Park ODI Another NBL loss for New Zealand Breakers Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle Venus wins Auckland doubles title after injury Second freeski World Cup win for Harrington Sears, who was a travelling reserve for last year’s ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, is selected after making his return to cricket in the Wellington Firebirds’ Super Smash defeat to Central Districts on Thursday. The 26-year-old was ruled out of November’s test series in India and subsequently missed the first half of the New Zealand home international summer due to a knee injury. The Champions Trophy, which returns to the pinnacle ICC event calendar after an eight-year hiatus, will be contested by the top-eight ODI teams, all seeking to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets. The 2025 squad will be wanting to emulate the achievements of their 2000 counterparts who lifted the title, then known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy, by defeating Sourav Ganguly’s India by four-wickets in a thrilling final in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament marks a special milestone for captain Mitchell Santner, who will lead New Zealand at a major event for the first time, after being named full-time white ball captain last month. Santner has been selected as the frontline spin option, alongside all-rounders Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips and Rachin Ravindra, and will be supported by senior heads Kane Williamson, and Tom Latham who will take the wicketkeeping gloves for the tournament. Santner, Williamson and Latham were all part of the the last edition of the Champions Trophy in England and Wales in 2017, while Williamson also featured at the 2013 edition. Matt Henry will spearhead the pace bowling attack which is further bolstered by the experienced Lockie Ferguson who embarks on his fifth ICC event having played a key role in the last two ICC ODI and T20I World Cups. Ravindra, Devon Conway and Will Young are selected as the top-order batting options, while Daryl Mitchell and Mark Chapman add depth and power to the batting department. Pace bowler Jacob Duffy has been named as the squad’s stand-by player, to be included should Ferguson become unavailable because of ILT20 playoff commitments. New Zealand, who have reached the semifinal or further in four out of their last five major ICC events, have been drawn in Group A of the Champions Trophy alongside hosts Pakistan, and Bangladesh and India, with only two sides able to progress. “ICC tournaments represent the pinnacle of our game and it’s a huge honour to be picked to represent your country at them,” said head coach Gary Stead. “I’d especially like to acknowledge Ben, Nathan and Will who will be attending their first senior ICC events and I know they’re really excited to do so. “Although the Champions Trophy hasn’t been played for a few years, the team is well aware of the history of the tournament and the fact New Zealand were the first winners of the tournament in 2000, when it was known as the ICC KnockOut Trophy. “The team and support staff are really looking forward to representing New Zealand and our fans on the big stage and giving it our all to make them proud.” Stead said the squad was a talented one with good depth. “We’re currently blessed with a lot of quality players and that certainly made for some challenging selection discussions. “Ultimately, we’ve gone with the squad that will offer us the best options to perform well in the expected conditions in Pakistan and the UAE. “We’re lucky to have a large chunk of the group with significant international and tournament experience to draw upon. “The tournament format is a unique one in that you have to hit the ground running which means our preparation in the pre-leading Tri Series is really important. “It’s going to be a great occasion opening the tournament against hosts in Pakistan in Karachi and we can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in.” Stead will lead a support staff group featuring batting coach Luke Ronchi and bowling coach Jacob Oram, while Rangana Herath returns to provide specialist spin support having supported the team during last year’s Test tours of Sri Lanka and India. BLACK CAPS SQUAD Mitchell Santner (Northern Districts - captain) Michael Bracewell (Wellington Firebirds) Mark Chapman (Auckland Aces) Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds) Lockie Ferguson (Auckland Aces) Matt Henry (Canterbury) Tom Latham (Canterbury) Daryl Mitchell (Canterbury) Will O’Rourke (Canterbury) Glenn Phillips (Otago Volts) Rachin Ravindra (Wellington Firebirds) Ben Sears (Wellington Firebirds) Nathan Smith (Wellington Firebirds) Kane Williamson (Northern Districts) Will Young (Central Districts) BLACK CAPS FIXTURES ODI Tri-Series Saturday, February 8: vs Pakistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Monday, February 10: vs South Africa, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore Friday, February 14: Tri-Series final, National Stadium, Karachi ICC Warm-up Sunday, February 16: vs Afghanistan, National Stadium, Karachi ICC Champions Trophy Wednesday, February 19: vs Pakistan, National Stadium, Karachi, 10pm NZT Monday, February 24: vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, 10pm NZT Sunday, March 2: vs India, Dubai International Stadium, 10pm NZT Tuesday, March 4: 1st semifinal, Dubai International Stadium, 10pm NZT Wednesday, March 5 March: 2nd semifinal, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, 10pm NZT Sunday, March 9: final, venue TBC, time TBD

New Zealand's Lulu Sun has a Australian Open draw with plenty of possibility PHOTO: NZSW New Zealand tennis player Lulu Sun is philosophical going into her first-round match at the Australian Open. Sun ranked 43rd in the world faces Danke Kovinic from Montenegro in her match and feels she just needs to find her rhythm to progress further in tournaments such as the Australian Open where she lost in the first round in 2024 as a Swiss player. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps pace for Champions Trophy Black Caps well-beaten in Eden Park ODI Another NBL loss for New Zealand Breakers Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle Venus wins Auckland doubles title after injury "The end of the year was quite tough due to injuries. This year is really a restart. I'll be playing in the WTA tournaments which means the schedule you know what you're going to get so you can plan it easier. The goal is really to improve and get consistent," said the 23-year-old. "In every tournament you want to do well and go far. I really want to get the consistency and get the rhythm and push the play and if I do that I can go far." As for her opponent, Sun isn't overly familiar with Kovinic who has a WTA outside of the top 1000 due to injuries, but has been as high as 46 and entered the Australian Open with a special ranking in the 90's. "She hasn't really played a lot of tennis recently either. I haven't really seen her play that much. So I'll look into that." Sun hasn't won a match since she pulled out of the US Open in August last year. She lost in the first round of the ASB Classic and at the Hobart WTA tournament. Her first-round match is scheduled for Monday. In doubles Michael Venus and Croatian Nikola Mektic who won the doubles title at the ASB Classic by walkover are seeded fifth. The New Zealand and Canadian combination of Erin Routliffe and Gaby Dabrowski have arrived in Melbourne and intend to play. Routliffe has been suffering with a rib injury which kept her out of the ASB Classic. They're second seeds in the tournament but face the tough pair of Americans in Danielle Collins and Desirae Krawcyk.

Oli Clark winning the opening downhill round of Mountain Bike NZ national series PHOTO: CYCLING NZ SUPPLIED/JENNA WELLS Kaikoura teenage Oli Clark fired the first shot for the 2025 season with the overall win in the opening downhill round of the Mountain Bike New Zealand national series in Dunedin. The national series began on Saturday with cross-country which doubled as the first round of a new UCI Continental Series which attracted several riders from Australia including triple Olympian and two-time world championship medallist, Rebecca Henderson. LATEST HEADLINES: Experienced van Hattum, Ball depart Phoenix women suffer defeat in Adelaide Lulu Sun keen to get back to winning Black Caps pace for Champions Trophy Black Caps well-beaten in Eden Park ODI Clark, 18, produced a stunning ride down the drying track after weekend rain at the Signal Hill course, clocking 2:45.56 in the downhill final. The Gravity Canterbury rider, who enjoyed two world cup top-10 finishes last season, finished just under four seconds clear of Hawkes Bay rising star Tyler Waite, who was the top qualifier. “The run was good as the track had dried out a lot from the seeding run,” said under-19 winner Oli Clark. “I made a few mistakes at the top so I was pretty angry and rode fast at the bottom and happy with the result.” Manawatu’s Jonty Williamson was third to complete a clean sweep by under-19 riders with Nelson’s Sam Gale the leading elite in fourth place, clocking 2:52.03 to finish ahead of Canterbury rider Seth Sylie and Rotorua pro Tuhoto-Ariki Pene. “By the time we got to race it, the track was way better,” said Gale. “My run was good. I tried to keep it smooth and push but there were still places where he could catch you out so I played a bit safe and had a good clean run,” Rotorua’s under-19 rider Bellah Birchall, who enjoyed some strong results in Europe last season, was the leading female in 3:53.74, just ahead of leading under-17 rider Kiera Vlaar from Wellington with Rotorua’s Usula Summers third. The young female podium finished within three seconds in a closely fought battle. Saturday’s cross-country proved a demanding challenge on wet and slippery conditions over an arduous seven-lap test on Signal Hill Professionals Anton Cooper and Ben Oliver slipped clear but duelled wheel-for-wheel throughout the 90-minute battle with the eight-time national champion edging Oliver in the sprint for the line. “It was super-fast and muddy. To battle with Ben Oliver for seven laps was what I expected to happen,” said Cooper. “To be honest it could have gone either way. Ben was possibly slightly stronger than me today. It was one of those courses – on the second half of the course there was not much you could do but recover so I made the pace up the climb quite fast. “Riding a hard-tail was quite a challenge with a high post in the conditions – really strong in some sections but tough in others. Overall I am happy to start the year with a win and I have a lot of form to build on.” Likewise Paris Olympian Sammie Maxwell was locked in a battle with Henderson throughout the elite women’s race over six laps. Maxwell made a mistake and lost ground on Henderson but slowly worked her way back into the battle and dominated the second half of the six-lap race to win in 1:30.03 with the Australian four minutes behind and Cantabrian Mary Gray third. “You are never sure of your form starting off,” said Maxwell. “I made a mistake on the third lap and got gaped by Rebecca Henderson. I closed it and kept going – so the cards were played pretty early on which was exciting for me. It is always incredible racing with Bec – she pushes me and I push her and it brings the best out of eachother.” The second round of the series will see downhill racing at Coronet Peak, Queenstown and cross-country in Taupo. Results: Cross-country, Elite men: Anton Cooper (Christchurch) 1:31.35, 1; Ben Oliver (North Canterbury) at 1sec, 2; Sam Fox (Australia) at 7:03, 3. Elite women: Sammie Maxwell (Rockrider Ford) 1:30.03, 1; Rebecca Henderson (Australia) at 4:08, 2; Mary Gray (Christchurch( at 12:32, 3. Under-19: female: Millie Junge (Christchurch) 1:08.15, 1; Millie Donald (PNP) at 7:03, 2; Dulcie Copeland (Tauranga) at 9:59, 3. Under-19 male: James Climo (Te Miro) 1:08.27, 1; Fletcher Adams (Hamilton) at 2:50, 2; Oscar Talbot (Christchurch) at 3:39, 3. Downhill, overall male: Oli Clark (Kaikoura) 2:45.56, 1; Tyler Waite (Hawkes Bay) 2:49.29, 2; Jonty Williamson (Manawatu) 2:50.31, 3. Female: Bellah Birchall (Rotorua) 3:53.74, 1; Kiera Vlaar (Wellington) 3:55.12, 2; Ursula Summers (Rotorua) 3:56.74, 3.

Series winners, but a big loss in the final ODI at Eden Park for the Black Caps PHOTO: ICC A big loss in the final ODI for the Black Caps at Eden Park against Sri Lanka, but the series had already been won for the home side. The visiting side won by 140 runs, dominating the match from the start to finish scoring 290-8 before bowling out New Zealand for just 150. LATEST HEADLINES: Another NBL loss for New Zealand Breakers Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle Venus wins Auckland doubles title after injury Second freeski World Cup win for Harrington NZPGA returns to Australasian Tour schedule It was a big turnaround for the Sri Lankans, after they had been beaten easily in the first two games. Winning the toss, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka scored 66 from 42 balls, hitting six fours and five sixes. Kusal Mendis, with 54, and Janith Liyanage, 53, were the other two Sri Lankans that hit half centuries, also at better than a run a ball. Matt Henry was the most successful Black Caps bowler, taking 4-55 from his ten overs, while captain Mitchell Santner picked up 2-55. Nathan Smith and Michael Bracewell were the other wicket takers. At bat only Mark Chapman applied himself and made 81 from 81 balls with a focussed disaply featuring 10 fours and one six, however the next best was extras with 21. Smith made 17, Michael Bracewell 13 and Madd Henry 12, otherwise no one else made doubles figures.

New Zealand's Michael Venus (left) and Croatia's Nikola Mektic won the ASB Classic doubles title without hitting a ball. PHOTO: ASB CLASSIC Injuries have continued to plague the 2025 ASB Classic with the doubles final a walkover and not staged. The bonus is that New Zealand's Kiwi Michael Venus and Croatian doubles partner Nikola Mektic claimed the title - without hitting a ball in Auckland on Saturday - however, not the way they probably wanted. LATEST HEADLINES: Second World Cup win for Harrington Ethusiasm for NZ Surfting Champs NZ PGA returns to Australasian Tour Clinical Phoenix women beat Wanderers Blaze, Kerr sisters thrash Central Hinds One of their opponents, American veteran Rajeev Ram, withdrew through injury the morning of the scheduled match. Ram, who was paired with Christian Harrison, suffered the injury in the semi-final win on Friday night. There were a total five Lucky Losers required in the singles draw after player injuries and withdawalls as well as a retirement during a match and one alternate used in doubles. The walkover is the 25th career title for Venus and his second in Auckland. He is also the last New Zealander to claim a trophy at the ASB Classic after winning in 2016 with Mate Pavic. An exhibition match was staged with Venus and Mektic up against Kiwi Isaac Becroft who stepped in to partner Harrison for the crowds entertainment. Venus and Mektic will be one of the top seeds at the Australian Open.

The Illawarra Hawks piled on 69 points in the first half to set up the eventual eight-point win over the NZ Breakers. It was the ultimate clash of game styles and the up-tempo Australian National Basketball League (ANBL)-leading Hawks ran riot to set up the eventual 108-100 victory at home on Saturday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Wellington Phoenix side continues to struggle Venus wins Auckland doubles title after injury Second freeski World Cup win for Harrington NZPGA returns to Australasian Tour schedule Clinical Phoenix Women beat WS Wanderers The Breakers are right in the middle of a gruelling schedule, are doing it without suspended point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Mojave King, and the Hawks took full advantage at the WIN Entertainment Centre, especially in the first half. Illawarra had hit back from consecutive losses to beat the Tasmania JackJumpers on Tuesday, while the Breakers had lost 10 of the last 11, including the last two already in the past week to Perth and Brisbane. Illawarra put up 35 points in the first quarter and 34 in the second to already be leading 69-48 at halftime, on the back of shooting 62 percent from the floor and 20 points off the 11 New Zealand turnovers. Mitch McCarron had seven points, four rebounds and three assists for the NZ Breakers. PHOTO: NZ BREAKERS The Breakers showed signs of fight in the second half, including Sam Mennenga producing 12 third-quarter points, and Matt Mooney 15 in the fourth on his way to a game-high 33, to outscore the Hawks 52-39. Illawarra still won by eight to improve to 15-7 to remain clear in top spot with 88 field goals to 62 from New Zealand for the game with 29 points off turnovers, and 27 second chance points on 20 offensive rebounds. Trey Kell III delivered 31 points with Darius Days finishing with 22 points and six rebounds, Tyler Harvey 19 points, and Davo Hickey 11 points. Aside from 15 turnovers, it wasn’t a bad offensive performance from the Breakers who shot the ball at 56 percent with 13-of-31 from three, but they lost the rebound battle by 12, had only four offensive rebounds and ended up attempting 26 fewer field goals. Mooney had a tremendous game staying out of foul trouble with 33 points, eight assists, four rebounds and two steals on 7-of-13 shooting from three. Mennenga also ended up with 24 points, four rebounds and two assists with Next Star Karim Lopez contributing 16 points, three rebounds and two steals, and Jonah Bolden 11 points. Tacko Fall struggled for just five points and five rebounds in 14:30. "First half, we didn't show up; no energy, no effort," Breakers coach Petteri Koponen said. "Second-chance points and turnovers ... half their points came from there. "We didn't do our job on those tonight, but second half much better effort." The Hawks set the tone right from the outset with Mason Peatling scoring going to the rack and then Wani Swaka Lo Buluk hitting from the outside, but the Breakers did answer with seven of the next nine points. It was still a tied ball game midway through the first quarter but Illawarra then put up nine straight points and ended up scoring 17 points in the last three minutes with Darius Days going into quarter-time with 14 to his name. The Hawks were leading 35-28 and while the Breakers were scoring enough themselves, they could do nothing about the home team piling on the points and it was Trey Kell III who took over the second frame. In the space of three and-a-half minutes, Illawarra had scored 17 points with Kell delivering 13 of them and suddenly it was a 17-point ball game. The Hawks were just warming up too with another 9-0 scoring run pushing the lead out to 24 before the Breakers stemmed the tide with three-balls from Mennenga and Mooney. Mooney did end up with 16 points at the break and the Breakers did manage 48 points, but the Hawks were unstoppable with 69 to their name including 24 to Kell and 16 to Days on the back of shooting 62 percent to the Breakers' 60 but taking an extra 15 field goals. Mennenga tried his darndest to will the Breakers back into the contest when he scored 12 points in the first six minutes of the third quarter including a monstrous one-handed dunk and a pair of three-pointers. Illawarra continued to have all the answers and Harvey and Days combined for five three-pointers to keep the home team's lead at 18 by three-quarter time. The Breakers kept on fighting the game out and Mooney put up 15 points in the fourth quarter to cut the final margin to just eight. Both teams have quick turnarounds to taking part in a double-header on Monday, with the Breakers first up in New Plymouth against Melbourne United before the Hawks are in Adelaide against the 36ers. Illawarra Hawks 108  (Trey Kell III 31, Darius Days 22, Tyler Harvey 19, Davo Hickey 11) NZ Breakers 100 (Matt Mooney 33, Sam Mennenga 24, Karim Lopez 16, Jonah Bolden 11). 1Q: 35-28, HT: 69-48, 3Q: 88-70