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The NZ Warriors have called in Bunty Afoa and Kurt Capewell back into the side for their clash with Newcastle Knights on Sunday. Capewell returns from a throat injury which ruled him out of the Anzac Day loss to Gold Coast Titans last week, shifting Jacob Laban back to the interchange. LATEST HEADLINES: Hourigan claims WTT doubles title in China NZ swimming team selected for Paris Games NZ Warriors claim U-17 Harold Matthews Cup Confidence-boosting win for Mainland Tactix Multiple top-10 for NZ golfers around globe Afoa has spent the last three games on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury but will add some much-needed power to the Warriors bench for their trip to McDonald Jones Stadium. After impressing in his first-grade debut last week, Zyon Maiu'u rejoins the reserves. Together Capewell and Afoa provide a major injection of experience to the team with 279 NRL appearances between them. With Capewell back, four-game rookie Jacob Laban moves back to the interchange after his first starting appearance against the Titans last week. Afoa rejoins the interchange alongside Laban, utility Dylan Walker and front rower Tom Ale with Anzac Day debutant prop Zyon Maiu’u (20) moving to the extended bench. Also named in the 22-man squad are centre Adam Pompey, winger Edward Kosi, fullback Taine Tuaupiki and another 20-year-old prop Tanner Stowers-Smith. The match against the Knights is the first of three consecutive Sunday games in Australia for the Warriors with the Sydney Roosters to follow at Allianz Stadium May 12 and then the ‘home’ game against three-time premiers the Penrith Panthers during the NRL’s Magic Round at Suncorp Stadium May 19. Both teams go into this week’s contest on the back of indifferent form. The Warriors have followed their 34-4 fifth-round win over South Sydney with their 22- 22 golden point draw with Manly Warringah, a 12-30 reverse against St George Illawarra and a difficult 24-27 loss to the Titans. After beating the Dragons in round five, the Knights have lost 20-22 to the Roosters and 12-36 to Canterbury-Bankstown but beat the Dolphins 18-14 in Brisbane last Sunday. The rivals sit one spot apart on the ladder, the Warriors 12th on seven points while the Knights are 13th on six points. NZ WARRIORS: Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Rocco Berry, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Marcelo Montoya, Te Maire Martin, Shaun Johnson, Addin Fonua-Blake, Wayde Egan, Mitch Barnett, Jackson Ford, Kurt Capewell, Tohu Harris. Interchange: Dylan Walker, Tom Ale, Jacob Laban, Bunty Afoa, Adam Pompey, Zyon Maiu'u, Edward Kosi, Taine Tuaupiki, Tanner Stowers-Smith

New Zealand have retained their unbeaten record against Argentina at age-group level by taming the Pumas at The Rugby Championship Under-20 tournament in Australia. New Zealand outscored Argentina six tries to three in the 43-20 victory at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Wednesday to secure a crucial bonus-point with a round to play. LATEST HEADLINES:  Black Sticks Men rebound after two losses Hamish Kerr to compete with world's best Three players to make Black Ferns debuts  Canes, Blues set for battle for the top spot Sky TV sign five-year cricket deal with ICC Argentina demolished hosts Australia last week but New Zealand showed no initial signs of being daunted by a much-vaunted pack, leading by two converted tries after just six minutes. Hooker Vernon Bason drew two defenders as an anchor in a midfield for a move designed to create swift movement out wide. Centre Xavi Taele sailed clear and delivered back inside to halfback Dylan Pledger. Taele and Pledger were two of New Zealand’s best. Pledger cleared swiftly and was sprightly with ball in hand. Taele carried robustly, distrusted precisely and had little hassle containing his comparatively listless opposites. No 8 Malachi Wrampling was another to produce a powerful display. In the sixth minute, he used his long reach to stretch out after identifying the weak shoulder of an opposing tackler and driving forcefully ahead. New Zealand scored their third try after 20 minutes with a similar movement that led to their first. This time wings Frank Vaenuku and King Maxwell combined to send Wrampling clear in the space the wings would typically occupy. New Zealand coach Jono Gibbes warned prior. "This pack that they (Argentina) have here is, I think, probably bigger than the South African pack. They are big, heavy, dense guys and they are really well drilled.” Argentina lost lock Luciano Asevedo to the sin-bin for a high tackle but took out their frustration by winning a scrum penalty. A lineout drive involving their entire team followed and Julian Rossi scored. After resisting a mammoth Argentina drive before the interval, New Zealand ironically struck with their own 10-metre shove shortly after the break. Soon, however, Argentina would stifle the Kiwis with their dogged but dour approach. Another driving try sliced the deficit to 31-15 and then some rare enterprise. Reserve first-five Santo Di Lucca proved nifty and that enlivened halfback Agustin Sarelli who fooled New Zealand with a rare snipe to send Ignacio Torrado rampaging away. The contrast in approach between the two countries was best illustrated when Pledger scored his second try. King Maxwell provided the final pass in a sweeping movement that involved half a dozen pairs of hands. New Zealand's lineout was more accurate and their discipline defending mauls reasonable given the full frontal Pumas tactics. First-Five Rico Simpson did not miss a shot at goal and was fluid on attack. Openside Matt Lowe was hearty and lock Liam Jock toiled gamely again. New Zealand’s last match of the TRC is on Sunday against Australia. New Zealand 43 (Dylan Pledger 2, Malachi Wrampling 2, Andrew Smith, Ben O’Donovan; Rico Simpson 5 con, pen) Argentina 20 (Julian Rossi, Juan Manual Vivas, Ignacio Torrado tires; Mateo Fossati pen, Santo Di Lucca con). HT: 24-8

The Black Sticks Men have ended a two-match losing streak but are out of the running at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. The New Zealand men's hockey team defeated South Korea 4-1 on Wednesday at Stadium Sultan Azlan in Ipoh, Malaysia, a day after losing 6-4 to hosts Malaysia in an entertaining high-scoring match. LATEST HEADLINES:  Hamish Kerr to compete with world's best Three players to make Black Ferns debuts Canes, Blues set for battle for the top spot Sky TV sign five-year cricket deal with ICC Kazuma Kobori to play PGA Championship Unlike the previous day, when the Black Sticks fell behind 4-0 in the opening quarter, New Zealand had the match against 12th-ranked South Korea well in hand by halftime, up 3-0. George Baker, fresh off a hat-trick earlier in the tournament, opened the scoring in the fourth minute, before Jonty Elmes and Jake Smith, from a penalty stroke, both rattled the cage in the second quarter. South Korea got one back in the third period, but Isaac Houlbrooke wrapped up the win with a penalty corner goal seven minutes from time. Smith, Elmes and Houlbrooke also scored against Malaysia but it was mostly in vain after Darren Smith's team leaked four goals in the first quarter, including three in the first six minutes. Smith scored from the field, before Elmes slotted a penalty stroke just before halftime at trail 4-2. After a scoreless third, Houlbrooke netted a double from penalty corners but Malaysia's lead never dipped below two goals. The Black Sticks Men complete the round-robin phase against current leaders Pakistan on Friday (8pm start), before a play-off for third or fifth on Saturday. BLACK STICKS MEN RESULTS Malaysia 6 (Faizal Saari, Abu Kamal Azrai 3, Azimuddin Kamaruddin, Rauf Muhajir Abdu) Black Sticks Men 4 (Jake Smith, Jonty Elmes, Isaac Houlbrooke 2). 1Q: 4-0, HT: 4-2, 3Q: 4-2 Black Sticks Men 4 (George Baker, Jonty Elmes, Jake Smith, Isaac Houlbrooke) South Korea 1 (Sim Jaewon). 1Q: 1-0, HT: 3-0, 3Q: 3-1

World indoor high jump champion Hamish Kerr is all set to compete alongside a star-studded field in Doha. The special one-off high jump spectacle, What Gravity Challenge, on Thursday (Friday NZ Time) at the Katara Amphitheatre has been organised by Qatar high jump legend Mutaz Barshim, the reigning Olympic champion and three-time world champion. LATEST HEADLINES:  Three players to make Black Ferns debuts Canes, Blues set for battle for the top spot Sky TV sign five-year cricket deal with ICC Kazuma Kobori to play PGA Championship NZ Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Kerr has been invited along with 11 other of the world's finest high jumpers, which includes a trio of 2.40m-plus jumpers and the reigning world and Olympic champions. However, despite the undoubted quality on show, given his recent form, the 27-year-old Kiwi has nothing to fear from the opposition and will be seeking to maintain his excellent streak of results and pursue a first prize of US15,000 (almost NZ$25,000). Winning the world indoor title in Glasgow with a world-leading jump and national record of 2.36m represented a huge breakthrough performance by the Christchurch-based jumper, who last month further cemented his status within the high jumping world by defeating Barshim to win the Suzhou Diamond League with a clearance of 2.31m. Barshim, the all-time world number two with a best of 2.43m, will look to avenge that defeat in front of a passionate home crowd, who will be desperate to see the Qatari claim top spot. Also entered is reigning joint Olympic title holder - alongside Barshim - and current world champion Gianmarco Tamberi of Italy, who will be competing in his first competition of the year. JuVaughn Harrison of the US, a 2.36m jumper like Kerr, and world silver medallist from last year is also entered as is Korean Sanghyeok Woo, a former world indoor champion who in Glasgow in March secured a World Indoor bronze medal. The experienced Ukrainian duo of Andrei Protsenko, the 2022 World Championships bronze medallist and 2013 world champion Bohdan Bondarenko, both 2.40m jumpers at their best, are also entered. "It is an amazing event to be a part of and outside of a major championship you are not likely to see a more stacked field," Kerr said. "It is credit to Barshim and his legacy that he has managed to put together such a quality event, which heralds a new era for our sport. Taking what is quite a traditional concept and putting it in a unique setting is a fantastic way to showcase high jump and our unique skillset."

Three new names have been called up for the Black Ferns' first team of the year to play the United States on Saturday in Hamilton. Lock Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, halfback Maia Joseph and first-five Hannah King are in the matchday 23 for the opening match of the Pacific Four Series. LATEST HEADLINES: Canes, Blues set for battle for the top spot Sky TV sign five-year cricket deal with ICC Kazuma Kobori to play PGA Championship NZ Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Football Ferns to play Japan twice in Spain NZ top-20 in new FIFA futsal world rankings Joseph, the daughter of former All Blacks player and former Japan coach Jamie Joseph, will start, as will Vaipulu, with King set to make her debut from the bench. Black Ferns head coach Allan Bunting was enthusiastic about the selection, saying the trio have earned their place "Each of these ladies have continued to impress us since joining the Black Ferns squad. They have worked diligently and it's awesome to be able to reward them with this opportunity and enjoy the occasion. "It will be a special moment for them and their whānau and one they should be proud of. We are all excited for them and have their backs this weekend." Props Kate Henwood and Tanya Kalounivale combine with starting hooker Georgia Ponsonby in the front row, with the Super Rugby Aupiki-winning Blues locking pair of Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Vaipulu. In the loose forwards, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u is at blindside, Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon starts at openside and Layla Sae packs down at No 8. In the backs, Joseph and Black Ferns co-captain and first-five Ruahei Demant have been named as the starting halves combination. Last year's pairing of Sylvia Brunt and Amy du Plessis will cover the midfield at second-five with Katelyn Vahaakolo and Ruby Tui on the wings and Mererangi Paul at fullback. In the reserves, a replacement front row of Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko and Amy Rule will be a come off the bench, while experienced lock Charmaine Smith and returning Black Ferns loose forward Kaipo Olsen-Baker will provide forwards cover Halfback Iritana Hohaia, King and playmaker Patricia Maliepo will be eager to impress off the bench when given the opportunity. BLACK FERNS: Mererangi Paul, Ruby Tui, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Ruahie Demant (co-capt), Maia Joseph*, Layla Sae, Kennedy Simon (co-capt), Liana Mikaele Tu'u, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu*, Maia Roos, Tanya Kalounivale, Georgia Ponsonby, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Luka Connor, Chryss Viliko, Amy Rule, Charmaine Smith, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King*, Patrica Maliepo * Denotes Black Ferns debut Unavailable: Renee Holmes

Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific will likely be the weekend where teams assert themselves on the points table. The currently-leading Hurricanes could stay at the top or lose their place to the Blues when the two franchises meet at Auckland's Eden Park on Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm), one of three all-New Zealand matches this weekend. LATEST HEADLINES: Sky TV sign five-year cricket deal with ICC Kazuma Kobori to play PGA Championship NZ Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Football Ferns to play Japan twice in Spain NZ top-20 in FIFA Futsal world rankings The Chiefs have a chance to beat Moana Pasifika on Friday (kick-off 7.05pm) and make third place their own, while the match of the South Island must have the Highlanders thinking they can win against the struggling Crusaders on Saturday (kick-off 7.05pm). Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs Friday, 7.05pm, Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland The Chiefs will be without Damian McKenzie, who is out with injury and has been vital to the team's success. Taranaki’s Josh Jacomb will instead wear the No 10 jersey, while lock Josh Lord is set to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury. All Blacks wing Emoni Narawa has been rested and replaced on the right wing by Liam Coombes-Fabling. Luke Jacobson returns as captain at openside flanker and Xavier Roe starts at halfback in place of Cortez Ratima, but All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho is also back in the front row. Meanwhile, there has been mass selection changes for coach Tana Umaga and his Moana Pasifika side as they host the Chiefs at Mt Smart. Ex-Chiefs outside back Lalomilo Lalomilo will make his Moana Pasifika debut. North Harbour halfback Siaosi Nginingini is another potential debutant on the bench. Semisi Paea shifts into lock, while Alamanda Motuga returns to the field for the first time since Round 1, playing at flanker and joining Miracle Faiilagi. MOANA PASIFIKA: Danny Toala, Nigel Ah Wong, Pepesana Patafilo, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Neria Fomai, D’Angelo Leuila, Aisea Halo, Lotu Inisi, Alamanda Motuga, Miracle Faiʻilagi, Allan Craig, Semisi Paea, Suetena Asomua, Sama Malolo (capt), Saketi Latu. Reserves: Tomasi Maka, Abraham Pole, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Irie Papuni, Siaosi Nginingini, Otumaka Mausia, Kyren Taumoefolau CHIEFS: Etene Nanai-Seturo, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Daniel Rona, Josh Jacomb, Xavier Roe, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson (capt), Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris; Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Hamilton Burr, Kaylum Boshier, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling Blues vs Hurricanes Saturday, 4.35pm, Eden Park, Auckland The Hurricanes will be aiming for back-to-back wins against the Blues in Super Rugby for the first time since June 2019, after their 29-21 victory earlier this season. However, the Blues have won on the last three meetings at Eden Park. For the home side, Zarn Sullivan is back from a knee injury and slots in at fullback, but they are without Reiko Ioane, although the midfield duo of AJ Lam and Bryce Heem remains solid. In the forwards, the handy trio of Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali'i and Akira Ioane fill the loose forward oles. But they will be matched by the Canes combo of  Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai and Brad Shields. In the midfield, Jordie Barrett will team with Billy Proctor and halfback TJ Perenara is also back in the starting lineup. BLUES: Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, AJ Lam, Bryce Heem, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Taufa Funaki, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Akira Ioane, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu (capt), Marcel Renata, Ricky Riccitelli, Ofa Tu’ungafasi. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Joshua Fusitu’a, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Sam Nock, Corey Evans, Cole Forbes HURRICANES: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Kini Naholo, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, Peter Lakai, Brad Shields (capt), Isaia Walker-Leawere, Caleb Delany, Tyrel Lomax, Kianu Kereru-Symes, Xavier Numia. Reserves: Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Justin Sangster, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Richard Judd, Bailyn Sullivan Highlanders vs Crusaders Saturday, 7.05pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin The Highlanders might think Saturday is their best chance to beat the Crusaders, but the defending champions have won nine of their last 10 matches in Super Rugby against the Highlanders, This includes their last three; their only defeat in that span was a 33-12-33 loss in April 2021. There was good and bad news for the Highlanders this week. Ethan de Groot returns to captain the Highlanders, but loose forward Billy Harmon is out with an injured hand. Argentine Martin Bogado starts on the wing ahead of Connor Garden-Bachop who suffered a head knock in Tonga and is still completing his HIA protocols. Cameron Millar has been retained at first-five after a more than capable match in Lautoka. HIGHLANDERS: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tanielu Telea, Jake Te Hiwi, Martin Bogado, Cameron, Folau Fakatava, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot (capt); Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Mau, Will Tucker, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley CRUSADERS: Johnny McNicholl, Chay Fihaki, Levi Aumua, Dallas McLeod, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Noah Hotham, Christian Lio-Willie, Corey Kellow, Cullen Grace, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett (captain), Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, Tamaiti Williams. Reserves: George Bell, George Bower, Owen Franks, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitchell Drummond, Rivez Reihana, Macca Springer

The International Cricket Council and Sky TV New Zealand have confirmed a new five-year deal for Sky to be the exclusive New Zealand broadcaster for all ICC men’s and women’s events through to the end of 2028. Under the new partnership, Sky will broadcast 16 international events, including ICC Men’s and Women’s Cricket World Cups, ICC Men’s and Women’s T20 World Cups, ICC Champions Trophies, the World Test Championship Finals and U19 World Cups. LATEST HEADLINES: Kobori to play PGA Championship Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Football Ferns to face Japan in Spain NZ top-20 in FIFA Futsal world rankings Stairmand, Vette named for Olympic surfing The first of these events commences in June with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 hosted in the USA and West Indies. This will be followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October and extends through to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2028 in Australia and New Zealand. All senior Men’s and Women’s World Cups will be broadcast live on Sky Sport and will stream on Sky Sport Now and Sky Go. The deal ensures New Zealanders can watch World Cup cricket and follow the Black Caps and White Ferns in action when they play in top tier global events. Sky Sport will also broadcast the No Boundaries review show following all Black Caps matches.

The Football Ferns have confirmed two matches against 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarterfinalists Japan. New Zealand will face the seventh-ranked Japan on Saturday, June 1 June NZ Time (Friday, May 31 local) and Tuesday, June 4 NZT (Monday, June 3 local) as the team continues to build up to the 2024 Paris Olympics. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ top-20 in FIFA Futsal world rankings Stairmand, Vette named for Olympic surfing Unbeaten Tactix hold on for win over Magic Steven Alker tied for fourth at rain-hit event NZ's Lulu Sun wins two WTT titles in Florida The games will be played at Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain, kicking off at 4pm local time (2am NZT). Head coach Jitka Klimková sees the matches as perfect preparation for Paris 2024. “We know at the Olympics we will be facing some really top sides so it is important to build up to it with games against similarly ranked opponents “Japan were impressive at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and will provide a real challenge for us with a different playing style than we have come up against in recent fixtures. “These matches will also be an opportunity for some of the newer players who have come into the squad to test themselves against a really top side as we continue to build towards the Olympics and the future.” New Zealand has been drawn in Group A at Paris 2024 alongside reigning Tokyo 2020 gold medallists Canada, Colombia and hosts France. FOOTBALL FERNS SCHEDULE FRIENDLIES Japan vs New Zealand 2am Saturday, June 1 NZT (4pm Friday, May 31 local) Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain Japan vs New Zealand 2am Tuesday, June 4 NZT (4pm Monday, June local) Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain PARIS OLYMPICS Canada vs New Zealand 3am Friday, July 26 NZT (5pm Thursday, July 25 local) Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint-Etienne, France New Zealand vs Colombia 3am Monday, July 29 NZT (5pm Sunday, July 28 local) Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France New Zealand vs France Thursday, August 1 August NZT (Wednesday 31 July local) KO 7am (9pm local) Stade de Lyon, Lyon, France

World Champion Luke Humphries and teenage superstar Luke Littler headline a star-studded line-up when the World Series of Darts returns to New Zealand in August. The PDC events Down Under will feature the 2024 New Zealand Darts Masters, taking place in Hamilton on 16-17 August. The World Series event will see a 16-player field competing over two days of action, with eight PDC superstars locking horns with eight Oceanic representatives, led by New Zealand's new PDC professional Haupai Puha. LATEST HEADLINES: Kobori to play PGA Championship Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Football Ferns to face Japan in Spain NZ top-20 in FIFA Futsal world rankings Stairmand, Vette named for Olympic surfing Unbeaten Tactix hold on for win over Magic World Champion Humphries will make his debut in New Zealand following a sensational 12-month spell that saw him follow up World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and Players Championship Finals titles by lifting the sport's biggest title in January as he rose to world number one status. Seventeen-year-old Littler, a runner-up to Humphries in a stunning World Championship debut and the current Premier League leader, will also make his first appearance in Hamilton, having already had World Series success with victory in January's Bahrain Darts Masters. Rob Cross will join the duo as he aims to retain his title in August, after beating Nathan Aspinall to triumph in Hamilton 12 months ago. Former New Zealand Darts Masters champion Gerwyn Price and fellow former World Champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright will also star, as 2024 UK Open champion Dimitri Van den Bergh makes his latest appearance Down Under. Australian No 1 Damon Heta completes the list of eight PDC representatives, with the former World Cup winner rewarded for breaking into the world's top ten in 2024. New Zealand's top player, Puha, who secured his PDC Tour Card in January will play on home soil, where he will be joined by Australian stalwart Simon Whitlock. There are six Oceanic representatives still to be confirmed for the New Zealand Darts Masters, although three of those places will be finalised following the conclusion of this weekend's DartPlayers New Zealand ProTour double-header.

New Zealand golfer Kazuma Kobori has gained another reward for claiming last season’s Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia Order of Merit. He's set to make his major championship debut next week at the PGA Championship on the Valhalla Golf Course in Louisville, Kentucky. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors new forward pack for Rosters Football Ferns to face Japan in Spain NZ top-20 in FIFA Futsal world rankings Stairmand, Vette named for Olympic surfing Unbeaten Tactix hold on for win over Magic Kobori has received a special invitation into the year’s second men’s major from the PGA of America due to his victory on the season-long points list in Australasia, The 22-year-old’s had an outstanding beginning to his professional career and achievements as an amateur. After turning professional in November at the Queensland PGA, Kobori claimed three Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia titles in the early months of 2024 on his way to the Order of Merit crown that had already secured him a DP World Tour card for next season. Planning on commencing his major career at The 152nd Open Championship at Royal Troon this July, another perk of winning his home Tour’s Order of Merit, the New Zealander was alerted in the early hours of Tuesday morning of his invitation. The world No.432 is now headed for Kentucky and Valhalla Golf Club with the opportunity to test his game against the world’s best players.

The Mainland Tactix have held on for a 54-53 win over the Waikato-BOP Magic in Hamilton to remain unbeaten after four round of the ANZ Premiership. The Tactix are now equal with the Pulse who they play next Sunday, however the Magic could have claimed their first victory of the the season. LATEST HEADLINES: Steven Alker tied for fourth at rain-hit event NZ's Lulu Sun wins two WTT titles in Florida Dual Sevens titles for NZ sides in Singapore White Ferns group set for T20 World Cup Warriors lose third consecutive NRL match The game was marked by impressive shooting across the board – especially Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, achieved 30-from-33 at goal attack, with Saviour Tui on 23-from-26. But it was ultimately the established heads in the Tactix defence, led by the versatile ANZ Fans' Player of the Match Karin Burger, who saw them through by the smallest of margins. Both sides took almost a quarter to really settle into their work. But it was the Magic, coming off their first victory of the season over the Stars, who were all over the Tactix at the centre pass, and the home side took a quick three-goal lead. At goal shoot, Tui held her own on the baseline against an energetic Jane Watson, but it was her shooting partner, Ekenasio, doing the majority of the leg work – from collecting centre passes, to shooting at goal attack. Erena Mikaere had some early wins in the Magic defence, with Georgia Takarangi successful as a nuisance, but at the opposite end, Karin Burger responded in kind for the Tactix. Towards the end of the second spell, the Tactix fell into their rhythm, drilling long passes into Ellie Bird, and a couple of well-timed turnovers pushed them ahead by five. The Magic brought that back to trail 15-12 at the first break. The Magic came out firing to snatch the lead after the break, forcing the Tactix to make a defensive change swapping Greer Sinclair out for Paris Lokotui – who straightaway fired in a beautiful long bomb into Bird’s hands under the hoop. That’s when the momentum swung back the Tactix way, through the combined pressure of Watson and Burger, and the vision of the Tactix midcourters led by Kimiora Poi into their shooters. Down 28-24 at halftime, the Magic started the quarter strongly, and through clever feeds from Claire O’Brien and Ekenasio and a couple of impressive rebounds from Tui, got back within two. Then a Takarangi intercept, her third of five in the match helped tie the scores. At 37-all, Watson went to the bench replaced by Kate Lloyd at goal keep, but it wasn’t enough to break the deadlock and the Tactix led 41-40 going into the final stanza. (At 16-13, it was the Magic’s first second-half quarter win of the season). Another Takarangi intercept and smooth long shots from Ekenasio put the Magic back on top. But when the Tactix changed their circle defenders, introducing Lokotui at goal defence with Burger at goal keep, it immediately paid dividends. The Magic brought the scores level with a minute left. But a brave intercept by Lokotui then made sure they held on at the bitter end.

Raglan’s Billy Stairmand and Gisborne’s Saffi Vette have been named to the New Zealand Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The surfers have just spent two weeks training at the Olympic venue of Teahupoʻo in Tahiti, which is regarded as one of the most epic reef breaks in the world. “The wave itself is intense,” said Stairmand. LATEST HEADLINES: Unbeaten Tactix hold on for win over Magic Steven Alker tied for fourth at rain-hit event NZ's Lulu Sun wins two WTT titles in Florida Dual Sevens titles for NZ sides in Singapore White Ferns group set for T20 World Cup “It’s short and sharp and really critical, there’s no room for errors but I learnt so much on my last trip over there, I got some amazing barrels and became way more comfortable and confident in that lineup.” Paris will be the second Olympic Games for eight-time National Champion Stairmand, while it will be the debut of Vette who recently secured a place on the coveted World Surf League Challenger Series, alongside some of the best surfers in the world. “It’s a dream come true,” said Vette. “I watched the Olympics growing up but never thought surfing would be involved. It’s a huge opportunity to be amongst so many amazing athletes and it’s a pretty massive achievement for a girl from Gisborne.” “It’s unbelievable to be going to my second Olympics, I’m super proud,” added Stairmand. “I’m stoked to be representing New Zealand again and I know I can do something special over there.” For Vette the accomplishment is particularly meaningful. The 22-year-old lost her father Andrew Vette in 2020. She says he was the driving force behind her surfing. “Dad introduced me to surfing and I’m so grateful for that. “I want to work hard for something that he’s given me, this opportunity to excel in a sport that I love. I also want to thank my mum as well, she’s always been amazing and has really helped me to keep the dream alive these past few years. I wouldn’t be where I am without them and without the community I’ve had around me.” They secured their Olympic spots with strong performances at the 2023 International Surfing Association World Games in El Salvador. The Olympic surfing competition will take place over four days in a nine day swell window, from 27th of July to 4th of August.