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Sammie Maxwell continues her great run of form PHOTO: UCI Kiwi mountain biker Sammie Maxwell produced an outstanding performance to finish runner-up in the latest round of the UCI MTB Cross-country World Series in Italy. The Decathlon Ford team professional, in her first season as an elite, retains her lead in the overall world series standings after the fifth of nine rounds at Val di Sole. LATEST HEADLINES: Slip in rain for NZ BMX Racers Venus beaten London ATP final Tactix beat Stars for top-of-table Alker chases, Ko, Fox movers Crusaders return to winning After a win in the opening round, the 2023 under-23 world champion has finished second in the next four rounds, where she has ridden to her own pace, rather than getting caught up going with every attack. That proved the case at Val di Sole when Maxwell dropped nearly 40 seconds in the opening lap from an uncharacteristic start and the attacks by eventual winner, Dutch star Puck Pieterse. Riding at her own pace, Maxwell began to eat into that advantage, and by the penultimate lap had caught the chasers and moved into second place behind Pieterse, closing on the Dutch rider on the final climb. Maxwell leads the overall standings by 341 on Nicole Koller (SUI) and 433 on Pieterse. “I just had a bad start again. I told myself to be composed. I felt good on the climbs. I knew where to burn matches and where not to,” said Maxwell. “If someone has 40 seconds on you on the start lap and you are racing for an hour and a half, you chip off 10 seconds a lap and you are going to be up there. “On the last climb I saw her (Puck) and that I was closing her so I emptied the tank. I knew I had to go long and that closed the gap and I got super-excited but I was pretty cooked by then. “Strategically I was not impressed because I had a really bad start, which probably took me out of contention for the win but I could still fight for the podium.” In other racing, the Lapierre Racing rider Anton Cooper (Christchurch) finished 7:17 down on the winner after being shuttled back from his start position on the fifth row on the tight circuit, while Sam Gaze, still struggling from his recent illness and crash, did not start. Christchurch rider Ethan Rose (Trek Future) enjoyed another solid race in the under-23 men, finishing 14th overall, 2:47 down on the winner, with Coen Nicol (Taupo) 70th while Amelie Mackay (Christchurch) was 43rd in the under-23 women. The UCI MTB World Series moves to La Thuile Valle D’Aosta in north-west of Italy for the fifth round for downhill and sixth round for enduro next weekend, following by cross-country and downhill in two weeks in Andorra. Cross-country Results: Women U23: Valentina Corvi (ITA) 1:05.59, 1; Fiona Schibler (SUI) at 30s, 3; Sara Cortinovis (ITA) at 52s, 3. Also: Amelie Mackay (NZL) at 11:10, 43. Elite: Puck Pieterse (NED) 1:29.08, 1; Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford, NZL) at 26s, 2; Laura Stigger (AUT) at 44s, 3. Jenny Rissveds (SWE) at 47s, 4. Men U23: Rens Teunissen Van Manen (NED) 1:18.53, 1; Finn Treudler (SUI) at 34s, 2; Benjamin Kruger (GER) at 51s, 3. Also NZers: Ethan Rose (Trek Future, Christchurch) at 2:47, 14; Coen Nicol (Taupo) at 2 laps, 70. Men Elite: Martin Kossmann (CHI) 1:27.42, 1; Mathis Assaro (FRA) at 23s, 2; Fabio Puntener (SUI) at 39s, 3. Also NZers: Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing) at 7:17, 52.

A tight contest between the Pulse and Steel in the ANZ Premiership PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY The Steel have kept their ANZ Premiership playoff hopes very much alive after a 58-57 win over the Pulse in Wellington. The visitors were down going into the final quarter 50-41 going into the final stanza but a 17-7 scoring spree by the Steel saw the game turn around. LATEST HEADLINES: Alker close, Ko, Fox top-20 All Blacks named for France All Whites v Socceroos in Sept Maxwell leads UCI MTB Series Slip in rain for NZ BMX Racers The Steel scored 11 of the first 14 goals in the final quarter with Aliyah Dunn and Georgina Heffernan didn't miss their mark. In fact overall Heffernan scored 22 from 23 overall and Dunn missed just three attempts - 32 from 35. It wasn't that the Pulse was poor with shooting - Amelia Walsmley scored 49 from 53 attempts, but it that goal attack Tiana Metuarau was able to only take eight attempts, six of which she made. A two point goal by Heffernan, followed by a miss in the hands of Metuaru and then a goal each for Heffernan and Dunn was how the game finished. The result leaves leaves both sides in interesting positions going into the final few rounds of the competition to take third spot as the Mystics and Tactix are the clear top teams. The Steel host the Magic and Pulse are at home against the Tactix in the next round.

Kurt Eklund for the Blues is the new captain for Māori All Black PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Māori All Blacks have selected 11 new players and a new captain for two matches against the Japan XV in Tokyo and Scotland in Whangārei. Hooker Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu) in his first time as Māori All Blacks captain will lead a 29-strong squad. LATEST HEADLINES: Two Tall Ferns new caps Esson signs for Nix Women Lulu Sun scores big WTA win Steel beat Pulse in Premiership Alker close, Ko, Fox top-20 The new caps range from 20-year-old Blues midfielder Xavi Taele, the youngest member of the squad, to 31-year-old Gisborne-born, Taranaki prop Jared Proffit. Head coach Ross Filipo said 32-year-old Aucklander Eklund was the right fit for captain. "This team demands a strong leader with mana, and Kurt has shown that quality and more over a long period of time, for the Māori All Blacks, Auckland, Bay of Plenty and the Blues. He has a lot of experience throughout the squad and that will be a strength for what will be two tough matches." Māori Rugby board member Rob Clark (Waikato, Ngāti Tiipa) said the team and the board had a role in protecting the kaupapa and the identity of Māori rugby. "Māori rugby is the vehicle we use to express our indigenous identity. It holds the health and wellbeing of our people at the forefront, following in the pathways that have been paved before us and those that will follow. This team allows us to express our kaupapa to the world, to inspire all people and protect the taonga that is rugby in Aotearoa." The squad has assembled in Auckland to begin their campaign preparations before leaving for Japan on 25 June. The game againt the Japan XV in Tokyo is on 28 June and Scotland in Whangarei on 5 July. Māori All Blacks squad  (iwi, province, Super Rugby club) * denotes new cap Props: Benet Kumeroa (Te Atihaunui a Pāpārangi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs) Jared Proffit* (Ngāti Porou/Taranaki/Chiefs) Pouri Rakete-Stones (Ngāpuhi/Hawke's Bay/Hurricanes) Kershawl Sykes-Martin* (Ngāti Porou/Tasman/Crusaders) Mason Tupaea* (Ngaati Tiipa, Ngaati Amaru/Waikato/Blues) Hookers: Jacob Devery* (Te Aitanga a Mahaki/Hawke's Bay/Hurricanes) Kurt Eklund (Ngāti Kahu/Bay of Plenty/Blues) Locks: Zach Gallagher* (Te Ātiawa/Canterbury/Hurricanes) Laghlan McWhannell (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Blues)   Antonio Shalfoon* (Whakatōhea/Tasman/Crusaders) Isaia Walker-Leawere (Ngāti Porou/Hawke's Bay/Hurricanes) Loose forwards: Nikora Broughton (Ngārauru, Ngāti Ruanui/Bay of Plenty/Highlanders) Jahrome Brown* (Ngāti Porou/Waikato/Chiefs) Caleb Delany (Ngāti Tūwharetoa/Wellington/Hurricanes) Cullen Grace (Ngāti Whakaue/Canterbury/Crusaders) Te Kamaka Howden (Tūhoe/Manawatū/Highlanders) Halfbacks: Kemara Hauiti-Parapara* (Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Porou/Auckland) Sam Nock (Ngāpuhi/Northland/Blues) First five-eighths: Rivez Reihana (Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Hine/Northland/Crusaders) Kaleb Trask (Ngāpuhi/Bay of Plenty/Chiefs) Midfield: Corey Evans (Te Aupouri, Ngāti Kahu/Northland/Blues) Bailyn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Waikato/Hurricanes) Daniel Rona (Te Ātiawa/Taranaki/Chiefs) Xavi Taele* (Ngāi Tahu/Auckland/Blues) Gideon Wrampling* (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine/Waikato/Chiefs) Outside Backs: Cole Forbes (Ngāti Awa/Bay of Plenty/Blues) Jonah Lowe (Ngāti Pikiao/Hawke's Bay/Highlanders) Zarn Sullivan (Ngāti Kahungunu/Hawke's Bay/Blues)

The All Blacks squash has been named to face France in New Zealand PHOTO: ALL BLACKS No major surprises in the All Blacks squad to face France next month with Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and outside back Timoci Tavatavanawai the two new players of note. Also new are front rowers Ollie Norris, Brodie McAlisteir and JHurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirif. LATEST HEADLINES: All Whites v Socceroos in Sept Maxwell leads UCI MTB Series Slip in rain for NZ BMX Racers Venus beaten London ATP final Tactix beat Stars for top-of-table A couple of key players to have missed out are the Crusaders duo of Ethan Blackadder and David Havili. In naming his first squad of the year, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said he and his fellow selectors had balanced continuity and opportunity. “Around three-quarters of the players named today were part of our squad for the 2024 Northern Tour, which is important because we want to continue to build on the rugby we were playing at the end of last year. We have balanced that with an exciting group of new and returning players who have performed during Super Rugby Pacific,” Robertson said. Scott Barrett returns as All Blacks Captain, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett as his Vice-Captains. “Scott’s leadership is hugely valued in this group, and well complimented by Ardie and Jordie. They will play a vital role, along with the wider player leadership group, in supporting the transition of the new players into the environment and imparting their experience to ensure the squad is set up for success.” “For the five uncapped players – Ollie, Brodie, Fabian, Du’Plessis and Timoci – this is a particularly special day. These players have all impressed us with their talent and work ethic and have earned their opportunity to be part of this All Blacks squad. We know that each of these players possesses the ability to make their mark in the black jersey and we look forward to working with them over the coming weeks,” Robertson said. The All Blacks also welcome back hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who have not featured for the All Blacks since 2023 and 2022 respectively. “These players have both had to work hard following the disappointment of long-term injuries, and have been outstanding during Super Rugby Pacific this year. We are thrilled to be able to welcome them back into the squad.” The All Blacks squad will assemble in Auckland on 25 June to begin preparations for the first Test against France on 5 July in Dunedin. Fixtures: Saturday July 5, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Saturday July 12, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, Sky Stadium, Wellington Saturday July 19, 7.05pm – All Blacks v France, FMG Stadium, Hamilton Hookers: Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister* Props: Ethan de Groot, Tamaiti Williams, Ollie Norris*, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi Locks: Scott Barrett (c), Patrick Tuipulotu, Tupou Vaa’I, Fabian Holland* Loose forwards: Samipeni Finau, Ardie Savea (vc), Du’Plessis Kirifi*, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Noah Hotham First-five eighths: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie Midfielders: Anton Lienert-Brown, Jordie Barrett (vc), Rieko Ioane, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Timoci Tavatavanawai* Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Sevu Reece, Will Jordan, Ruben Love Injury Cover (The following players have been named as injury cover for the start of the France series) Christian Lio-Willie for Luke Jacobson Emoni Narawa for Anton Lienert-Brown Unavailable due to injury: Asafo Aumua, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Stephen Perofeta

Steven Alker lost in a playoff at the Tor tour Major PHOTO: GOLF NZ New Zealand golfer Steven Alker has just missed out on winning his second senior major title. Alker lost in a playoff to Spaniard Maguel Angel Jimenez at the Kaulig Companies Championship in Akron, Ohio. LATEST HEADLINES: All Blacks named for France All Whites v Socceroos in Sept Maxwell leads UCI MTB Series Slip in rain for NZ BMX Racers Venus beaten London ATP final Alker was chasing his second major title on the over-50-years tour after winning the Senior PGA Championship in 2022. Alker and Jimenez started the final round in a tie, holding a two shot lead on the field. The pair had a couple of early birdies each with Alker then taking the lead with a third at the sixth. Alker was two ahead during the back nine, but that lead was back to one as they went to the 18th. Alker hit par on the last hole, while Jimenez birdied to force a play-off. The first play-off hole was parred, however the 53-year-old Kiwi put his tee shot wide on the second hole allowing Jimenez to win with a birdie. Meanwhile, in the LPGA Tour Major, Lydia Ko finished in a tie for 12th at the PGA Championship in Texas. Ko had a one-under final round with three birdies and two bogeys to finish at five-over for the tournament. Australian Minjee Lee won for her third major title. ONly two other players were under par. And Ryan Fox finished tied for 17th at the latest PGA Tour event in Connecticut. Fox had a four-under final round 66 to finish at six-under for th etournament.

The All Whites will take on the Socceroos for the historic Soccer Ashes trophy in September over two matches, one played in Australia and one in New Zealand. The first match will be played on Friday, September 5 at GIO Stadium, Canberra, with the second on Tuesday, September 9 at Go Media Stadium, Auckland. LATEST HEADLINES: Maxwell leads UCI MTB Series Slip in rain for NZ BMX Racers Venus beaten London ATP final Tactix beat Stars for top-of-table Alker chases, Ko, Fox movers The games represent the first time the Soccer Ashes have been contested since 2023, when the Socceroos defeated the All Whites 2-0 in London to retain the title, after the contest was revived for the first time since 1954 following the once-lost trophy being rediscovered. The Soccer Ashes trophy contains the ashes of cigars smoked by Australian captain Alex Gibb and New Zealand captain George Campbell following the first football match between the two nations in Australia in June 1923.  Built by New Zealand trophy maker Harry Mayer in 1923 using a combination of rewarewa and Australian maple, the Soccer Ashes are held in a silver-plated razor case that was carried by Queensland Football Association Secretary Private William Fisher at the landing of Gallipoli in 1915, a powerful symbol of the Anzac Spirit which underpins the strong trans-Tasman sporting bond and rivalry. The All Whites come into the series in good form having finished second at the recent Canadian Shield tournament in Toronto where they defeated African champions Côte d'Ivoire, the highest ranked side they have beaten in over 10 years. All Whites head coach Darren Bazeley was pleased to get an opportunity to face Australia, especially with a game at home. “Any opportunity to play Australia is special and this series is something I know the team are really excited about. “To play for a historic trophy and national pride brings an extra element to these games, but it is also ideal preparation for the FIFA World Cup with both teams now confirmed to be at the tournament next year. “After their breakout A-League Men season, it is also great to be playing the New Zealand game at Go Media Stadium, the home of Auckland FC, and we hope to see all of the fans there to support the team and bring the trophy home.” The New Zealand home game will be Tuesday 9 September at Go Media Stadium, Auckland, kicking off at 7:00pm NZT. Tickets are on sale June 27.

Zoe Hobbs broke the Oceania 100m record in Ostrava PHOTO: WORLD ATHLETICS New Zealand sprinter Zoe Hobbs has set a new Oceania record in the 100m at the latest World Athletics Continental Tour event at Ostrava in the Czech Republic. The 27-year-old beat her own previous Oceania and New Zealand records by clocking 10.94 seconds for third place at the Ostrava Golden Spike meet.. LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland draw with Boca Big summer of NZ cricket Thomas aims for Temuka win Warriors injury selections Maori All Blacks 11 newbies Hobbs' previous fastest 100m time was 10.96 seconds, achieved in July 2023 in Switzerland. The sprinter was blown away by her own performance. "All I know is that was a really good start, I came out really low, almost stumbled, but I managed to hold it and then maybe at about 30 [metres] I was still ahead and I was like: 'What the heck is going on' just keep going, just keep flowing... I'm mind-blown but I'm super stoked," Hobbs said. "I've been in good form lately with training for the last two three weeks it's been really consistent and I've felt really good, it just hasn't quite shown in results. Last weekend in Finland was reassuring and so yeah, I feel like I've got a bit of a roll now and just wanted to carry on the momentum from last week." Hobbs was hopeful the result would mean she could qualify for next month's Diamond League in Monaco. Thelma Davies from the USA clocked 10.91s to win the women's 100m at the event, while Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith from the Ivory Coast had a season best of 10.92s in second.

Steven Alker finished third at the latest PGA Champions Tour event in Georgia PHOTO: PGA CHAMPIONS TOUR Steven Alker and Michael Hendry have both finished third in their respective tournaments in the United States in Japan over the weekend. Fifty-three-year-old, Alkerw finished third at the latest event in Duluth, Georgia, after carding a seven under 65 in the final round. LATEST HEADLINES: First time NZ Speedgolf winners Black Caps experience in NZ A Hillier top-10 on DP World Tour Auckland FC wins Premiers title Silver for Tom Saunders in France His round included eight birdies and one bogey, which helped him finish on 16-under for the tournament, four shots behind the winner American Jerry Kelly. Four-time major winner Ernie Els finished second, one shot behind Kelly. Meantime, Lydia Ko's finished well down the standings after not firing at the Chevron Championship in Texas, the first major of the year. Ko carded a final round one over par 73, but was never able to make an impression on the leaders during the four days, with her best round being an even par 72 in the second round. She eventually finished a a tie for 52nd. Japan's Mao Saigo won the tournament on the first hole of a sudden death playoff, involving four other players. The next major on the LPGA Tour is the US Women's Open in June. Michael Hendry finished thrird at the Maezawa Cup on the Japan Golf Tour after rounds of 63, 65, 69 and 69. He just missed the playoff and is now up to fifth on the Japan Tour points ranking having played only two events.

Parker Jackson-Cartwright will return to the NZ Breakers for the next two ANBL seasons. PHOTO: NZ BREAKERS The NZ Breakers have announced the return of dynamic point guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright for the next two seasons. Jackson-Cartwright has signed a deal bringing his electrifying playmaking and leadership back to Auckland for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) seasons. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun loses in Eastbourne second round Coll out of World Tour Finals with injury Hobbs sets Oceania records in Czechia Auckland City earn Boca Juniors draw Big summer of cricket for Black Caps The 5-foot-11 guard from Los Angeles averaged 18.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 1.6 steals in 21 games for the Breakers last season, a year after helping the Breakers to the ANBL Finals while averaging 20.6 points a game. "We are absolutely delighted to welcome Parker back to the Breakers family," said Marc Mitchell, part-owner and chair of the Breakers. “Signing Parker was my top priority this off-season, and we know our fans will be just as excited as we are to see him in the black singlet." Breakers president of basketball operations Dillon Boucher said: “PJC’s first two seasons with the Breakers saw him consistently light up the league with his incredible speed and elite scoring ability. “His infectious energy and competitive spirit were instrumental in many memorable performances, and his return is expected to provide a significant boost to the team's offensive firepower and on-court direction. "Parker is not only an exceptionally talented basketball player, he is a fantastic person, who embodies the values of our club. His impact on the court is undeniable, and his ability to elevate those around him will be crucial as we aim for success this season.” Jackson-Cartwright expressed his enthusiasm about returning to Auckland. "I'm incredibly excited to be coming back to Auckland and rejoining the Breakers," the 29-year-old said. "I loved my time there previously – the club, the city, and especially the fans, made it a special experience. “I'm ready to get back to work with the team and contribute to a successful season. There's unfinished business, and I'm eager to help bring a championship to New Zealand." The Breakers were confident that Jackson-Cartwright's return will be a cornerstone of their ambitions for 2025-26 ANBL season. The team opens the season at home against the Brisbane Bullets on Friday, September 19, with five of their first seven and seven of their first 11 games at home. Jackson-Cartwright joins a Kiwi-heavy roster that includes Sam Mennenga, Reuben Te Rangi, Izayah Le'afa, Rob Loe, Taylor Britt, Max Darling and Carlin Davison, along with Australian Sean Bairstow and Mexican 'Next Star' Karim Lopez . Two full roster spots remain, likely for more import players.

Lulu Sun has had a mixed build up to Wimbledon PHOTO: WTA GRAPHIC New Zealand tennis player Lulu Sun has been beaten in the second round at the Eastbourne WTA tournament a couple of days after beating the top seed. Sun was beaten in straight sets 6-3 6-3 by Russian Anna Blinkova in just over an hour again in windy conditions in the seaside town. LATEST HEADLINES: Coll suffers injury problem Hobbs sets sprint record Auckland draw with Boca Big summer of NZ cricket Thomas aims for Temuka win The 24-year-old Sun had two wins and three losses in her Wimbledon build up with the vicotry over top-20 ranked Daria Kasatkina a highlight. Sun, who has a current ranking of 46 reached the reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon last year.with wins over Qinwen Zheng and Emma Raducannu along the way has plenty of ranking points to defend at the tournament in 2025, a good draw will be hoped for. Sun confirmed she will play doubles with Canada's Leylah Fernandez at Wimbledon. They teamed up for the Catalonia Open in May and reached the final.

Lulu Sun has scored an upset win in the first round of Eastbourne PHOTO: WTA Lulu Sun has scored her biggest win since last year’s Wimbledon by beating world No 16 and top seed Daria Kasatkina in the first round of the WTA tournament at Eastbourne.. In her final build up evnet before Wimbledon, Sun, 24 she showed the form that took her to last year’s quarterfinal in the 7-5 2-6 6-3 win over the Australian. LATEST HEADLINES: Steel beat Pulse in Premiership Alker close, Ko, Fox top-20 All Blacks named for France All Whites v Socceroos in Sept Maxwell leads UCI MTB Series Sun and Kasatkina had to battle through blustery conditions that saw the ball "swirling everywhere," as Sun put it afterwards. The scoreline swirled around, too: Sun leapt out to a 4-0 lead, only for Kasatkina to reel off five straight games herself. Sun saved one set point down 5-4 with a delicate volley and managed to close out the opener, The New Zealander had to withstand another momentum shift in the second set before regaining control in the third. The World No. 46 had come into Eastbourne with just a 6-15 season record, but found her flat strikes rewarded on the slick lawns. "I really enjoy playing on grass," Sun said in her on-court interview. "It's a really unique time of the season." Sun will face Russian Anna Blinkova who is ranked 69th in the second round.

Paul Coll has withdrawn from the PSA World Tour Finals New Zealand squash pro Paul Coll is out of the PSA Tour Finals in Toronto, Canada due to injury. The world No 3 suffered an ankle injury during his first group game against England's Mohamed ElShorbagy.winning the match in straight games. LATEST HEADLINES: Hobbs sets sprint record Auckland draw with Boca Big summer of NZ cricket Thomas aims for Temuka win Warriors injury selections However he game no indication of the injury after the match. But then withdrew the next day. Coll was set to face current No 1 Diego Elias of Peru in the next group match but it never began. It means Elias becomes the first player to qualify for the semi-finals after moving top of Group B with seven points. The PSA World Tour Finals involves the top eight men and women in the world with total prize money of $2 million. It's hoped Coll will recover in time for the New Zealand national championships at the North Shore Club early next month.