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Erika Fairweather congratulates Milana Tapper following the 200m freestyle. PHOTO: SIMON WATTS/BW MEDIA. Teen Milana Tapper stole the show with a powerful swim on the penultimate day of the 2025 New Zealand Swimming Championships in Auckland. Competing in the women's 200m freestyle, 19-year-old Tapper started strong and stayed close to Olympian Erika Fairweather to eventually beat her at the wall as the pair both finished under the qualification time for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. LATEST HEADLINES: Teens in Auckland Squash final Auckland FC shock loss in semis Pulse win big over Stars in netball Crusaders escape, Hurricanes win Ouwehand 50m butterfly record “It was actually a bit of a battle, I took it out harder than I normally would,” said Tapper post race. “I knew I needed to go hard early and put my foot down, and then just hold on for that last hundred. I’m just so grateful for that result and I can’t believe I made the time.” Fairweather finished first in 1:56.56s, with Tapper just behind in 1:57.95s to qualify for her first long course world event. Caitlin Deans placed third. In the men’s 200m Freestyle teenager Kevin Zhang was a cut above, pacing his race well to touch the wall in 1:50.69s and win his first open national title. Louis Clark was second and James Leigh third. In the multi class racing, three-time Paralympic champion Cameron Leslie (S4) produced a beautiful swim, to go more than 10-seconds under the World Para Swimming Championships qualification time in the 100m Freestyle. Leslie powered across the pool, clocking a fast time of 1:26.03s to place second. Daniel Smith took the win in 55.65s in an S19 New Zealand record time, followed by Ian Chen (S19) in 59.84s for third. The men’s 50m Breaststroke multi class final was another great race which saw two New Zealand records broken. Daniel Smith was on a mission, placing first in an SB19 national record time of 31.64s. Commonwealth Games champion Joshua Wilmer (SB8) placed second in 33.67s, while Asher Smith-Franklin set an SB14 national record in 32.48s for third place. In the women’s 100m Freestyle multi class final Gaby Smith (S10) added another title to her name, touching the wall in 1:05.92s. Lili-Fox Mason (S10) placed second and Rylee Sayer (S7) third. Charlotte Murphy (SB6) took the national title in the women’s 50m Breaststroke multi class final. The Aquagym swimmer powered home in 1:03.66s, ahead of Melissa Donoghue (SB18) who placed second in 1:11.50s. In the open swimming Monique Wieruszowski made it a clean sweep in the Breaststroke, winning the 100m title to go alongside the 50m and 200m titles she won earlier in the meet. The 17-year-old was tested, with Zyleika Pratt-Smith hot on her tail, but Wieruszowski pulled ahead in the last 25m to claim the win in 1:09.68s - again swimming under the time required for the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. Pratt-Smith placed second and Melissa Cowen third.

The Auckland FC side couldn't quite reach the A-League Grand Final PHOTO: AUCKLAND FC Melbourne Victory have stunned Premiership winners Auckland FC, 2-0 in the second leg of the semifnal tie at Go Media Stadium for a 2-1 aggregate win. Played in front of a raucous atmosphere, Victory astounded the home crowd in the 55th minute as midfielder Zinedine Machach’s deflected low drive nestled into the back of the net past Alex Paulsen LATEST HEADLINES: Pulse win big over Stars in netball Crusaders escape, Hurricanes win Ouwehand 50m butterfly record Early shocks Auckland Squash Open Jensen leaves international cricket The goal made it 1-1 on aggregate and swung the pressure back onto the home side in their first season. Five minutes later the away side made it 2-0 as Bruno Fornaroli rounded off a brilliant team move to slot the ball beyond Paulsen from inside the box to completely turn the tie on it’s head. A constant threat at set-pieces, Auckland had their first real sight of goal in the 25th minute and it came from a devilish curling corner from winger Marlee Francois that saw Victory keeper Jack Duncan claw the ball out from under his crossbar before the defence eventually cleared their lines. Desperately chasing an equaliser Go Media Stadium exploded in the 69th minute as Logan Rogerson headed the ball into the back of the net but the joy was short-lived as May’s cross had seemingly gone out of play before it was finished by his teammate The home side threw everything at Victory in the final stages of the game and defender Nando Pijnaker had an effort cleared off the line in the dying seconds But Victory showed what A-League royalty means and what ending the season on a high can do for a club as they qualified for the Grand Final for the second consecutive season. For Auckland FC, Steve Corica’s side suffer heartbreak in their quest to win the Premiership/Championship double in their first season in existence in front of a record domestic crowd of 29,148.

The Tactix left it late, but still managed a win over the Magic PHOTO: MICHAEL BRADLEY PHOTOGRAPHY/NETALL NZ A big last quarter helped the Tactix hold on for a tight 48-44 win over a gallant Magic in Hamilton on Sunday. With both teams coming into the match off losses, there was plenty of pride at stake, the game providing an exciting spectacle which ebbed and flowed as the lead changed hands numerous times. LATEST HEADLINES: Kiwi riders down order UCI MTB Tapper beats swim champs time Teens in Auckland Squash final Auckland FC shock loss in semis Pulse win big over Stars in netball With the Tactix leading by one heading into the final quarter, the game was there for the taking, both teams having their opportunities but the unrelenting defence provided for 60 minutes by the old firm of Karin Burger and Jane Watson proved the deciding factor. Both were inspiring figures throughout as they hauled the Tactix back into the contest during lulls in their momentum. Still searching for their first win but coming away with a bonus point for finishing within five, the Magic produced their best outing of the season and had strong contributors in captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio and influential defenders Georgie Edgecombe and Georgia Tong. With Ali Wilshier ruled out after suffering a head knock last week, seasoned campaigner Ariana Cable-Dixon was introduced as her replacement in the Magic midcourt. For the Tactix, Martina Salmon got the nod at goal shoot in a settled line-up. Strong defence was a feature from both teams early on which forced the respective attacking ends into multiple phases of play while testing patience. With long-serving Tactix goal attack Te Paea Selby-Rickit orchestrating play at the front end of the court, through pin-point delivery to Salmon under the hoop, the visitors gradually got the better of the arm-wrestle. At the other end, the accomplished defensive pairing of Watson and Burger combined with wing defence Paris Lokotui, forced the Magic shooters to work overtime as errors also crept in for the home side. A Selby-Rickit two-pointer pushed the Tactix to handy lead before a buzzer time two-pointer from Saviour Tui left the Magic within touching distance when trailing 15-10 at the first break. The second stanza resumed in similar fashion with the Tactix continuing to dictate through their smothering defence as they covered every Magic move. In a flash, two quick turnovers to tireless Magic wing defence Edgecombe and fellow midcourter Claire O’Brien provided the impetus for a resurgent reply from the home team. With Ekenasio showing her flair and touch around the shooting circle and the athletic Tong picking up crucial defensive intercepts, the bounce returned to the Magic’s play. Evening out the possession stakes, Tui nailed a big two-pointer to level the scores, the home side hanging on to nudge into a slim 25-24 lead at the main break. Ellie Bird replaced Salmon for the second half, with the steady and patient feeding from Erikana Pedersen and Holly Mather swinging momentum back to the Tactix, the visitors breaking the goal-for-goal impasse to re-take the lead. With Tactix midcourter Lokotui suspended for two minutes for dangerous play, the Magic tried mightily to take advantage of the one player advantage but the visitors did a commendable job of keeping the hosts at bay. Watson, Burger and Mather were terrific in keeping the Magic shooters away from shooting positions and the ball during this phase to negate the damage while ticking over the one-pointers at the other end. The Tactix stifling defensive presence nudged the southerners into the lead, a Tui two-pointer bringing the Magic back to the cusp in an exciting spectacle when the teams headed to the last break with the visitors holding a narrow 36-35 lead and the match delicately poised.

The Warriors have had their winning run stopped by the Raiders PHOTO: NRL GRAPHIC The Canberra Raiders have defended their way to a tense victory over the Warriors at a sold-out Go Media Stadium. It stopped the Warriors as they looked for a sixth consecutive win and the hope of equalling the Bulldogs at the top of the table. LATEST HEADLINES: Harrison wins fifth Auckland title Tactix hold Magic in Premiership Kiwi riders down order UCI MTB Tapper beats swim champs time Teens in Auckland Squash final Roger Tuivasa-Scheck scored from a sweeping move in a tackle having to roll on his back to place the ball down in the 24 minute for the first try of the game. Tom Starling then replied for the visitors eight minutes later and the sides went to the break 8-8 as the rain continued. Jamal Fogarty scored with 18 minutes to play to put his side up by six points, however the Warriors spent the remainder of the match camped inside the attacking 20 metres. The Raiders scrambled desperately to repel multiple waves of attack. The match-winning play came with less than two minutes remaining when Corey Horsburgh and Morgan Smithies chopped down a charging Marata Niukore before rolling him to hold him up over the line. The try-saving tackle secured a hard-fought 16-10 victory in wet conditions in front of more than 26,000 fans in Auckland. Canberra Raiders 16 (Tom Starling, Jamal Fogarty tries Jamal Fogarty 2 con, 2 pen) Warriors 10 (Roger Tuivasa-Sheck try; Luke Metcalf con, 2 pen) HT: 8-8

Auckland Squash Open finalists - women's runner-up Jen Gregory, winner Lana Harrison, men's winner Harith Danial, men's runner-up Low Wa Sern PHOTO: PICABOO PICTURES A win for a veteran of squash in New Zealand and a victory for one of the best juniors in the world at the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open. Former professional Lana Harrison won her fifth Auckland Open title in the women's PSA Satellite tournament in straight games over Hawkes Bay's Jena Gregory using plenty of power in the process. LATEST HEADLINES: Tactix hold Magic in Premiership Kiwi riders down order UCI MTB Tapper beats swim champs time Teens in Auckland Squash final Auckland FC shock loss in semis Her first title dated back to 2008 there was then a 12-year gap before titles in 2020, 22 and 2023. Harrison won the 2025 title on her 34th birthday as she dominated Gregory with her high-paced and high-intensity play. Gregory, 21, struggled to get into the match as Harrison gave her no time or space to settle for a 11-6, 11-6, 11-1 victory at the North Shore Squash Club. Lana Harrison looks to play a shot off the back wall in the final of the Auckland Squash Open PHOTO: PICABOO PICTURES With the title Harrison moves past former Commonwealth Games rep, Amanda Landers-Murphy who won four consecutive titles 2011-14. Other big names to have won the women's title since 2000 include Leilani Joyce, Carol Owens, Shelley Kitchen, Jacqueline Hawkes and Joelle King. The men's final between the two Malaysian teenagers went the full distance as Harith Danial who turned 19 during the tournament beat Low Wa Sern, 18. The par had been two of the best juniors in the world of late and proved their worth with Danial taking the title 11-5, 2-11, 16-14, 10-12 10-6. It was the first PSA Challenger title for Danial who held off his acrobatic countryman in a superb display of squash which bodes well for their futures. Previous winners of the tournament include Martin Khight, Paul Coll, Campbell Grayson as well as recent Commonwealth Games players Evan Williams, Lance Beddoes and brothers Lwamba and Temwa Chileshe

Low Wa Sern from Malaysia throws himself for a shot in the Auckland Open PHOTO: PICABOO PICTURES Two of the worlds best junior squash players will contest the men's final at the 2025 Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open  Low Wa Sern from Malaysia and countryman Harith Danial will square off for the PSA Challenger title as they start their professional careers LATEST HEADLINES: Auckland FC shock loss in semis Pulse win big over Stars in netball Crusaders escape, Hurricanes win Ouwehand 50m butterfly record Early shocks Auckland Squash Open Sern overcame Jooyoung Na from Korea who was a beaten finalist at the World Junior Championship last year in a high-energy contest which saw both players display great shot-making skills. However, Sern was too quick and agile around the court using his speed to get into position and create winning opportunities for 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 win.  The other men's semifinal was slightly more sedate with Australian Ben Ratcliffe able to keep involved in long rallies against Danial who turned 19 that day. Ratcliffe was able to take the first set 11-8 as the Malaysian was too loose in his shots.  But from the second set onwards Danial grew into his game and was able to close out the match 11-5, 11-5, 11-8. Earlier in the day the two remaining New Zealanders in the men's draw William Donnelly and Freddie Jameson lost to Harith and Ratcliffe respectively, both in straight games. Jena Gregory in action through to th efinal of teh Auckland Open PHOTO: PICKABOO PHOTOS The women's PSA Satellite final will be contested between four-time former champion Lana Harrison and top seed Jena Gregory.  Harrison from Auckland played her typical fast-paced style to defeat Winona-Jo Joyce (Bay of Plenty) in straight games while Gregory originally from Hawkes Bay won over Auckland's Anna Hughes in four games.  Finals run from 2pm for women and 3pm for men, Sunday at the North Shore Squash Club. Results: Women's semifinals Harrison bt Joyce 11-4, 11-9 11-4 Gregory bt Hughes 11-3, 7-11, 11-8, 11-8 Women's quarterfinals Jena Gregory bt Maiden-Lee Coe 8-11, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11 11-8, Anna Hughes bt Sophie Hodge 3-11 11-5, 11-4, 13-11, Lana Harrison bt Emma Merson 9-11, 9-11, 14-12 11-4, 11-7,  Winona-Jo Joyce bt Lily Rae 12-10 11-9 11-6 Men's semifinals [12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. [3] Benjamin Ratcliffe (AUS)3-1: 8-11, 11-5, 11-5, 11-8 (47m) [13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. [5] Jooyoung Na (KOR)3-0: 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 (35m) Men's quarterfinals  [12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. [8] William Donnelly (NZL)3-0: 11-7, 14-12, 11-9 (37m) [3] Benjamin Ratcliffe (AUS) bt. [14] Freddie Jameson (NZL)3-0: 11-9, 11-9, 11-6 (32m) [5] Jooyoung Na (KOR) bt. [15] Youngjo Ko (KOR)3-2: 11-8, 5-11, 11-7, 7-11, 13-11 (62m) [13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. [9] Jaejin Yoo (KOR)3-0: 11-8, 11-4, 11-7 (29m)

Sammie Maxwell heads to the finish straight at the UCI MTB cross-country short track race in Nove Mesto Na Morave in the Czech Republic PHOTO: DECATHLON FORD New Zealand riders, Sammie Maxwell and Sam Gaze were impeded in an aggressive short track cross-country races at the UCI MTB World Series in Nove Mesto Na Moravé in the Czech Republic. Series leader after two rounds in Brazil, Maxwell came down in a melee involving several riders in the high-speed short track race, eventually getting back on the bike to finish 36th which means a fourth-row start in tomorrow’s main race. LATEST HEADLINES: Tapper beats swim champs time Teens in Auckland Squash final Auckland FC shock loss in semis Pulse win big over Stars in netball Crusaders escape, Hurricanes win “In all seriousness, thanks to the crowds today for cheering me on even when I was out the action and thanks to everyone who picked me up and dusted me off,” said Maxwell. “Now we put the pieces together again, bandage this wounded soldier, and get ready for another chance to show off all the hard work I've put in since Brazil.” Long track world champion Puck Pieterse (NED) won the sprint finish over series leader Evie Richards (GBR). Likewise Gaze, a world champion in short track, pushed up from 37th on the grid in his first world series appearance this year. The Alpecin Deceuninck professional showed his speed to join the front group but got shuttled back behind crashes on the final lap to finish in ninth place, 11 seconds behind the winner Christopher Blevins (USA). “Today it was tick-the-box for a first short track and now I look forward to a nice race tomorrow given where my training prep is at,” said Gaze, who has been part of the Alpecin Deceuninck road cycling campaign in recent weeks. “I am ok with the effort today. I made a few tactical errors having not raced a short track for a while. In hindsight I should have been a bit more patient. “I tried to play it simple and move on that last lap but got held up behind the crashes and I didn’t have the legs but overall I am quite happy and think it has served me well for the race tomorrow.” Gaze will start on the second row with compatriot Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing) on the sixth row in his return to World Series racing. In the under-23 race, Canterbury’s Ethan Rose (Trek Future) starts on the fourth row, with fellow kiwis Coen Nicol, 30th in his first short track race, on row five with fellow Mondraker NZ Academy rider Bailey Fredericksen from Whakatane on row 12 in a packed field of 107 starters, Meanwhile Maxwell, the series leader coming in to this round, will start on row four with Yeti rider Amélie Mackay from Christchurch to start in the under-23 race. Short track results: Women Elite: Puck Pieterse (NED) 20:22, 1; Evie Richards (GBR) same time, 2; Linda Indergand (SUI) same time, 3. Also: Samara Maxwell (Decathlon Ford, NZL) at 1:24, 36. Men Elite: Christopher Blevins (USA) 20:07, 1; Victor Koretzky (FRA) same time, 2; Filipo Colombo (SUI) at 1s, 3. Also NZers: Sam Gaze (Alpecin-Deceuninck) at 11s, 9. Women Under-23: Ava Holmgren (CAN) 20:43, 1; Isabella Holmgren (CAN) at 1s, 2; Ella MacPhee (CAN) same time, 3.

The Crusaders hung on for a win over the Highlanders PHOTO: SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC The Crusaders have done just enough to overcome their determined South Island rivals and take over the top of the Super Rugby points table. Winning 15-12 in Christrchurch over the Highlanders came down to prop Tamaiti charging over for a try in the 71st minute. LATEST HEADLINES: Ouwehand 50m butterfly record Early shocks Auckland Squash Open Jensen leaves international cricket Mayne new Football Ferns coach North and South Island Supercars Sevu Reece scored his 66th try, a record in Super Rugby after some nerves trying to cross the line over the past few weeks The Highlanders also scored a try in each half as Jonah Lowe dotted down in the first and Taine Robinson in the second Highlanders reserve first-five Cam Millar had the chance to send the game to extra-time, but pushed his penalty attempt wide. The win sees the Crusaders move back to the top of the points table with 45 points, two ahead of the Brumbies with the Chiefs on 41 but a game to be played against Moana Pasifika. The Hurricanes secured up a Super Rugby playoff spot with a 31-27 triumph over the Reds in Brisbane. It was the 10th consecutive win for the Canes over the Reds dating back to 2013 and moves them into fourth place on the table. The Hurricane led 26-13 at the break, after a three minute burst to end the first 40 saw Cam Roigard and Billy Proctor cross for tries. Fehi Fineanganofo scored a try in each half while Cam Roigard continued his scoring while both Billy Proctor Rueben Love kept putting their hands up for national selection with a try each. The Reds mounted a come back, but a late try sealed the result for the Hurricanes. Hurricanes backrower Du'Plessis Kirifi was huge at the breakdown, helping the Reds slide to a 2-4 record from their past six games after leading the competition less than two months ago. Crusaders 15 (Sevu Reece, Tamaiti Williams tries; Rivez Reihana pen, con) Highlanders 12 (Jonah Lowe, Taine Robinson tries; Robinson con). HT: 10-5. Hurricanes 31 (Fehi Fineanganofo 2 tries, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor tries; Love 3 con) Reds 27 (Tate McDermott 2 tries, Joe Brial try; Tom Lynagh 3 con, 2 pen). HT: 26-13.

Hazel Ouwehand celebrates breaking her own butterfly record PHOTO: SIMON WATTS BW MEDIA Paris Olympian Hazel Ouwehand has broken the record in the 50m butterfly at the New Zealand Swimming Championships in Auckland. The 25-year-old powered across the pool to post a time of 25.43s and shatter her own record by .45 of a second. LATEST HEADLINES: Early shocks Auckland Squash Open Jensen leaves international cricket Mayne new Football Ferns coach North and South Island Supercars Three debutants in Black Sticks “That felt phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal,” said Ouwehand. “That was the goal going into it tonight, was to break my NZ record, I’ve been really close to it the last few months and I knew that I had it in me. I was thinking 25.66s, but to go 25.43s, I’m beyond happy.” As well as breaking the national record the time has also qualified Ouwehand for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. The swim was notable with two other athletes also going under the qualification time for the World Aquatics Championships. 18-year-old Zoe Pedersen continued her strong meet, placing second in 26.15s, Thirty-two-year-old Laura Quilter capped off her comeback from retirement, placing third in 26.22s. It is the first time New Zealand has ever had three Butterfly athletes swim a World Champs qualification time. Earlier in the evening Olympians Erika Fairweather, Eve Thomas and Caitlin Deans delivered an exciting 400m Freestyle final to all swim under the qualification time for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships. Fairweather built a healthy lead as she maintained a good pace throughout her favoured race. The 21-year-old swimmer touched the wall in 4:03.06s, more than 7-seconds under the World Champs qualification time. Deans and Thomas were again locked in a battle for second place, swimming neck and neck for the entire race. Thomas took a slight lead into the last 50m, which she held to finish in 4:08.05, just ahead of Deans in 4:08.81s. The times saw all three of the swimmers qualify for the 400m Freestyle at the World Championships to be held in Singapore in July. “I wasn’t thrilled with my time and I felt like I left a little bit out there but it’s great that three of us qualified,” said Fairweather. “I’m really enjoying the week and especially seeing some young athletes swim some great times,” said Fairweather. The race also saw a great swim from 17-year-old Alyssa Tapper who clocked 4:15.76s to again go under the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships qualification time. The women’s 100m Backstroke had two athletes tying for first place. Coast swimmers Milan Glintmeyer and Amber George were unable to be separated, both finishing in exactly 1:00.84s to share the national title, with the time seeing Glintmeyer again qualify for the event at the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. Tess Whineray finished in third. Kane Follows added another national title to his name in the 100m Backstroke, but he was made to work for it by Zac Dell. Dell held the lead at the halfway mark but a strong second 50m from Follows saw him take the win in 55.23s. Dell placed second and Jasper Cornish third. Ariel Muchirahondo also had a great swim in the 100m Backstroke, setting a 16 years national age group record in 56.58s. The result saw him again swim under the qualification time for the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships. In the multi class swimming Rylee Sayer again swam under the qualification time for the World Para Swimming Championships. Competing in the 50m Butterfly the S7 swimmer clocked a time of 37.36s for the win. Gaby Smith took second and Lili-Fox Mason third. Three-time Paralympic gold medallist Cameron Leslie (S4) also qualified for the Worlds in the 50m Backstroke multi class, placing second in a time of 43.53s. Jole Watkins (S19) placed first in the 50m Backstroke, the Pukekohe swimmer clocking an impressive 32.92s with Lance Dustow (S19) in third. Chloe Gladwin (S19) was impressive to win the women’s 400m Freestyle multi class in 5:01.42s. Lili-Fox Mason (S10) placed second and Melissa Donoghue (S18) third. Tate Picton (S19) swam well in the men’s 400m Freestyle multi class, clocking a time of 5:08.52s for the win. Joseph Blake (S18) finished second and Jonty Howland (S6) third. In the women’s 50m Backstroke multi class Chloe Gladwin (S19) was back in action and set a New Zealand record to place first with a fast time of 37.71s. Melissa Donoghue (S18) finished second with Camilla Witt taking the visitor bronze and Rylee Sayer in third. Back in the open swimming, Cameron Gray added another national title to his name in the men’s 50m Butterfly. Gray touched the wall in 23.83s ahead of Jack Hendy in second and Caleb Carlisle in third. Monique Wieruszowski won her second national title this meet. Competing in the 200m Breaststroke, the 17-year-old was in second place heading into the final 50m but rallied to take the win in 2:31.92s. The result saw Wieruszowski again go under the World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships qualification time. Zyleika Pratt-Smith placed second and Melissa Cowen third. Hara Huges produced a dominant swim in men’s 200m Breaststroke to comfortably take the national title. The Coast swimmer dug deep to post a time of 2:16.23s ahead of Jacob Story who took the visitor silver with Blair Helms winning the Kiwi silver and Kevin Zhang Kiwi bronze.

Ollie Dunbar in actions against Malaysia's Low Wa Sern at the Auckland Squash Open PHOTO: JOHN LAWRENCE Two teenagers caused upsets in the opening rounds of the Barfoot & Thompson Auckland Squash Open, but the results were in numbers only. Top seed Ollie Dunbar from Wellington, a teenager himself and second seed Shamil Wakeel of Sri Lanka lost their opening matches in four games as only two New Zealand men remain in the quartersfinals. LATEST HEADLINES: Jensen leaves international cricket Mayne new Football Ferns coach North and South Island Supercars Three debutants in Black Sticks Indian Panthers NBL withdrawal Dunbar ranked around 140 in the world was always going to have a tough match against fellow junior Low Wa Sern. The Malaysian reached the quarters of the World Junior Championships last year, and the quarters at the British Junior Open, the same round as Dunbar.  However, the left-handed Sern is only just starting his pro career and is therefore below Dunbar in rankings.  On the court in Auckland there was a close first game 11-7, but then the Malaysian was too quick with his reactions around court in the second an 11-5 scoreline before Dunbar fought back in the third to win 13-11. Sern had an answer to every shot in the fourth and kept his cool on some contentious calls to take the match 11-6 in 44 minutes.  The Malaysian will now face one of three Korean men to make the last eight, Jaejin Woo. The two New Zealanders to reach the quarters are Willz Donnelly who had a bye first round and then beat Australian Caleb Jonson in four games to set up a clash with the other upset merchant Harith Daniel, 18 from Malaysia who beat second seeded Wakeel.  Daniel reached the semifinals of the World Junior Champs and quarters at the British Juniors. The remaining Kiwi is 19-year-old Freddie Jameson from Northland who beat junior Vihan Chathury in straight games and then accounted for sixth seed Tuwin Nilkakshana (Sri Lanaka) in straight games.  Jameson who is known for his left-handed touch will play Australian third seed Ben Ratcliffe in his quarterfinal  In the women's PSA Satellite four-time winner Lana Harrison eased through her first match while second seed Wonona-Jo Joyce also won in straight sets and top-ranked Jen Gregory from Hawkes Bay had a four-game win. Harrison will face Emma Merson in the quarters, while the two left-handers Rae and Joyce play as do Anna Hughes and Waikato's Sophie Hodges while Gregory will take on Maiden-Lee Coe.  The men's and women's quarters run from 11am with semifinals starting at 4pm. The finals are from 3pm, Sunday all at the North Shore Squash Club. Results Men's PSA Challenger round 2: [8] William Donnelly (NZL) bt. [11] Caleb Johnson (AUS)3-1: 12-10, 10-12, 11-7, 11-5 (54m) [12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. [2] Shamil Wakeel (SRI)3-1: 4-11, 11-9, 11-9, 5-0 ret. (31m) [3] Benjamin Ratcliffe (AUS) bt. Steve Martin (NZL)3-1: 3-11, 11-7, 11-1, 11-7 (30m) [14] Freddie Jameson (NZL) bt. [6] Tuwin Nilakshana Herath (SRI)3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 11-7 (23m) [15] Youngjo Ko (KOR) bt. [4] Cameron Darton (AUS)3-1: 11-8, 11-5, 4-11, 11-8 (36m) [5] Jooyoung Na (KOR) bt. Apa Fatialofa (NZL)3-0: 11-3, 11-5, 11-4 (23m) [9] Jaejin Yoo (KOR) bt. [7] Gianluca Bushell-O'Connor (AUS)3-1: 7-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-9 (44m) [13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. [1] Oliver Dunbar (NZL)3-1: 11-7, 11-5, 11-13, 11-6 (44m) Round 1 [11] Caleb Johnson (AUS) bt. Michael Shelton Agar (NZL)3-0: 11-5, 11-2, 11-1 (29m) [12] Harith Danial (MAS) bt. Bryce McMullen (NZL)3-0: 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 (17m) Steve Martin (NZL) bt. [10] Glenn Templeton (NZL)3-2: 4-11, 11-8, 11-9, 4-11, 11-7 (39m) [14] Freddie Jameson (NZL) bt. Vihan Chathury (NZL)3-0: 11-2, 11-5, 11-5 (18m) [15] Youngjo Ko (KOR) bt. Vincent Robson (NZL)3-0: 11-5, 11-9, 11-0 (18m) Apa Fatialofa (NZL) bt. [16] Zohaib Khan (PAK)3-0: 11-1, 11-5, 11-4 (16m) [9] Jaejin Yoo (KOR) bt. Jack Oliver (NZL)3-0: 11-5, 11-3, 12-10 (20m) [13] Low Wa Sern (MAS) bt. Riley Noonan (NZL)3-0: 11-4, 11-2, 11-3 (16m) Women's PSA Satellite round one results: Jena Gregory bt Lucy Aspinall 9-11, 11-6, 11-1, 11-4,  Maiden-Lee Coe bt Amalia Ricketts 11-3, 11-7, 11-8,  Anna Hughes bt Kayti Griffen 11-5, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7,  Sophie Hodges bt Chalotte Galloway 11-3, 11-13, 9-11, 11-2, 11-7,  Emma Merson bt Lisa Ashton 11-8 11-9, 11-5,  Lana Harrison bt Jaimee Hunt 11-0 11-7 11-3,  Lilly Rae bt Brooke Valois 11-6, 11-4, 11-4,  Winona-Jo Joyce bt Michelle Robers 11-4, 11-7, 11-6.

Hayley Jensen playing for the Otago Sparks has stepped away from international cricket PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY White Ferns allrounder Hayley Jensen has called time on her 11-year international for New Zealand. Jensen, who first debuted for the White Ferns in both formats against West Indies in 2014, became a regular feature in the squad after selection for the 2018 ICC T20 World Cup. LATEST HEADLINES: Mayne new Football Ferns coach North and South Island Supercars Three debutants in Black Sticks Indian Panthers NBL withdrawal Four to debut for Black Fersn v USA She went on to represent New Zealand on 88 occasions (35 ODIs and 53 T20Is) scoring 1,988 runs and taking 76 wickets. The 32-year-old was part of the White Ferns squad for the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup held in New Zealand, and was part of four ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2014, 2018, 2020 and 2023), starring with the ball in the 2020 edition where she claimed the Player of the Match Award with figures of 3-16 in the opening game against Sri Lanka. She was also a key member of the squad that claimed bronze at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, claiming 3-24 in the bronze medal match against England. Jensen said it felt like the right time to step away from international cricket. “Ever since I was 10 years old, I came home from my first cricket tournament and knew I wanted to be a White Fern,” said Jensen. “To have had the chance to live that dream is something I’ll always treasure. “It’s been an incredible journey - filled with challenges, growth, unforgettable experiences, and the best group of people I could’ve hoped to share it with. “It’s never easy to move on from something that’s meant this much, but I know in my heart it’s time. “I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and even prouder to have been part of the White Ferns environment.” Head coach Ben Sawyer thanked Jensen for her contributions to the team. “I want to congratulate Hayley on a fantastic international career and thank her for her contributions to the White Ferns environment,” said Sawyer. “Hayley has made key contributions to the team with both bat and ball on the field and always brought a genuine passion and love for the game. “We wish her all the best for whatever the future holds.” Jensen will make a decision on whether she will continue playing domestic cricket at a later date.

Michael Mayne moves from interim to head coach of the Football Ferns PHOTO: THENZTEAM/GETTY IMAGES Michael Mayne has moved from interim to head coach of the Football Ferns to lead the team for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 cycle. In taking on the role, Mayne becomes the first New Zealand-born Ferns head coach in over 20 years. LATEST HEADLINES: North and South Island Supercars Three debutants in Black Sticks Indian Panthers NBL withdrawal Four to debut for Black Fersn v USA Five players return to NZ All Whites After being in the role on an interim basis, Mayne becomes the permanent head coach ahead of the team’s two-match series in Spain next month against Venezuela. Prior to his current position, Mayne was assistant coach with the Ford Football Ferns for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and Paris 2024 Olympic cycle. He has held coaching roles in multiple cycles with the New Zealand U-17 and U-20 women’s team, including for the historic bronze medal win at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2018. Domestically he has coached at the top level of the women’s game in Aotearoa, and was among the first coaches in the country to undertake the OFC Pro Licence, the globally recognised gold standard for elite-level coaching. New Zealand Football CEO Andrew Pragnell was pleased to finally confim Mayne in the position. “I am delighted to announce Michael as the Ford Football Ferns head coach. “A connection to Aotearoa New Zealand is significant when we are looking to recruit people into our high performance programmes, so I think it speaks volumes for the football system in this country that Michael is someone who has come through the coaching pathway here and got to the top level of the game. “He combines an understanding of the international game, high levels of integrity and strong standards and values, with deep knowledge of football in this country, and that is the perfect blend for us and how we want to develop as a team. “We look forward to working with Michael and seeing him take this team to the next level in 2027”. Mayne was thrilled to gain the full role and proud of what he had achieved so far. “Firstly, I want to thank Andrew and New Zealand Football for the faith they have put in me by offering me this role. “To be head coach of your country is something I absolutely do not take lightly and it is a proud moment for me and my family. “There are a lot of people that have invested time and effort in me throughout my coaching career, and this is an acknowledgement to their belief and support they have given as well. “While in the role on an interim basis I’ve been really pleased with the work we have been able to start as a team, so it is a real privilege to be in a position to continue to drive that forward. “This is an exciting, talented, and motivated group of players, and we can move forward now with our plan, with a lot of new energy, and push ourselves to reach that next level and that starts immediately against Venezuela.”