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New Zealand's Luca Harrington celebrates his second consecutive win in Freeski World Cup PHOTO: FIS PARK AND PIPE Wanaka freeskier Luca Harrington has backed up his maiden World Cup victory with a second Freeski win a week later, this time in Krieschberg, Austria. It was another dominant performance as he finished almost ten points clear of his closest competitor. LATEST HEADLINES: Ethusiasm for NZ Surfting Champs NZ PGA returns to Australasian Tour Clinical Phoenix women beat Wanderers Blaze, Kerr sisters thrash Central Hinds Ben Robb advances at PDC Q-School Last week's win also helped Harrington make history as the first New Zealander to stand atop a big air World Cup podium and just the second to earn a World Cup big air top-3. He's now at the top of the Big Air standings. The 20 year old admits to being surprised with his Big Air win in Krieschberg, Austria. "This is absolutely incredible, I did not expect this to happen, it's been such an honour to be here and to put down two runs again and walk away with the win is incredible" said Harrington. Harrington again went with a highly technical approach and was again impressive with his landings. He dominated from the first of three runs, posting the highest single jump score putting down a flawless switch right triple corked 1620 esco grab and was awarded an impressive 95.75 for his efforts. He immediately backed that up with the third highest score of the day (a 92.00) on his second run, stomping a right triple corked 1800 safety grab for a combined winning score of 187.75, nine points clear of his nearest competitor. "I switched up my game plan today so I was a little unsure coming in, but I am glad I did it." Harrington was joined on the podium by local hero Matej Svancer of Austria in second and Norway's Leo Landroe in third. Cheered on by the rest of the NZ Team, it was a truly special moment as the New Zealand national anthem echoed through the venue as Harrington topped the podium. "There has been so much training and so much competition experience that has come into this, and you start to get into a comfortability and I think that's starting to click for me now and I am feeling comfortable, I am really stoked on where I am right now." Harrington's next outing is the LAAX Open Freeski Slopestyle World Cup in Switzerland next week.

The Wellingotn Phoenix have lost to Adelaide United as their struggles continue. PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX A couple of errors have seen the Wellington Phoenix lose to Adelaide United 2-1 in their first home match of 2025. Adelaide opened the scoring from an own-goal inside 10 minutes and the Reds scored the match-winner from a Nix mistake with a quarter of an hour remaining at Sky Stadium on Saturday night. LATEST HEADLINES: Venus wins Auckland title after injury Second World Cup win for Harrington Ethusiasm for NZ Surfting Champs NZ PGA returns to Australasian Tour Clinical Phoenix women beat Wanderers The result at least momentarily moved Adelaide to the top of the ladder, while Wellington remain 10th. Giancarlo Italiano made three changes to the XI which started last week’s 2-0 defeat to Melbourne City, with Corban Piper, Mo Al-Taay and Lukas Kelly-Heald coming into the side in place of Luke Brooke-Smith, Kazuki Nagasawa and injured fullback Tim Payne. The Phoenix had the first half chance of the match in just the fourth minute. Kosta Barbarouses won possession high up the pitch and found Sam Sutton, who teed up Hideki Ishige at the top of the box, but unfortunately the Japanese forward dragged his shot wide. The Nix soon found themselves a goal down when a right-wing cross from Adelaide forward Zach Clough deflected off unlucky Wellington fullback Matt Sheridan and into the back of the net. The Phoenix had a few promising moments after going behind but were unable to test James Delianov in the Reds’ goal. Sutton, who started in a more advanced left midfield position, whipped in a dangerous cross in the 12th minute and Adelaide did well to deny Piper a header on target. Ishige went down in the Reds’ box soon after and stayed down but the Video Assistant Referee decided there was no penalty. Piper made a great burst from right midfield in the 22nd minute but his cutback into the penalty area was behind both Barbarouses and Ishige. A quarter of an hour later the Nix expertly broke the press down their left and Ishige whipped a cross to Piper, but Adelaide defender Javi Lopez did enough with his body to hold the Wellington midfielder off. The Phoenix were able to block six of the Reds’ nine first half shots, with centre backs Scott Wootton and Isaac Hughes both putting their bodies on the line. Josh Oluwayemi had to make just one save of note before halftime and that came in the 36th minute to deny Zach Clough, who pounced on a wayward pass at the top of the Wellington penalty area. Italiano was forced to make his first substitution at halftime, bringing on Nathan Walker in place of an ailing Sutton, who was suffering with a virus. The Nix registered their second shot of the match just three minutes into the second half, with Adelaide doing well to block Barbarouses’ quick turn and shoot at the top of the box. Moments later Barbarouses played a neat one-two with Piper to win the Phoenix their first corner of the match. Corban Piper headed home Ishige’s right-wing delivery to draw Wellington level and celebrated scoring his maiden A-League goal. The Reds had a number of shots soon after the equaliser, but most were blocked by the Nix’s resolute defence, and the Nix looked the more threatening of the two sides. But Adelaide then reclaimed the lead with quarter of an hour remaining. Oluwayemi spilled a near post cross as he collided with Wootton and substitute Luka Jovanovic pounced to score what turned out to be the match-winner. Phoenix substitute Kazuki Nagasawa came close to equalising just moments later when he got hold of a volley from the top of the box, but unfortunately for him and the Nix it was straight at Delianov. Wootton also had a volley blocked in the Reds’ penalty area in the 84th minute after another spell of Wellington pressure. But Adelaide defended well and held on for a rare win in New Zealand. The Phoenix will have no time to dwell on the defeat as they will be back at Sky Stadium on Wednesday night to play Sydney FC.

The Wellington Phoenix Women have risen to fourth in the Women's A-League after delivering their best performance of the season. The Phoenix defeated Western Sydney Wanderers 3-0 at Wanderers Football Park in Sydney thanks to a spectacular long-range strike from Alyssa Whinham, a maiden A-League goal from Alivia Kelly and Emma Main’s second of the campaign. LATEST HEADLINES: Blaze, Kerr sisters thrash Central Hinds Ben Robb advances at PDC Q-School Not enough offence again for Breakers NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris retires Guptill ends international  cricket career Western Sydney were forced to play the best part of an hour with just 10 players after their goalkeeper Shamiran Khamis was red carded in the 34th minute. But Wanderers were second best throughout, with the Nix amassing an incredible 42 shots at goal to just four against. Phoenix head coach Paul Temple hailed the “pretty clinical display”. “It was a really good performance,” Temple said post-match. “Probably our best performance of the season, maybe since I’ve been in charge, with the ball. “I thought we moved the ball really well and created countless opportunities to get in and around their box and take shots. We looked dangerous. Goalscorer Alivia Kelly (right) celebrates with Mackenzie Barry at the final whistle against Western Sydney. PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX “Obviously the sending off just after the midway point of the half does change the game…there’s no doubt about that but I thought we were going well 11 vs 11. “We were looking confident and looking the most likely and then the dynamic changes a lot. “I was really pleased with how we handled the pressure because ultimately when a team gets a player sent off that early in the game all the expectation is on the team with 11 to win. “It’s nothing we’ve experienced before. It’s the first time it’s happened to us. We handled that pressure really well and in the end it was a pretty clinical display. Temple reserved special praise for Whinham, whose sublime goal was her first of the season. “I’m just delighted for Alyssa because she’s been working so hard at training to add the shooting element, especially from distance, to her game. “She’s been having a few more shots in games and hasn’t quite got it so to see that effort go in, you saw in her celebration how much it meant to her. “I’m so pleased for her. It’s fantastic reward for a player who’s working really hard at her game and trying to improve every game.” Temple made one change to the XI which started Saturday’s 2-0 home win over Perth Glory with American defender Kelly returning to the side in place of fullback Zoe McMeeken, who was named among the substitutes. The Phoenix dominated from the opening whistle and were an inch away from scoring inside two minutes when captain Annalie Longo rattled the crossbar directly from a corner. Khamis made a couple of saves a short time later; first to deny Mebae Tanaka from converting a defence-splitting pass from Olivia Fergusson and then to keep out Mackenzie Barry’s header from the resulting corner. Fergusson became the second Nix player to be denied by the woodwork in the 17th minute when she headed Tanaka’s right-wing cross against where the post and crossbar met, rattling the frame of the goal. Wellington were given space to shoot and Longo and Grace Jale both had multiple attempts from distance, but were unable to trouble Khamis for the next 10 minutes or so. Western Sydney’s ‘keeper made a great reflex save shortly before the half hour mark to deny Fergusson after the English striker she got on the end of a perfectly weighted through ball from Longo. Despite the Phoenix’s dominance, Wanderers could have snatched the lead in the 33rd minute if it hadn’t been for a last-ditch tackle from Barry inside her own six yard box. Moments later the hosts were down to 10 players when Khamis was sent off for bowling over Fergusson outside her penalty area. The shots kept coming from the Nix after Khamis’ dismissal. Fergusson had a great opportunity to break the deadlock in the 40th minute after being teed up by Jale, but she skied her shot over the bar from six yards out. Replacement goalkeeper Keely Segavcic ensured the match remained scoreless at halftime when she made a great save to tip Longo’s long-range effort over the bar in first half stoppage time. Whinham ended the stalemate in spectacular fashion less than 10 seconds into the second half. From the restart Whinham beat a couple of Wanderers with a clever turn in the centre circle, burst forward into space and then unleashed a shot from 30 metres out which sailed over Segavcic and under the bar. She celebrated in now trademark fashion. Wellington goalkeeper Carolina Vilão was called upon to make her first save soon after when Amy Chessari shot from outside the box but it was straight into Vilão’s arms. Kelly doubled the Phoenix’s lead shortly before the hour mark. The American defender slotted home from six yards out after following up a long-range effort from compatriot Maya McCutcheon that was well saved but fell at Kelly’s feet. The Nix had several more attempts at goal over the next 20 minutes but none were able to test Segavcic. At the other end of the pitch Vilão was called upon just once more as a Western Sydney shot from distance came straight to her. Substitute Main completed the scoring in the 83rd minute when she got on the end of a perfectly weighted ball over the top from Jale and beat an on-rushing Segavcic with a first-time shot. Main could have scored another a handful of minutes later when she was again played in behind by Jale, but this time Western Sydney’s rookie ‘keeper was up to the task and able to save the shot with her foot. The Phoenix Women remain across the ditch with their next match at Adelaide United on Sunday night (kick-off 7.30pm NZ Time).

2024 National Champions Daniel Farr and Maya Mateja are back again to defend their NZ Surfing titles PHOTO: SURFING NZ/STEVO A record number of entries will compete in next week's National Surfing Championships in Taranaki. More than 400 surfers have signed up for the 62nd National Championships which featues a total of 29 divisions including the premier Open Men and Women. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ PGA returns to Australasian Tour Clinical Phoenix women beat Wanderers Blaze, Kerr sisters thrash Central Hinds Ben Robb advances at PDC Q-School Not enough offence again for Breakers There's also additional divisions comprising of age groups from Under 14 boys and girls through to Over 60s for males and females and Longboard, Stand Up Paddleboard, Bodyboard, Kneeboard and adaptive disciplines. Both 2024 champions Daniel Farr of Taranaki and Maya Mateja of Raglan will defend their elite titles. Also competing in the women's division is international star Paige Hareb who last won the title in 2022. With Taranaki having an abundance of surfing spots, organisers can pick from a half a dozen venues from Fitzroy in the north to Opunake in the south depending on conditions. The week long event starts on Sunday and is the 10th time it has been hosted by the West Coast region, with the most recent in 2019. Up for grabs is the Peter Byers Overall Performance of the Event Award. Peter Byers started surfboard building in 1958 after being visited by Californian lifeguards Bing Copeland and Rick Stoner. Remembered as one of the pioneering board riders and the founding father of board making in New Zealand, Byers passed away in 2012 at the age of 71. Surfing New Zealand honours the memory and pioneering work of Byers with a surfboard shaped trophy shaped out of West Coast Kauri by local craftsman Clive Barron.

Hastings Golf Club will host the 2025 New Zealand PGA Championship which is on the Australiasian PGA Tour schedule PHOTO: GOLF NZ The 2025 New Zealand PGA Championship is set to make its return to the Australasian PGA Tour schedule, once again hosted at the Hastings Golf Club. Following a highly successful 2024 event, this elevated championship promises to deliver world-class golf and significant opportunities for players and the wider Hawke’s Bay region. LATEST HEADLINES: Clinical Phoenix women beat Wanderers Blaze, Kerr sisters thrash Central Hinds Ben Robb advances at PDC Q-School Not enough offence again for Breakers NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris retires Hastings Golf Club President Robyn Bell expressed the club’s excitement about hosting the prestigious event: “After an extremely successful 2024 tournament, the club is thrilled to host the Wallace Development New Zealand PGA Championship once again. Now elevated to a PGA of Australasia event, we look forward to welcoming an elite field of professional golfers to our region. This is a tremendous opportunity to showcase Bridge Pa and the wider Hawke’s Bay to both national and international visitors. The positive impact on the region will be significant.” “Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of sponsors. Our sincere thanks go to Wallace Development Company Limited for their principal sponsorship, alongside Hawke’s Bay BMW and our numerous hole sponsors. We’re excited for a fantastic tournament ahead.” The elevation of the championship to the Australasian PGA Tour schedule provides back-to-back opportunities for Kiwi players, with the New Zealand Open taking place the week prior. A win at the Wallace Development New Zealand PGA Championship offers players a coveted two-year exemption on the PGA Tour of Australasia, a career-defining reward. The 2025 event will also welcome up to 10 players from the Asian Tour, Japan Tour, and Korean Tour, adding even more depth and quality to the competition. Chairman of the New Zealand PGA, Phil Ellison, highlighted the pathway this event creates for Kiwi golfers: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved in elevating this tournament to PGA Tour of Australasia level. From the Australian PGA and Golf New Zealand to our sponsors and the Hastings Golf Club, this achievement reflects a collective effort. For our New Zealand PGA members, it’s an invaluable opportunity to compete for a full exemption on the PGA Tour of Australasia. With a stronger field, we’re optimistic about seeing one of our own rise to the challenge and secure victory. It’s shaping up to be an incredible four days, and we look forward to hosting both local and international players.” The tournament will also feature a unique pro-am format. During the weekend rounds, amateur golfers will team up with tournament professionals in a best-ball competition, providing a rare opportunity for amateurs to share the fairways with elite players.

The NZ Breakers' New Year's Eve victory in Cairns is quickly turning into an aberration. Since the drought-breaking win before ringing in the New Year, the Breakers have dropped their second game in five days, falling 83-74 to the Brisbane Bullets on Wednesday night. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris retires Guptill ends international cricket career Black Caps rout Sri Lanka in second ODI Marcus Daniell finishes pro tennis career Ben Campbell signed to LIV Golf league After Tacko Fall and Matt Mooney combined for 56 points in Sunday's home loss to the Perth Wildcats, neither ever really got going at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre, while Casey Prather proved the difference, with 31 points for the Bullets as they snapped a three-game losing run. The Breakers were without Parker Jackson-Cartwright for the third game of his five-game suspension and Mojave King with a calf injury. Neither team was able to get any momentum throughout the first half, but Prather delivered 17 points and six rebounds to help the Bullets to the 38-35 lead. Tacko Fall had a quiet night as the NZ Breakers lost for the second time in five days. PHOTO: ANBL Despite Mooney and Fall having three fouls, the Breakers stayed in touch with the only six offensive rebounds of the second quarter, but it was a grind with the Bullets shooting 42 percent and the Breakers 43 percent. A fourth foul to Mooney once again hurt the Breakers, just as it did when he fouled out on Sunday against Perth, with Brisbane taking full advantage to blow the game open in the third quarter. The Bullets were up eight heading into the fourth and opened up a double-figure advantage in the last 10 minutes to improve to 10-11 and stay right in the top-six race. Despite Prather shooting 1-of-11 from three, he went 10-of-15 inside the arc and 8-of-14 at the charity stripe for 31 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and two blocks. Tall Blacks forward Tyrell Harrison finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds (six offensive), Isaac White 13 points on 3-of-3 three-point shooting, The Breakers dropped to 8-13, having lost 10 of the last 11, with Mooney shaking off the foul trouble and only playing 22 minutes for 21 points. Mitch McCarron added nine points and five rebounds, Karim Lopez eight points and four boards, and Max Darling eight points. With both teams possessing a giant inside and missing some stars in the back court, it became a fascinating battle of the big men, with Harrison and Fall scoring first for their sides. But it was McCarron who was crucial to the Breakers, making a 6-2 start before Isaac White knocked down a couple of threes for the Bullets. The Breakers clung to a 17-15 lead at the end of one thanks to 7-of-12 at the foul line. Prather provided the spark early in the second quarter for the Bullets as he scored 11 quick points, including hitting a three ball to give his team a four-point advantage despite Breakers triples from Kaia Isaac and Mooney. However, Mooney and Fall both had three fouls before half-time and even though a third three of the half from White kept Brisbane on top, six late points from 17-year-old Mexican 'Next Star' Lopez saw the Breakers limit the Bullets lead to a 38-35 at the break. Fall did not start the second half for the Breakers and then Mooney picked up a fourth foul early on when Mitch Norton drew a charge, forcing him to go sit down a very agitated man. The Bullets took advantage to gradually build on the lead and they did start the half with an 8-2 run to go up by nine but the Breakers fired straight back with triples from McCarron and Grant Anticevich. The Bullets pushed their edge back out to 58-50 by three-quarter time with an offensive rebound and putback by Harrison and then maintained their advantage throughout the fourth on the way to the important nine-point win. Both teams back up again to play on Saturday, with the Breakers first up on the road to the league-leading Illawarra Hawks (tip-off 7.30pm NZ Time), while the Bullets take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix for a third time this season. Brisbane Bullets 83 (Casey Prather 31, Isaac White 13, Tyrell Harrison 13, Deng Adel 11) NZ Breakers 74 (Matt Mooney 21). 1Q: 15-17, HT: 38-35, 3Q: 58-50

Amelia Kerr was key for the Wallington Blaze in their eight wicket win of the Central Distircts Hinds along with sister Jess Kerr PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Kerr sisters, Amelia and Jess have led their Wellington Blaze team to a eight wicket victory over Central Districts Hinds in Super Smash cricket. Jess Kerr took three wickets for 24 runs, while Amelia had one to her credit in the CD innings of 113. LATEST HEADLINES: Ben Robb advances at PDC Q-School Not enough offence again for Breakers NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris retires Guptill ends international  cricket career Black Caps rout Sri Lanka in second ODI Xara Jetly picked up 3 -25 with Leigh Kasperek taking one wicket, plus there were a couple of runs outs. Englishwoman Hollie Armitage top scored as an opener with 47 runs from 42 balls but the next best for Central was Flora Devonshire who made only 13 runs. At bat Amelia was 34 not out and Jess made 22. The Blaze top scorer was Rebecca Burns with 55 runs from 35 balls. Rosemary Mair had the bowling figures of 1-16 from her four overs.

Ben Robb has progressed to the final stage of the PDC European Q-School. PHOTO: BEN ROBB New Zealand No 1 Ben Robb will play for a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) ProTour card over the next four days. Robb advanced through the first stage of the PDC European Q-School in Kalkar, Germany on Wednesday (Thursday NZ Time), joining fellow Kiwi Kayden Milne in the final stage from January 9-12. LATEST HEADLINES: Not enough offence again for Breakers NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris retires Guptill ends international  cricket career Black Caps rout Sri Lanka in second ODI Ben Campbell signed to LIV Golf  league 'Big Rig' won eight of 11 matches during the three days of the first stage, his best result reaching the Round of 32 on Day 2 on Tuesday (Wednesday NZT). That saw Robb finish 12th in the European Q-School Order of Merit, easily qualifying for the final stage, where 128 competitors will vie for 16 professional invites. Another 128 will compete for 13 spots at the concurrent UK Q-School. Milne, the New Zealand junior champion, was exempt through to the final stage of the European Q-School. The winners from each of the four days of the final stage will earn their PDC cards, while the remaining 21 spots will be filled from the respective Orders of Merit - 12 from Europe and nine from the UK. Also in Kalkar, 17-year-old Kiwi Jack Sheppard won two of five matches, earning two points and reaching the Round of 64 on day one, before two one-and-done exits.

NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris has retired from rugby league with immediate effect. PHOTO: NRL NZ Warriors captain Tohu Harris has announced he is ending his playing career with immediate effect. The Hastings-born 33-year-old 234-game veteran was set for his 13th NRL campaign in 2025 but said ongoing problems following offseason surgery on a wrist injury have forced him to step aside prematurely. LATEST HEADLINES: Guptill retires from internationals Black Caps thrash Sri Lanka in ODI Marcus Daniell finishes pro career Ben Campbell joins LIV Golf Tour Volts put away Kings in Super Smash “I had high hopes of returning from the injury this year but I’m devastated I won’t get the chance to pull on the jersey again,” said Harris. “I’m dealing with pain in everyday life as well as footy. My body has been feeling good in training but the reality is I can’t perform as a player with this injury. “While it’s not easy finishing like this, I’m so grateful to the Warriors for the opportunities they’ve given me, for the chance to wear the jersey and to lead our great club, and also for the support we’ve had as a family.” Harris ends his career with 117 appearances since joining the Warriors in 2018, the same number of games he played in his five seasons with Melbourne from 2013 to 2017. “It’s shattering for Tohu and his family as well as for our club and fans,” said Warriors CEO Cameron George. “We all feel for him having to end his career this way but it will never take away from the exceptional contribution he has made to the club in every way through his deeds on the field and off it. “I’m indebted to him for the amazing work he did to rebuild the team during the tough times when we were isolated in Australia for three seasons. “We’ll certainly miss the qualities he has provided with his leadership and playing ability and wish him, Nat and Harlan all the best for what lies ahead.” Harris led the Warriors 52 times after first being appointed for the 2022 season, the last of those appearances being the 32-16 win over Brisbane at Mt Smart on June 29 last year. Used off the interchange that night, he had battled a right wrist injury throughout the season and was subsequently unable to return for any of the last eight games. “It’s a sad way for Tohu to go out but I just want to celebrate him,” said Warriors head coach Andrew Webster. “You really don’t know how good a player is until you’ve coached him. I’d admired Tohu from afar throughout his career but when I returned to the club I got to admire him even more every day. “I’m so grateful to have built a relationship with him and for the way he helped me so much in my transition as a head coach.” Harris became Warrior No 224 when he made his club debut in the 2018 season-opening 32-20 win over South Sydney in Perth. A 2017 grand final winner with Melbourne, he was a back-to-back winner of the club’s Simon Mannering Medal player of the year award in 2020 and 2021 and was shortlisted for the 2023 Dally M lock of the year and captain of the year awards. George said the Warriors’ 2025 captain would be announced closer to the start of the season.

Ross Taylor congratuates Martin Guptill on his century during the ICC Cricket World Cup one day quarterfinal match between the New Zealand Black Caps and West Indies PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Black Caps white-ball great Martin Guptill has officially confirmed his retirement from international cricket. The 38-year-old played 367 games (198 ODIs, 122 T20Is, 47 Tests) for New Zealand scoring 23 international centuries across the three formats and breaking numerous white-ball batting records. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Caps thrash Sri Lanka in ODI Marcus Daniell finishes pro career Ben Campbell joins LIV Golf Tour Volts put away Kings in Super Smash Wood scores as Forest win again Guptill finishes his 14-year international career (2009 – 2022) as the Black Caps leading T20I run-scorer with 3,531 from 122 T20I matches, and his 7,346 ODI runs places him third on the ODI list behind Ross Taylor and Stephen Fleming. Guptill is currently leading from the front for the Auckland Aces in this season’s Dream11 Super Smash and will continue to ply his trade in T20 franchise cricket for the foreseeable future. He reflected with pride on his international career saying it was the greatest honour and privilege to play for New Zealand for 14 years. “As a young kid it was always my dream to play for New Zealand and I feel incredibly lucky and proud to have played 367 games for my country,” he said. “I will forever cherish the memories made wearing the silver fern alongside a great group of guys. “I want to say a huge thanks to all my team-mates and coaching staff over the years, in particular Mark O’Donnell who has coached me since the Under 19 level and been a source of ongoing support and wisdom over my career. “A special thanks must also go to my manager Leanne McGoldrick - all of the work behind the scenes never went unnoticed and I’ll be forever appreciative of all your support. “To my wife Laura and our beautiful children Harley and Teddy – thank-you. Thank you Laura for the sacrifices you have made for me and our family. You’ve been my biggest supporter, my rock and my counsel through all of the ups and downs that come with the game. I am eternally grateful. “Finally I’d like to thank all the cricket fans, here in NZ and around the world for all their support throughout the years.” Guptill burst onto the international scene in 2009 when he became the first New Zealander to score a century on ODI debut, against the West Indies at Eden Park. The same year he was named in the ICC's World ODI XI. He became the first Kiwi to score an ODI double-century at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 when he smashed 237 not-out in the quarter-final win over the West Indies at Wellington Stadium. That innings, along with his unbeaten 189 against England in Southampton in 2013, and his 180 not-out against South Africa at Hamilton in 2017, rank as three of New Zealand's top four individual ODI scores. Guptill also scored two T20I hundreds: 101 not out off 69 balls against South Africa at East London's Buffalo Park in 2012, and 105 off 54 balls against Australia six years later in Auckland. He played 47 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 17 half-centuries and three hundreds: 189 v Bangladesh at Seddon Park in 2010, 109 v Zimbabwe at Bulawayo's Queens Sports Club ground in 2011, and 156 v Sri Lanka in Dunedin in 2015. Fans will fondly remember Guptill’s power and timing at the top of the batting order which saw him strike a whopping 1,385 fours and 383 sixes during his international career. His prowess in the field was regarded as world class and he consistently set the standard for the Black Caps, resulting in many spectacular catches, saves and run outs. Among the most memorable was his stunning direct hit run-out of M.S. Dhoni during the Black Caps semi-final win over India at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. His illustrious international career will be acknowledged during the BLACKCAPS third and final day-night ODI against Sri Lanka at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday January 11. The ground is a fitting venue for a Guptill tribute given his West Auckland roots and the fact he holds the ground’s ODI (818) and T20I (626) run-scoring records.

Kiwi tennis pro Marcus Daniell has called an end to his career and was a great supporter of New Zealand tournaments, including the Wellington Open (pictured) PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY New Zealand tennis player Marcus Daniell has finished his career with a three set loss in the first round of the ASB Classic Thirty-five-year-old Daniell and Kiwi partner James Watts standing at two metres tall were beaten by Spaniards Pablo Carreno Busta and Sergio Martos Gornes 6-1, 6-7(5) 2-10 in the first round on day two of the Classic. LATEST HEADLINES: Ben Campbell joins LIV Golf Tour Volts put away Kings in Super Smash Wood scores as Forest win again Kiwi Becroft beaten, Venus through Central, ND share Super Smash games Daniell made 15 ATP finals, for five titles and made the quarters at three Grand Slams - twice at the Australian Open and once at Wimbledon) and the third round in New York and Paris. He reached a career ranking high of No 34 in 2018 and achieved his unforgettable Olympic bronze medal win alongside Michael Venus at the Tokyo Olympics. His first real break was in 2010 at the then Heineken Open where with Horia Tecau at the last minute, as a condition of the Romanian being given a wildcard the pair battle their way to the final. In the decider they defeated the highly ranked Brazilian duo Marcelo Melo and Bruno Soares for the title giving New Zealand its first title at ATP level since 1999. Daniell was part of the New Zealand Davis Cup team dating back to 2010 and was selected for 19 ties. He was also known for showing support for his local tournament, the Wellington Open when possible Daniell will now concentrate on his charity and other work as well as being a father.

The hard working is paying off for New Zealand's Ben Campbell as he joins the LIV Golf Tour PHOTO: LIV GOLF New Zealand’s Ben Campbell is to join the rich LIV golf tour for the RangeGoats tema lineup. Campbell was the top-ranking non-LIV player in the 2024 International Series season points standings LATEST HEADLINES: Volts put away Kings in Super Smash Wood scores as Forest win again Kiwi Becroft beaten, Venus through Central, ND share Super Smash games Kiwi cricketers in South Africa T20's Last season, the 33-year-old from Queenstown won the International Series Morocco, finished second at the Hong Kong Open and had four other top-10 finishes during the 10-event International Series schedule. The International Series events on the Asian Tour are supported by LIV Golf and offer a pathway to the league. He also added another top-10 at the Asian Tour’s New Zealand Open and eventually finished second on the Asian Tour Order of Merit to John Catlin. Campbell made three appearances as a reserve player during the 2024 LIV Golf season, including one start (for Majesticks GC) at LIV Golf Greenbrier, where he shot five-under to tie for 37th. Of Campbell’s four professional wins, two have come in the last two years on the International Series.