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Lily Greenough in action at the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in Sarrians France last week PHOTO: CRAIG DUTTON UCI. Nine New Zealander riders are among the record 334 entrants for the UCI BMX Racing World Cup double round at the popular Dutch stronghold of Papendal. It is the 12th time the iconic venue near Arnhem and the German border has hosted the BMX Racing World Cup, which will provide a different test that last week’s opening two rounds at Sarrians in France. LATEST HEADLINES: Lydia Ko offpace, Ryan Fox strong MTB riders chase medals in Italy Venus into semis at ATP London Pulse target Steel in Premiership Black Sticks Men stay unbeaten The Papendal track has a much longer and wide open first straight with tight corners and big jumps. The female pair of junior Lily Greenough and Olympian Leila Walker, both from Cambridge, led the kiwi campaign last weekend and both should be better suited to the Papendal track. Greenough, 17, was superb out of the gate, and the longer and more technical first straight will provide potentially a more beneficial test. The extra distance should also be a positive opportunity for Walker’s noted race craft as she slowly returns to elite racing after injury kept her off the bike until two weeks ago. Both elite men, Michael Bias and Rico Bearman went out in the quarterfinals on both days, and both will be looking for improvement at Papendal, as will fellow elite rider Megan Williams from Rotorua. Finn Cogan was impressive in the U23 Men at Sarrians making it through to the second round after he was on the podium in the French Cup on the same track in Junior Men the previous weekend. Fellow Cambridge rider, Jack Greenough qualified as he battles back from an elbow injury in training. They are joined by North Harbour’s Cooper Richardson, the best in the junior men on day two at Sarrians, and Nick Cowie (Southland).

Lydia Ko has some work to do in round two of the PGA Championship to make the cut PHOTO: GOLF NZ Lydia Ko has an uphill battle to make the cut after a difficult opening round at the latest women's golf major in, Frisco, Texas. The world number three has carded a three over par 75 at the PGA Championship to sit well down the leaderboard in a tie for 58th. LATEST HEADLINES: MTB riders chase medals in Italy Venus into semis at ATP London Pulse target Steel in Premiership Black Sticks Men stay unbeaten Phoenix Women Dutch signing Ko started her round well with a birdie on the first hole, but then bogeyed the third and then the sixth and seventh holes. The back nine was clear until a bogey on the 17th. Thailand's Jeeno Thitikul holds the clubhouse lead at four under. Meanwhile Ryan Fox has made a better start at the latest stop on the PGA Tour in Connecticut. He's carded a one-under par 69 at the Travelers Championship which could have been better except for a double bogey on the par three 16th hole after finding the water hazard off the tee. Otherwise Fox had just one other bogey on the sixth hole to go with birdies at the fifth, 13th, 14th and 18th holes Fox is tied 36th seven shots off the lrsfrtd Austin Eckroat and Scottie Scheffler.

Sammie Maxwell in action at Leogang, Austria. PHOTO: CYCLING NZ New Zealand mountain bikers will be looking to build on recent unprecedented success when the UCI MTB World Series moves to the famed venue of Val di Sole in the mountains among the Dolomites in Trentino, northern Italy. The downhill and cross-country racing again join this weekend, after kiwi riders achieved a remarkable six podiums in Leogang, Austria, including a victory in the junior men to Oli Clark. LATEST HEADLINES: Venus into semis at ATP London Pulse target Steel in Premiership Black Sticks Men stay unbeaten Phoenix Women Dutch signing Crusaders v Chiefs Super final This has been no one-off achievement for kiwi riders this year, with Olympian Samara Maxwell earning a breakthrough victory and three runners-up finishes this year in cross-country where she currently leads the competition. Clark’s historic victory in the junior men’s downhill in Leogang, moved the MS Racing rider to fourth overall. Hawkes Bay junior Tyler Waite (Yeti-Fox) has two second placings this season to sit in second overall with Clark fourth, Jonty Williamson (Yeti Fox, Palmerston North) sixth and Malik Boatwright (High Country, Queenstown) eighth overall. Tauranga’s Eliana Hulsebosch bagged her second podium in junior women at Leogang to move her to second on overall points, with Rotorua’s Kate Hastings and Indy Deavoll (Yeti NZ Development, Queenstown) ninth and 11th respectively. In elite women, Cube Factory rider Jess Blewitt was outstanding, finishing fifth in the elite women at Leogang and this weekend is joined by in-form Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory) along with the return from injury for Sasha Earnest (Trek Factory) and the first appearance for two-time junior world champion, Erice van Leuven (Norco). Val di Sole has a signature downhill course known as the Black Snake, a monster capable of making the slightest mistake costly. In runs over 2.4kms with gradient maxing out at 40 percent and altitude drop of 540m on a course of daunting repute. The cross-country course is a mix of demanding climbs, thrilling descents, and technical challenges over the lap of 4kms with a 200m difference in altitude. It is a real spectacle with threats from boulders and roots. Maxwell has been outstanding in elite cross-country this season, and when a rider has pushed clear, the young kiwi has displayed maturity to ride her own race and achieve strong results. In the elite me,n Paris Olympian Sam Gaze (Alpecin Deceuninck) is slowly working his way back to form after a crash and illness, although he is not placing to many expectations on this weekend. Compatriot Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing) showed encouraging signs in Leogang after being out of the sport for much of last year. “That's the first World Cup race since my illness last year that I've felt truly part of a World Cup again. Most of all, it's nice to feel some good progress and I look forward to Val di Sole,” said Cooper. Competition starts with downhill qualifying starting at 10.30pm Friday (NZ time) and second round qualifying from 1.30am Saturday (NZT). Action turns to cross-country with short track racing from 1.45am Saturday (NZT) with women’s under-23, followed men’s under-23, elite women (3.30am NZT) and elite men (4.10am NZT). Focus goes back to downhill on Saturday with finals for junior women (8.50pm NZT), junior men 9.20pm, elite women 11.30pm and elite men from 1.30am on Sunday. Cross-country resumes on Sunday NZT with under-23 women from 7pm, elite women from 9pm, male elite from 11.30pm and under-23 men from 1.30am on Monday (NZT). New Zealand riders competing at Val di Sole, Italy: Downhill, Men Elite: Angus Ferguson (Christchurch), Sam Gale (Nelson), James Macdermid (Hamilton), Toby Meek (Queenstown), Wyn Masters (Taranaki), Tuhoto-Ariki Pene (MS Racing, Rotorua), Lachie Stevens-McNab (Trek Factory, Rotorua), Luke Wayman (Continental Atherton, Christchurch). Junior: Seppy Binsbergen (New Plymouth), Malik Boatwright (High Road, Queenstown), Oli Clark (MS Racing, Kaikoura), Rory Meek (Queenstown), Sterling Stevens-McNab (Rotorua), Tyler Waite (Yeti Fox, Clive), Jonty Williamson (Yeti Fox, Palmerston North). Women, elite: Jess Blewitt (Cube Factory, Queenstown), Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory, Auckland), Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory, Rotorua), Erice van Leuven (Norco Race, Hutt Valley). Junior: Bellah Birchall (High Country, Rotorua), Indy Deavoll (Yeti NZ Development, Queenstown), Kate Hastings (Rotorua), Eliana Hulsebosch (Santa Cruz Synd, Tauranga). Cross-country, Male elite: Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing Unity, Christchurch), Sam Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck, Cambridge). Female, Elite: Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford, Taupo). Male Under-23: Bailey Fredericksen (Mondraker NZ Academy, Whakatane), Coen Nicol (Taupo), Ethan Rose (Trek Future, Christchurch). Female, Under-23: Amelie Mackay (Christchurch).

New Zealand doubles player Michael Venus is into the semifinal at the London ATP tournament with Nikola Mektic PHOTO: ATP/GETTY IMAGES Kiwi doubles player Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic have beaten top seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic at the Queen’s ATP tournament in London. Venus and Mektic defeated their El Salvadoran and Croatian opponents 6-4 2-6 10-6 to keep the hunt for consecutive titles at the tournament well and truly alive for the New Zealander after winning with Neal Skupski last year. LATEST HEADLINES: Pulse target Steel in Premiership Black Sticks Men stay unbeaten Phoenix Women Dutch signing Crusaders v Chiefs Super final Hobbs equals World Champs time It was the third time this year the two teams have faced each other, with Arevalo and Pavic triumphing in both Miami and Madrid, and they also beat them at the US Open in 2024. Arevalo had his serve broken in the opening game of the match and it was a lead Venus and Mektic didn’t relinquish in the set. Venus dropped his serve in the fourth game of the next set, with the Kiwi double faulting at 30-40. Four games later, Venus was down 0-40 at 2-5, as his opponents had four set points. Venus saved the first three with some big serving, then on the deciding point deuce he slightly missed his timing with a forehand volley, putting the ball into the net when going for a winner. In the super tiebreak, Pavic double faulted at 1-2, which was followed by three more points won by Venus and Mektic. At the second change of ends in the super tiebreak Venus and Mektic were up 7-5 and they progressed through to a 9-6 lead and on the first match point, Arevalo hit a forehand wide. This is the second tournament in a row that Venus and Mektic have reached the semifinals, having also got that far in ’s-Hertogenbosch last week. In Saturday's semifinal, Venus and Mektic will take on Cameron Norrie and Jacob Fearnley.

Maddy Gordon says the Pulse need to step up in ANZ Premiership against the Steel PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRPAHY Back-to-back losses have left the Pulse on wobbly ground as they prepare for a high-stakes rematch against the Southern Steel in ANZ Premiership netball action in Wellington on Monday. An out-of-sorts Pulse have slipped to third spot on the points table and now have the Magic hot on their heels, poised one point behind with just four rounds remaining as the battle for a place in the Finals Series (top three) gathers momentum. LATEST HEADLINES: Black Sticks Men stay unbeaten Phoenix Women Dutch signing Crusaders v Chiefs Super final Hobbs equals World Champs time Illing, James White Ferns contracts ``We’ve all got the fuel to be better,’’ Pulse midcourter Maddy Gordon said. ``It’s always said that losses can be beneficial, that you can improve and get better from them but obviously, it’s a shorter season, so there’s not a lot of time to work things out. ``I’m confident that we can get out of this slump. The main thing is that everyone’s mindset is looking ahead and how we can be better. ``We know how good we can be when we’re all on and we’ve seen that in a couple of games, so it’s just finding that spark again.’’ One real positive for the Pulse has been the form of shooter Amelia Walmsley who has not missed a shot in her previous two matches and sits on top of the league for number of goals scored and highest percentage, at 97 percent accuracy. ``When we get her the ball, she’s getting it in, so it’s how we get her the ball more, which means looking after the ball, less losses as an attacking unit and really working on how we can get her that 100 percent ball because the stats tell a story there,’’ Gordon said. Having a slow start to the season because of injury, Gordon is an influential figure in the midcourt with her big engine and relentless hustle. She has a strong connection with her shooter in providing near-perfect feeds but has been a little frustrated in working her way back. ``I feel like I’m doing okay,’’ she said. ``It’s been a slow climb…..I’ve been on managed loads for a bit but it’s coming and I just need time under the belt. The positive thing is that each game it’s getting a bit better. ``The vision into Amelia is going really well but I want to get a bit more oomph in that defence part and going for things. I’m confident that will come with more time in training, which has also been a bit on and off (in terms of participation).’’ Making the bold decision to move to Wellington from Auckland in her first year out of school has proved life-changing for Gordon. With the aim of playing for Central Manawa in the National Netball League (NNL) and joining the Police Force, Gordon quickly found her feet and her way into the Silver Ferns and as such, a life on the beat, was quickly shelved. ``The ride has been crazy,’’ she said. ``Coming down here playing NNL, working three jobs…I knew it was going to be tough work…….I never would have thought I would be in the Silver Ferns as a 20-year-old (debuting at 21), just because of how my story went and how I had to move so much to be where I am. ``I’ve had to work hard for it. It didn’t just get given to me and where I am now, I never would have thought at 25, I’d be one of the experienced ones at the Pulse, let alone in the Silver Ferns as well. ``It’s definitely been tough but I’ve loved it and wouldn’t change it. The Pulse took a shot with me. I was never a big name, never on the wanted list. I put myself here and it was a case of, `watch me, I’ll show you what I’ve got kind of thing’. And they really did and stuck with me through the whole time. ``They have made me the player I am today and I’m always grateful.’’ For now, Gordon’s got a wary eye on the Steel in what’s shaping as a pivotal match for the Pulse. ``They had a great win last week and they probably weren’t proud of their performance that they put up against us the last time we played (70-45 loss), so we know they’ll be coming,’’ she said. ``They’re probably going to come out with something different, so we also need a plan B but we know what we need to do. We’re excited but we do know that they’re going to come out all guns blazing.’’ Meanwhille Pulse shooter Amelia Walmsley shot 44/44 at 100% against the Tactix in Round 6 the 31st time a player has played a full match and finished with perfect shooting stats. Walmsley’s 100% shooting was her second consecutive match she’s not missed while playing a full match after her 38/38 against the Mystics in Round 5. No player has ever shot three 100% full matches in the ANZ Premiership. In other Round 7 matches the Magic host the Mystics on Friday afternoon with the home side claiming just one win over their northern neighbours in the last seven clashes. On Sunday afternoon it's the Tactix at home in Christchurch against the Stars who are in struggle street. However the last time they played it was 57-52 in favour of the Stars in Auckland.

Another comeback win for the Black Sticks at the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia PHOTO: FIH NATIONS CUP The Black Sticks Men's team have swept through pool play at the FIH Nations Cup in Malaysia after a 4-3 win over Pakistan. They will now meet Korea, who finished second in the other pool in the semifinals. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix Women Dutch signing Crusaders v Chiefs Super final Hobbs equals World Champs time Illing, James White Ferns contracts Sun down, Routliffe, Venus wins The first penalty corner of the game was presented to the Blacksticks in the seventh minute and Nic Woods forced a drag-flick through the left-post defender to kickstart the scoring. Pakistan them built momentum as Abdul Rehman equalised from a drag-flick into the top right of the New Zealand net with trow minutes remaining in the quarter.net. Just 60 seconds later they scored again pouncing on a mishit. The second quarter was less eventful until, just before half-time, Pakistan won the ball in the New Zealand half and surged forward. Waheed Ashraf Rana scored his third of the tournament, nipping the ball over the line as Rehman had done and making it 3-1. The second half began with Blackstick chances, as six penalty corners ultimately resulted in a mechanical Scott Cosslett delivering two superbly similar drag-flicks into the bottom left corner. With scores level in the final quarter, Cosslett completed his hat-trick, this drag-flick slightly more lofted than the others so that it bulged the net with a satisfaction that was emblematic of a complete Blacksticks comeback. New Zealand became the only side in the competition to have a perfect record. Cosslett’s hat-trick wrestled back all three points and earned him Player of the Match. He paid tribute to the third Kiwi comeback in as many games: “We’re just trusting our processes. [We’ve had] a little slow start the past two days but we believe in ourselves and just credit to the boys, really well done," said Cosslett.

Tessel Middag comes to the Phoenix with huge expereience PHOTO: RANGERS FOOTBALL The Wellington Phoenix have made another big signing in the A-League off-season with former Dutch international Tessel Middag joining the side. Middag will team up with Dominican Republic captain Lucía León and American defender Ellie Walker as the women’s first three new additions for the 2025-26 A-League. LATEST HEADLINES: Crusaders v Chiefs Super final Hobbs equals World Champs time Illing, James White Ferns contracts Sun down, Routliffe, Venus wins Warriors named to face Panthers Middag, 32, has spent the past four seasons at Rangers FC in Scotland, where she won six trophies, after also lifting silverware in England and the Netherlands. She has been capped 44 times by her country at senior level and played at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd is thrilled to have signed a player of Middag’s calibre. “We are delighted to welcome Tessel to the Wellington Phoenix whānau,” Shepherd said. “Tessel brings a wealth of experience to the club, having earned more than 40 caps for the Netherlands and played for some of the top clubs and leagues in the world — including Ajax, Manchester City, West Ham, Fiorentina and most recently Rangers FC. “Her technical quality and leadership are qualities we’re excited to add to the team. “A versatile player, Tessel has spent much of her career in midfield, while recently excelling as a centre back at Rangers. “Her passing range, combined with her ability to create and score goals, will be a tremendous asset. “Off the pitch, Tessel is known for her humility and work ethic. “She will no doubt help unlock the potential of our top young talents and bring invaluable experience and a winning mentality to key moments, having already lifted silverware at the highest levels.” Middag hopes her wealth of experience can help the Phoenix and her new teammates. “That was one of the things that excited me when I spoke to Amy,” Middag said. “I would love to win something with this club and be part of the first Phoenix team to lift a trophy. “At all of the clubs I’ve played for we’ve competed for trophies and I want to be able to do that in Wellington.” As well as being a decorated footballer, Middag has a Master of Arts degree in history and uses her voice to draw attention to social issues such as climate change, equality and racism. The fact the Phoenix women have access to the world class facilities at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) was a massive pull for her. “During initial discussions with the Phoenix, I asked about the facilities, how many fulltime staff members there are, what the training surface is like and those kinds of things. “I learnt that the Phoenix have extremely good facilities. I haven’t been able to see them with my own eyes yet, but NZCIS looks amazing on the videos and the pictures. “I’m quite excited about the daily interaction between the different sports teams at NZCIS, whether it’s football, rugby or any other sport.” Middag has a couple of other reasons for deciding to move to the other side of the world to play in the A-League. “It seems to be a very competitive league. After four years at Rangers I was looking to find a new league where every game is tough and you can win or lose, and it seems like the A-League can offer that. “Additionally, my girlfriend is from New Zealand so playing for the Phoenix is an attractive opportunity for me on and off the field. “Being from the Netherlands comes with its challenges. I’ve been playing abroad for nine years, but I’ve always been one flight away from my family and friends. “It was a bit of a process for me to emotionally make the move, but I’ve decided to do it and embrace the adventure. “I’m excited to go to New Zealand, explore the country and understand what Kiwi and Māori culture is all about.” Middag is the 12th player confirmed in the Wellington Phoenix women’s squad for the 2025-26 A-League, with further signings and re-signings to follow in the coming weeks.

Zoe Hobbs won the women's 100m in Finland PHOTO: ATHLETICS NZ/LOUIE HAFIELD Kiwi Zoe Hobbs has won the women's 100m race at the Paavo Nurmi Games, in Turku, Finland, with a time of 11.09 seconds in the heats followed 11.07 seconds for victory in the final. The winning time equalled the World Athletics Championships entry standard of 11.07. LATEST HEADLINES: Illing, James White Ferns contracts Sun down, Routliffe, Venus wins Warriors named to face Panthers Savea to take Japan sabbatical Temuka squash with glass court Second in the final was Hungarian Boglarka Takacs in a time of 11.11 seconds with Thelma Davies from Liberia third in 11.14 seconds. After the race Hobbs was thrilled to put everything together. "Amazing conditions here. Amazing crowd, it's my first time runnere here in Finland, so I'm happy with today's preformance and I'll take the win.," said the 27-year-old from Taranaki. "I think the fact it is a World Champs stanard as well takes a little bit of weight off my sholders and to piece together a race that I know has been there in training. I've been a little bit frustrated with my comps lately and there has been some good things and some bad things in training before I left home i just didn't feel like I could put it down onto the track. Having two weeks training under my belt and getting some solid training in Europe with my coach over here has been a massive help," said Hobbs

Bella James (right) moves onto the field with Suzie Bates to face Australia at the Basin Reserve PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Auckland Hearts’ left-arm seamer Bree Illing and Otago Sparks’ batter Bella James have earned their first White Ferns central contracts for the 2025-26 season. Twenty-one-year-old Illing made her domestic debut in 2022 and has quickly climbed the ranks, becoming the Hearts’ leading wicket-taker three seasons later. LATEST HEADLINES: Sun down, Routliffe, Venus wins Warriors named to face Panthers Savea to take Japan sabbatical Temuka squash with glass court Sophie Devine retires from ODI's Her left-arm swing has proved a force to be reckoned with, claiming 29 wickets across both formats this season, 21 of which were during the Hearts’ Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield campaign at an average of 21, including two four-wicket bags: 4-39 and 4-49. Illing’s memorable summer continued when she made her ODI and T20I debuts against Sri Lanka, claiming six wickets across the two series, including the prized wicket of visiting captain Chamari Athapaththu on two occasions. James’ contract comes after several seasons of hard work on the domestic scene which earned her a maiden international call up nearly ten years on from the day in 2014 when she made her Sparks debut at just 16-years-old.. James has been a key part in the Sparks’ batting unit, producing consistent performances throughout the season and assisting the Sparks in claiming back-to-back HBJ Shield titles. Her ball-striking confidence was evident on her White Ferns debut when she struck her first international boundary, a six, off the ICC’s third-ranked ODI bowler, Megan Schutt, during December’s Rosebowl series against Australia. Illing and James, who are currently on a New Zealand A tour in England, assume the contract vacancies left by the recently retired Hayley Jensen, and Sophie Devine - who opted for a casual playing agreement. NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green said the contracting round was competitive. “A big congratulations to all 17 players,” said Green. “We’re especially excited to welcome Bree and Bella onto the central contract list for the first time. “Both thoroughly deserve their place and we’re excited to see what they’re going to bring to the group in what promises to be a huge year for the New Zealand with ODI and T20 World Cups within the contract period.” White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer praised Illing and James. “Bree had an outstanding series against Sri Lanka,” said Sawyer. “To show up the way she did against a world class batter like Chamari shows she’s ready for international cricket. “Bella’s been a consistent performer at the domestic level and had a great debut series against Australia last year. “She’s got the competencies that we believe will succeed at the international level.” The full list of players centrally contracted for 2025-2026 is: Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.

The glass court being constructied for the PSA Challenger squash tournamenrt PHOTO: SUPPLIED Something special and never seen before is about to appear in the South Island town of Temuka. Not only will there be squash players from an 14 different nations lining up for the Trust Midlands Aoraki PSA Challenger tournament in Temuka. But he majority of matches will be played on a full international glass squash court. LATEST HEADLINES: Sophie Devine retires from ODI's Black Sticks Men defeat Malaysia Mystics hold off Magic in Premiership Porteous steps away from top skiing   Fox top-20 US Open, Garvey top-five A lot of planning and work has gone into getting the court into the region with several days of assembly for a crew of volunteers. "The glass court has been transported down from Christchurch after being used at the successful NZ Squash Open earlier in the year. The court build is underway and is led by a specialist from the UK who is flown in specifically for the task," said Tournament Director Vicki Rae. "It's going to be an amazing event, the likes of Temuka and surrounding area hasn't seen before. For a small country town to host an event of this calibre is a major coup. "Temuka and the wider community have really got on board, and we have received great support. We've got schools from the local area coming to the venue and being involved in interactive activities and watching matches. The corporate tables are selling really well. The event is for the whole community not just squash players and we are excited to showcase our great sport," said Rae who is also the District Manager for Squash Midlands. The top seeded players in the men's draw include former world No 1 junior Rowan Damming from the Netherlands, second seed is kiwi Elijah Thomas who is ranked just outside the top 100 and has had a good record over the past couple of months reaching the final of two PSA Challenger events. Third men's seed is Leo Chung from Hong Kong followed by Hafiz Zhafri from Malaysia. The women's entry list is headed by New Zealand's Ella Lash who has a world ranking of 127 and will face competition from second seed Kincso Szász from Hungary. Seeded third is Kiwi-Brit Jasmine Thirst followed by Hawkes Bay's Jena Gregory, a recent finalist at the Auckland Open. A number of local players have been given positions in the draws to compete with the professionals while there are also graded tournaments at local clubs as well. The tournament runs 25-29 June and is part of the Temuka Squash Club 50th Jubilee with all finals on the glass court.

Lulu Sun was beaten in front of a lrage crowd at Nottingham in the first round PHOTO: WTA Michael Venus and Erin Routliffe have won their first round matches in the second week of the grass court season, but Lulu Sun suffered a loss in Nottingham. In Berlin, Routliffe and her Ukrainian partner Lyudmyla Kichenok defeated Chan Hao-Ching from Chinese Taipei and Australia’s Ellen Perez 7-6(6) 6-4. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors named to face Panthers Savea to take Japan sabbatical Temuka squash with glass court Sophie Devine retires from ODI's Black Sticks Men defeat Malaysia Second seed Routliffe and Kichenok were pushed by their opponents, but ihat they were able to come away with the victory in a serve-dominated match, with one break each in the first set and a decisive break for Routliffe and Kichenok in the second. In the quarterfinals, Routliffe and Kichenok will play against Tereza Mihalikova from Slovakia and Britain’s Olivia Nicholls. At Queen’s in London, Venus and Mektic defeated Brandon Nakashima and Francis Tiafoe 7-5 6-2. The match lasted 65 minutes, with Venus and Mektic securing the only break in the penultimate game of the first set. In the second set, they got an early break against the American singles specialists and then another one later to secure a spot in the quarterfinals. For their next match, they go up against the top seeds Marcelo Arevalo from El Salvador and Croatia’s Mate Pavic, a contest that will be a big test for both teams, less than two weeks out from Wimbledon. Meanwhile, Sun lost 6-2 6-2 to Katie Boulter, so will head to Eastbourne for her final tournament before the third grand slam of the year begins on June 30. Boulter had won the Nottingham WTA 250 tournament for the past two years, so was on a 10-match winning streak at the venue heading into her match against Sun. The match was tighter than the scoreline may suggest, with Boulter having five break points, compared to four for Sun. But the Brit was able to save all of them against her, while Sun was broken on four occasions.

Will the Warriors be celebrating again when they play the Panthers PHOTO: NRL Queensland second rower Kurt Capewell won’t back up from State of Origin duty for the One New Zealand Warriors’ sold-out NRLmatch against four-time premiers the Penrith Panthers at Go Media Stadium on Saturday The 31-year-old 170-game veteran is back on the Origin stage for game two of the 2025 series against New South Wales at Optus Stadium in Perth Wednesday LATEST HEADLINES: Savea to take Japan sabbatical Temuka squash with glass court Sophie Devine retires from ODI's Black Sticks Men defeat Malaysia Mystics hold off Magic in Premiership With Capewell facing a long flight back to Auckland arriving home early on Friday, head coach Andrew Webster has opted against including him in the extended squad for the Warriors’ first clash against the Panthers at Go Media Stadium in six years. Capewell’s absence has forced another change in the centres with Rocco Berry not yet ready to return from a hamstring issue while Ali Leiataua is sidelined for five to six weeks with an ankle injury. It results in an NRL recall for Moala Graham-Taufa who made three appearances for the club last season, the last of them in the round 22 loss to Parramatta on August 2. The 23-year-old Marist Saints junior is the top try scorer for the Warriors’ table-topping New South Cup side with 11 tries in 12 matches. In another lineup change, seasoned hooker Wayde Egan returns after missing the 40-10 round 14 win over Cronulla Sutherland with a hip injury. Sam Healey, called in at the 11th hour, reverts to the extended bench. Egan aside, Webster has named the same starting pack used against the Sharks with Marata Niukore at prop alongside captain James Fisher-Harris and Leka Halasima and Jacob Laban in the second row. Rookie prop Tanner Stowers-Smith, today re-signed until 2028, is on the interchange again for what will be his third NRL appearance. The match doubles as a milestone occasion for interchange utility Te Maire Martin and Niukore. Martin started his career with Penrith in 2016 and will now play his 100th match against his original club on Saturday while Niukore makes his 50th appearance for the Warriors. Coming off a bye after their impressive 40-10 round 14 win over Cronulla Sutherland, the Warriors lie second equal on the NRL ladder on 24 points with Canberra after winning 10 of 13 games so far. Warriors : Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, Adam Pompey, Moala Graham-Taufa, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf; James Fisher-Harris, Wayde Egan, Marata Niukore, Leka Halasima, Jacob Laban, Erin Clark. Interchange: Te Maire Martin, Jackson Ford, Demitric Vaimauga, Tanner Stowers-Smith. Reserves: Samuel Healey, Bunty Afoa, Tanah Boyd, Edward Kosi, Eddie Ieremia-Toeava.