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New Zealand's Michael Venus (right) and Croatian Nikola Mektic have lost in the quarters at the Madrid Masters PHOTO: NZSW The ups and downs of New Zealand tennis players continue arond the world on the ATP and WTA Tour's. At the Madrid Masters Michael Venus and Nikola Mektic were beaten in the quarterfinals by top seeds Marcelo Arevalo (El Salvador) and Mate Pavic (Croatia) 7-6(5) 4-6, 5-10 in one hour 42 minutes.. LATEST HEADLINES: Weather delays Phoenix final game Indian Panthers NBL suspension Aussie Gabi Simpson to the Pulse Black Ferns Pacific Four Series Super Rugby Pacific teams Rnd 12 Venus and Mektic had oportunites but were unable to take advantage on their break points converting just one of six chances while their opponents won two from four break points. Venus has a current ATP doubles ranking of 16 reached the semis of Madrid last year with Jamie Murray but is likely to remain arond that mark when the new rankings come out on Monday. Also in Spain is Lulu Sun who is in the WTA US$125,000 in Catalonia. Sun lost in the second round of singles but it through to the doubles final with another lef-hander, Leylah Fernandez. The face the team of Bianca Andreescu and Indonesian Aldila Sutjiada in the final. At the Ostrava Challenger in Czechia Finn Reynold and James Watt are continuing their run of form. In their past three tournament they have feach the final at Morelos, Mexico, the semifinals at San Luis Potosi and now semifinals at leat at Ostrava. Reynold, 25 is ranked 165 in the world and combined with the 206cm James Watt age 24 and 242 the pair had worked well together. In their quarterfinal they defeated Edas Butvilas from Lithuania and Coleman Wong (Hong Kong) 6-4, 6-1 and will now play top seeds Patrik Niklas Salmine (Finland and Szymon Walkow (Poland) for a place in the final.

Ryan Fox earned a top-20 place after roiund one in Texas PHOTOT: PGA TOUR New Zealand golfer Ryan Fox is inside the top-20 after a solid first round at the PGA Tour's Byron Nelson Open in Texas. Fox is five-under, three shots off the lead after a first round where he birdied the second, fifth, sixth, ninth, 13th and 18th holes. LATEST HEADLINES: Hawks, Tuatara picks up wins in NBL Mixed tennis results for Kiwis in Europe Weather delays final Phoenix match Indian Panthers suspended by NBL Australian Gabi Simpson joins Pulse He had just one blemish in his round on the par three fourth hole but that was it in his round of 66. Thirty-year-old Fox is tied-19th along with over a dozen others. American Scottie Scheffler leads at 10-under highlighted by a three on the par-five ninth hole. Meanwhile on the LPGA Tour at the Black Desert Championship in Utah Fiona Xu is well down the order at two-over after a first round which featured six birdies but four bogeys and two double bogeys.

The defending champion Blues have moved into Super Rugby Pacific's top-six after a clinical victory over the Western Force. The Blues led by just five points at halftime before Beauden Barrett orchestrated a second-half resurgence to secure a 40-19 bonus-point win at Eden Park on Friday night to lift the 2024 winners into sixth. LATEST HEADLINES: Hawks, Tuatara picks up wins in NBL Fox in top-20 on PGA Tour in Texas Mixed tennis results for Kiwis  in Europe Weather delays final Phoenix match Indian Panthers suspended by NBL Barrett laid on three try assists and two line-break assists in a vintage performance from the All Blacks playmaker while Blues flyer Cole Forbes (two tries) impressed on the right wing. However, there were plenty of green shoots for the Force with the returning Kurtley Beale crossing for a try and combining strongly with fellow Wallaby Harry Potter (six tackle busts, 80 post-contact metres). It took 19 minutes to trouble the Eden Park scorers despite a frantic start from both sides. Williams twice shut down early Blues scoring opportunities - once via a stolen lineout and again through a monster hit on halfback Taufa Funaki - while Dalton Papali'i produced a clutch turnover to defuse a Mac Grealy line break. AJ Lam (left) scored one of the Blues' six tries against the Western Force. PHOTO: THE BLUES A trademark Carlo Tizzano charge saw the Force go close again near the 10-minute mark before Blues skipper Patrick Tuipulotu came up clutch with a try-line turnover. Tuipulotu's efforts helped turn the tide with his side storming back upfield and forcing a scrum, from which Marcel Renata crossed after 15 minutes to open their account. A poor Force kick-off receipt saw their hosts regain possession deep in their attacking 22m and pressure paid dividends as Forbes sliced through shortly after to double their advantage. Not to be outdone, the Force looked to their big guns and Potter delivered with a scything run down the right wing and was denied only by a marvellous Corey Evans covering tackle. His efforts lifted the Force, who appeared to score through Tizzano but the try was called back for a Nic Dolly knock-on in the lead-up. Undeterred, the Force pressed on with Potter sparking another counterattack and three consecutive penalties eventually saw the Blues' defence crack with Tizzano converting from the rolling maul. The second half yielded plenty of highlights with Barrett's pin-point cut pass putting AJ Lam over in just the 41st minute and pushing the Blues ahead 19-7. Beale announced his Super Rugby Pacific return shortly after as a escort penalty against Tuipulotu saw the Force march downfield and pave way for a Donaldson crosskick to Grealy, who kept his feet down the left wing and offloaded for Beale to slide over inside the left corner post. Yet that was as close at the Force would get as Laghlan McWhannell and Forbes struck before the hour mark to stretch the Blues' lead to 19. Nic Dolly's maul try in the 67th minute offered some brief hope but it was too little, too late as Josh Beehre restored the hosts' bonus-point lead with six minutes to play. A valiant counter-punch threatened to cost the Blues a bonus point as the Force regathered Angus Ta'avao's attempted kick to touch and earned a penalty. However, the visitors could not convert their last-ditch line out, with Barrett clearing in the 84th minute to seal victory. Blues 40 (Cole Forbes 2, AJ Lam, Marcel Renata, Laghlan McWhannell, Josh Beehre tries; Beauden Barrett 5 con) Western Force 19 (Nic Dolly, Carlo Tizzano, Kurtley Beale tries; Ben Donaldson 2 con). HT: 12-7

Jackson Ball was the leading player for the Hawks in their win over the Whai. PHOTO: NBL Wins for mid-table side the Hawke's Bay Hawks and Auckland Tuatara in the National Basketball League while everyone was distracted by the Indian Panthers scandal. The Hawks overcame the neighbouring Tauranga Whai 88-87 with a last minute three-pointer to Luca Yates. LATEST HEADLINES: Ryan Fox top-20 PGA Texas Kiwi tennis pkayers in Europe Weather delays Phoenix final game Indian Panthers NBL suspension Aussie Gabi Simpson to the Pulse But it was teen Jackson Ball who dominated the game. in the same week he has been named in the Tall Blacks. Ball, 17, scored 33 points, pulled down three rebounds and grabbed two steals as he and import Dan Grida, with 20 points and nine rebounds, controlled the game. Yates was the other player for the Bay to reach double-figures, with 10 points and a vaulable 17 rebounds. Another teen, Carter Hopoi, was the leading scorer for the Whai, with 24 points, followed by Jayden Bezzant on 21. American guard Chris Jones scored 17, while there was 10 each for Kruz Perrot-Hunt and Sean Bairstow. After the international break, the Whai host the Taranaki Airs on Tuesday, May 15, while the Hawks host the Nelson Giants the next day. The Tuatara were 83-73 winners over the Otago Nuggets at Eventfinda Stadium, with Illawarra Hawks guard Will Hickey starring with 25 points. Americans Charles Pride had 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Buay Tuach 22 points, making up the majority of the scoring. Nuggets import Donald Carey Jr from Maryland finished with 24 points but lacked the support, with Jaylen Sebree contributing 17. South African-born, New Zealand and Australian-raised Jono Janssen pulled in 11 rebounds and scored 14 points. The Nuggets next game was to be against the Panthers on Friday, May 16, while Auckland are away to the Canterbury Rams the following day. Hawke’s Bay Hawks 88 (Jackson Ball 33, Dan Grida 20) Tauranga Whai 87 (Carter Hopoi 24, Jayden Bezzant 21). 1Q: 22-20, HT: 45-45, Q3 66-64 Auckland Tuatara 83 (Will Hickey 25, Charles Pride 24, Buay Tuach 22) Otago Nuggets 73 (Donald Carey Jr 24, Jaylen Sebree 17, Jono Janssen 14). 1Q: 17-18, HT: 36-32, 3Q: 52-55

The tackle Mark Tele'a is suspended for three games PHOTO: SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC Blues wing Mark Tele'a has been suspended for three Super Rugby Pacific matches for a tip tackle against the Reds in Brisbane last Friday. The Blues will be without Tele'a for three of their last four regular season matches as they try to make something of their season and make the playoffs. LATEST HEADLINES: Flutey added to Black Ferns coaches Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns named Corban Piper staying with Phoenix Third for Alker, Hendry, Ko down First time NZ Speedgolf winners Tele'a was initially given a yellow card, upgraded to red on review after he picked up Reds winger Tim Ryan in a tip tackle 31 minutes into the game, with Ryan landing on his head. Super Rugby Pacific's Foul Play Review Committee (FPRC) found Tele'a guilty of a lifting tackle in contravention of Law 9.18. The committee determined "the low-range entry point of six weeks/matches" was appropriate for the incident. "In light of the player accepting he committed an act of foul play as well as mitigating factors such as his prior disciplinary record, the FPRC applied the full 50 percent reduction in sanction. Tele'a will miss matches against the Force this Friday, the Fijian Drua on 9 May and Moana Pasifika May 17. He will be available to be selected against Waratahs on 31 May, which is the Blues' last match of the regular season. They have to win all four games to make the playoffs. The 28-year-old 19-test All Black has taken up a Japanese club contract, believed to be a three-year deal with Toyota Verblitz, where former All Blacks coach Ian Foster is in charge.

Jackson Ford was a star for the Warriors in their win over the Knights PHOTO: SKY SPORT VIDEO New Zealand Warriors head coach Andrew Webster has named an unchanged starting lineup for Saturday’s Magic Round encounter with the North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane evening. Webster made a late switch to the pack for the Anzac Day clash against Newcastle when he moved Leka Halasima off the interchange to start in the second with Marata Niukore going to prop and Jackson Ford to the bench. LATEST HEADLINES: Proctor stays with Hurricanes, NZR Blues Tele'a three game suspension Flutey added to Black Ferns coaches Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns named Corban Piper staying with Phoenix He has retained that combination in the side named for the Cowboys clash, the only change from the 17 used in the 26-12 win over the Knights in Christchurch has Te Maire Martin named on the bench to replace back rower Jacob Laban,. Laban is subject to NRL concussion protocols resulting from a head knock during his 37-minute stint on Anzac Day when he made 41 metres from six runs and 27 tackles without a miss. Coming onto the extended bench is another of the club’s young brigade Eddie Ieremia- Toeava. The Warriors head into Magic Round’s 2025 edition facing a new opponent in Cowboys, who have turned their season around over the past five weeks. They started the year with three straight losses to the Sea Eagles, Sharks and Broncos but have rebounded with four wins on end over the Raiders, Panthers, Rabbitohs and Titans, the last result a 50-18 margin coming off a bye. That leaves them lying sixth on 10 points with the fifth-placed Broncos just behind the Warriors, who are second equal with the Storm and Raiders on 12 points but fourth on points for and against differential. The Bulldogs top the ladder on 14 points. The Warriors’ 5-2 start to their 2025 campaign has been bettered only once in the club’s history (in 2018 when they had a 6-1 record after their first seven games). They’ve won their last three contests with the Cowboys, two in Townsville and one at Go Media Stadium coming into what is a home clash for the Warriors on neutral territory. Warriors:  Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Taine Tuaupiki, Rocco Berry, Ali Leiataua, Adam Pompey, Chanel Harris-Tavita, Luke Metcalf; Jackson Ford, Wayde Egan, Mitchell Barnett, Kurt Capewell, Marata Niukore, Erin Clark. Interchange: Leka Halasima, Bunty Afoa, Demitric Vaimauga, Te Marie Mattn.

Josh Jacob starts at first five again for the Chiefs with Damian McKenzie still absent PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY With the Crusaders on the bye week it's up to the Hurricanes and Chiefs to take charge in Super Rugby Pacific Round 12. while the Blues, Moana Pasifika and Highlanders are desperate for points. Damian McKenzie is still out with Josh Jacomb starting at first-five, however, with Clayton McMillan going for a six forward/two back bench, including All Black Wallace Sititi as a impact player. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby contract extensions Indian Panthers issues hit NZ NBL NZ MTB riders confident for 2025 Warriors unchanged for Cowboys Proctor stays with Hurricanes, NZR Halfback Finlay Christie and fullback Zarn Sullivan have been dealt ruthlessly by the Blues after their loss to the Queensland Reds and are out of the squad to play the Western Force at Eden Park. Taufa Funaki takes over at halfback after returning from injury. Mark Tele'a's suspension has AJ Lam move out to the wing and 20-year-old Xavi Taele getting a recall at 12. Moana have named a strong side for their intriguing visit to Dunedin, with a super-charged loose forward trio of Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa the most obvious threat. It's a homecoming for Tupou-Ta'eiloa, who went to school at Otago Boys High. Kyren Tamoefolau comes back from injury onto the wing. Former Wallaby prop Pone Fa'amausili will debut off the bench. The Highlanders have put Nathan Hastie back into the starting line-up ahead of Folau Fakatava while Timoci Tavatavanawai moves back into the midfield and Sam Gilbert goes back to the wing. Blues v Force, 7:05pm Friday 2 May, Eden Park, Auckland Blues : 1. Joshua Fusitu'a, 2. Ricky Riccitelli, 3. Marcel Renata, 4. Patrick Tuipulotu (c), 5. Laghlan McWhannell, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Dalton Papali'i, 8. Hoskins Sotutu, 9. Taufa Funaki, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. AJ Lam, 12. Xavi Taele, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Cole Forbes, 15. Stephen Perofeta Bench: 16. Kurt Eklund, 17. Mason Tupaea, 18. Angus Ta'avao, 19. Josh Beehre, 20. Cam Christie, 21. Adrian Choat, 22. Sam Nock, 23. Corey Evans Hurricanes v Chiefs, 7:05pm Saturday 3 May, Sky Stadium, Wellington Hurricanes : 1. Tevita Mafileo, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delany, 5. Isaia Walker-Leawere, 6. Brayden Iose, 7. Du'Plessis Kirifi (cc), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Riley Higgins, 13. Billy Proctor (cc), 14. Ngatungane Punivai, 15. Callum Harkin Bench: 16. Raymond Tuputupu, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Zach Gallagher, 20. Brad Shields (cc), 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Riley Hohepa, 23. Bailyn Sullivan Chiefs : 1. Ollie Norris, 2. Bradley Slater, 3. George Dyer, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Kaylum Boshier, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Quinn Tupaea, 13. Daniel Rona, 14. Emoni Narawa, 15. Shaun Stevenson Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Aidan Ross, 18. Reuben O'Neill, 19. Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 20. Simon Parker, 21. Wallace Sititi, 22. Xavier Roe, 23. Gideon Wrampling Highlanders v Moana Pasifika, 3:35pm Sunday 4 May, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Highlanders : 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Soane Vikena, 3. Saula Ma'u, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Oliver Haig, 6. TK Howden, 7. Sean Withy, 8. Hugh Renton (cc), 9. Nathan Hastie, 10. Cameron Millar, 11. Jonah Lowe, 12. Timoci Tavatavanawai (cc), 13. Thomas Umaga-Jensen, 14. Sam Gilbert, 15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Bench: 16. Jack Taylor, 17. Josh Bartlett, 18. Rohan Wingham, 19. Mitch Dunshea, 20. Veveni Lasaqa, 21. Folau Fakatava, 22. Taine Robinson, 23. Jake Te Hiwi Moana Pasifika : 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Chris Apoua, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili Bench: 16. Tomasi Maka, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Pone Fa'amausili, 19. Ofa Tauatevalu, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Julian Savea, 23. Patrick Pellegrini

Folau Fakatava clears the ball from a maul for the Highlanders PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY More contract extenstions in Super Rugby Pacific for both the Highlanders and Blues as they struggle to make the playoffs. Halfback Folau Fakatava has extended his contract with the club through the 2026 and 2027 Super Rugby Pacific seasons. Fakatava, 25, made his debut for the Highlanders in 2019 as a 19-year-old Since then, he has established himself as a standout performer with his explosive speed, creativity, and ability to ignite attacking opportunities. LATEST HEADLINES: Indian Panthers issues hit NZ NBL NZ MTB riders confident for 2025 Warriors unchanged for Cowboys Proctor stays with Hurricanes, NZR Blues Tele'a three game suspension His form earned him a call-up to the All Blacks in 2022, making his international debut against Ireland. While his time in the national side was brief, he has continued to be a consistent game-changer at Super Rugby level, regularly starting or coming off the bench. Fakatava is excited about contributing to the next phase of the Highlanders' journey. “I am looking forward to this young team developing in the future. We have an exciting, hard-working group here and are well led by Jamie Joseph. I believe we can achieve some great things if we stay focussed on improving,” said Fakatava. Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph is thrilled to have Fakatava locked in for the coming seasons. “He is an X-factor player for sure and sparks a lot within our attack structure. He’s just getting better and better with experience and, at only 25 years of age, has a lot more to offer the Highlanders and New Zealand rugby,” Joseph said Meanwhile Blues midfielder Xavi Taele has signed on for another season with the franchise, committing to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The 20-year-old emerged through the Blues development pathway and Saint Kentigern College, Taele has steadily climbed the ranks, representing the club at U17, U18, and captaining the Blues U20 side. He also represented the New Zealand U20s in 2023 and 2024 and has a good opportunity to seal a place in the Blues midfield with Reiko Ioane on sabattical next year.

Jess Blewitt, the Cube Factory rider, in action at Crankworx in Rotorua, finished on the podium in the recent IXS European Cup downhill in Fort William PHOTO: GRAHAM MURRAY/RED BULL CONTENT POOL. The size and status of New Zealand riders continues with over 25 kiwi mountain bikers contracted with professional teams, and others securing starts as the UCI MTB World Series in Europe next weekend. With World Series starts restricted this year, the record numbers of kiwis in pro teams marks the growing reputation of kiwi riders across all MTB disciplines of downhill, cross-country and enduro. After two rounds of cross-country in Brazil, the European rounds get underway next weekend with Enduro competition at Pietra Ligure, Finale in Italy. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors unchanged for Cowboys Proctor stays with Hurricanes, NZR Blues Tele'a three game suspension Flutey added to Black Ferns coaches Tall Blacks, Tall Ferns named It is the first of five straight weekends of UCI MTB World Series competition, with downhill and enduro on 16-18 May in Poland; cross-country in Czechia 23-25 May; downhill and enduro in France on 30 May-1 June; and all three disciplines together in Austria on 5-8 June. The European rounds of the world series finish in late September after the world championships in Switzerland with XCO and DH competitions concluding across the Atlantic with two rounds in Lake Placid, USA and Mont-Sainte-Anne, Canada in October. Olympic top-10 finishers Sam Gaze (Alpecin Fenix) and Sammie Maxwell (Decathlon Ford), who tops the XCO elite rankings after brilliant results in Brazil, will both push for strong results. There is also interest in nine-time national champion Anton Cooper (Lapierre Racing Unity) who returns after a year out of the sport with illness. The kiwis in enduro are led by world No 3 Charlie Murray (Specialised Gravity), the massively talented rider from Christchurch. He is joined in the Specialised Gravity team by exciting young Cantabrian, Winni Goldsbury, who won two rounds of the junior enduro world cup last year before injury ended her season prematurely. The kiwi gravity fraternity is arguably the strongest ever across all divisions, led by double junior world champion Erice van Leuven, now with Norco Factory Racing, although a serious crash in Tasmania pre-season leaves her out of action for much, if not all the season. Double junior world championship medallist, Sacha Earnest (Trek Factory) moves to the elite division to join multi-national champion Jess Blewitt (Cube Factory), with the pair plus former junior world champion Jenna Hastings (Pivot Factory), all ranked in the top-20 in the world. There is anticipation in elite men’s downhill with Rotorua 21-year-old, Lachlan Stevens-McNab (Trek Factory Racing) ranked seventh in the world, the highest ranked kiwi gravity rider for several years. The junior men’s group is led by Luke Wayman (Christchurch), ranked second in the world, who joins the exciting Continental Atherton team this year. Hawkes Bay’s exciting Tyler Waite, picked up by the crack Yeti-Fox Factory team, and Kaikoura’s Oli Clark, signed by MS Factory, were 12th and 13th respectively in the end of year rankings. With van Leuven and Earnest in the elite ranks, watch for Tauranga’s super-exciting Eliana Hulsebosch to shine, especially as she has been signed by the white-hot Santa Cruz Syndicate team led by Steve Peat and includes 2024 junior world champion Jackson Goldstone. Two young kiwi talents have earned opportunities among five wildcard feeder teams introduced by the UCI for the Whoop UCI Mountain Bike World Series from next month. Team High Country, an Australian-run team promoting emerging Oceania riders, includes two promising kiwi gravity riders from the NZ MTB Academy in Queenstown’s Malik Boatwright and Rotorua’s Bellah Birchall. Attention moves to the opening European stop on the Whoop UCI MTB World Series for opening round of the Enduro series in the Finale Outdoor Region of Italy next weekend.

The Indian Panthers in the early rounds of the NZ NBL PHOTO: SAL'S NBL/THOMAS HOBSON UPDATED - The ill-fated NZ NBL experiment of the Indian Panthers appears to have come to a head with both the Rapid League and NBL games against the Canterbury Rams called off. The game abandonment appears to be as a result of players refusing to play following a lack of payment. LATEST HEADLINES: NZ MTB riders confident for 2025 Warriors unchanged for Cowboys Proctor stays with Hurricanes, NZR Blues Tele'a three game suspension Flutey added to Black Ferns coaches Top side the Canterbury Rams put up the following statement on social media. "In disappointing news, tonight’s game against the Indian Panthers did not happen due to the Panthers being unable to suit up enough players. Sorry Rams fans. We were just as excited as you all. The league will make further announcements tomorrow." Respected American import Alex Robinson has posted on social media that he was repeatedly promised payment during his two months at the Panthers, which was never fulfilled. “Dear @indianpanthersofficial. I was part of your organisation for two months, during which I gave my full commitment, effort and passion to every game. Unfortunately, I was repeatedly promised payment that was never fulfilled. This situation not only impacts me personally but also affects my son and my family. I sincerely hope you find it within your hearts to honour your commitments and compensate all of us who gave our blood, sweat and tears to represent and support this organisation,” he wrote on his Instagram account. Robinson has now joined the Nelson Giants for the rest of the NBL season. UPDATED:: NZNBL put out a statement on Wednesday afternoon as per below. "Following the postponement of last night’s Sal’s NBL game between the Indian Panthers and the Canterbury Rams, the Commission of the Sal’s NBL and Basketball New Zealand management convened a meeting earlier today with representatives from all 12 teams, including the Indian Panthers. On Friday 25 April, the League was made aware of delayed payments to Indian Panthers players and staff. A formal meeting was immediately requested with Franchise ownership, which took place on Monday 28 April. On the morning of Tuesday 29 April, the League was informed that a number of Panthers players had received payment, and plans were in place for the game against the Rams to proceed. However, prior to tip-off, Panthers players elected not to take the court, and the League made the decision to postpone the game. The Sal’s NBL Commission is currently working through a number of options regarding the future of the Indian Panthers in the competition and expects to make a further statement within the next 24 hours. The League will not be making further comment at this time." The Panthers franchise was announced in October 2024, and described in a Sky TV press release as a “ground-breaking initiative that demonstrates New Zealand National Basketball League’s [NZNBL’s] continued commitment to innovation and growth in the sport”. Sky TV’s Justin Nelson - a former NBL administrator - introduced the Panthers into the league, describing it at the time as an exciting moment for New Zealand basketball. The context of the franchise was criticised by basketball followers as it lurched from crisis to crisis with visa issues, player and coach departurs and what appeared to be a lack of planning and financial preparation. The Indian Panthers have yet to register a win in the nine rounds of the season so far.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee could make her debut for the Black Ferns in the Pacific Four Series PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Black Ferns squad to play in the Pacific Four Series has been named by Allan Bunting and fellow selectors with three players in-line to make their debut. The trio are Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (prop), Vici-Rose Green (hooker) and Braxton Sorensen-McGee (fullback). Mahutariki-Fakalelu, an emerging powerhouse, was part of the Waikato team that clinched the Farah Palmer Cup, title in 2024. After taking time away from the game, she earned a call-up in the Chiefs Manawa side for this year’s Sky Super Rugby Aupiki where she continued to impress. LATEST HEADLINES: Super Rugby Pacific teams Rnd 12 Super Rugby contract extensions Indian Panthers issues hit NZ NBL NZ MTB riders confident for 2025 Warriors unchanged for Cowboys Waikato hooker Green made her Sky Super Rugby Aupiki debut in 2023 which saw her named in Black Ferns XV that same year. Following an outstanding season with the Chiefs Manawa in 2025, Green has been rewarded with a Black Ferns call-up. Rising star Sorensen-McGee, known for her speed and instincts, has also been named in the outside backs, alongside Black Ferns stalwart Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, after making a lasting impression in their inaugural season with the Blues. However there is no place for star Ruby Tui in the 33-player squad. Bunting said he was impressed by the focus and growth shown by the players following two days of testing and an internal hit-out coupled with their form during Sky Super Rugby Aupiki. “Our squad selections are based on consistency in Aupiki, experience and our two days in camp. The Pacific Four Series is a chance for us to reward those players with an opportunity to represent our country. We are looking forward to seeing our wāhine play Test matches against quality opposition,” Bunting said. “It’s not just about the squad of 33, this is about building a solid group of 40 plus who will be clear on how we want to be, and play come World Cup selection time.” Sevens stars Jorja Miller, Stacey Waaka, Theresa Setefano, Dhys Faleafaga and Risaleaana Pouri-Lane have been included, while Kelly Brazier will travel with the squad to Newcastle as travelling reserve. Miller, Waaka and Pouri-Lane will join the squad in Christchurch ahead of the Black Ferns v Canada match due to their LA Sevens tournament commitments. A number of experienced players such as Ruby Tui, Renee Holmes and Chelsea Bremner have missed selection for the Pacific Four Series. Bunting acknowledges they were difficult decisions. “It’s a tight race leading up to our World Cup campaign and we know we’ve had to make tough calls at this point. I've been very impressed by the response and attitude from our players to still serve the team. Our whole group is important on this journey, there is still a bit more water to go under the bridge before we name our World Cup squad,” Bunting said. The Black Ferns travel to Newcastle on Saturday, May 3 and will begin their preparations for their Test match against Australia at McDonald Jones Stadium on Saturday, May 10. The Black Ferns squad for the Pacific Four Series is (Age, Super Rugby Club, Provincial Union, Test caps): Loosehead props Chryss Viliko (24, Blues, Auckland, 10 Test caps) Kate Henwood (36, Chiefs Manawa, Bay of Plenty, 8 Test caps) Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (27, Blues, Waikato, 4 Test caps) Hookers Georgia Ponsonby (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps) Atlanta Lolohea (22, Blues, Canterbury, 5 Test caps) Vici-Rose Green (23, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped) Tighthead Props Tanya Kalounivale (26, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 18 Test caps) Amy Rule (24, Matatū, Canterbury, 27 Test caps) Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (20, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, uncapped) Locks Maiakawanakaulani Roos (23, Blues, Auckland, 29 Test caps) Alana Bremner (28, Matatū, Canterbury, 25 Test caps) Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu (22, Blues, Auckland, 5 Test caps) Dhys Faleafaga (24, Black Ferns Sevens, 2 Test caps) Loose Forwards Liana Mikaele-Tu’u (23, Blues, Auckland, 26 Test caps) Layla Sae (24, Hurricanes Poua, Manawatū, 11 Test caps) Kaipo Olsen-Baker (22, Matatū, Manawatū, 9 Test caps) Kennedy Tukuafu (28, Chiefs Manawa, Waikato, 27 Test caps) Jorja Miller (21, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped) Halfbacks Maia Joseph (23, Matatū, Otago, 8 Test caps) Iritana Hohaia (25, Hurricanes Poua, Taranaki, 14 Test caps) Risaleaana Pouri-Lane (24, Black Ferns Sevens, uncapped) First fives Ruahei Demant (30, Blues, Auckland, 41 Test caps) Hannah King (21, Matatū, Canterbury, 7 Test caps) Midfield Logo-I-Pulotu Lemapu-Atai’i Sylvia Brunt (21, Blues, Auckland, 21 Test caps) Theresa Setefano (30, Black Ferns Sevens, 18 Test caps) Amy du Plessis (25, Matatū, Canterbury, 19 Test caps) Stacey Waaka (29, Black Ferns Sevens, 25 Test caps) Outside backs Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (33, Blues, 24 Test caps) Katelyn Vahaakolo (25, Blues, Auckland, 14 Test caps) Ayesha Leti-I’iga (26, Hurricanes Poua, Wellington, 24 Test caps) Mererangi Paul (26, Chiefs Manawa, Counties Manukau, 12 Test caps) Braxton Sorensen-McGee (18, Blues, Auckland, uncapped) *Travelling reserve to Newcastle Kelly Brazier (35, Black Ferns Sevens, Chiefs Manawa, 42 Test caps)

Hugs and high fives will have to wait for the Phoenix PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY The Wellington Phoenix’s final round A-League match against Perth Glory has been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions in the capital. The Glory have been unable to fly from Auckland to Wellington today (Thursday) as flights have been grounded due to extreme winds in the lower North Island. LATEST HEADLINES: Indian Panthers NBL suspension Aussie Gabi Simpson to the Pulse Black Ferns Pacific Four Series Super Rugby Pacific teams Rnd 12 Super Rugby contract extensions The Australian Professional Leagues (APL) explored all options to get Perth to the capital as quickly and safely as possible to play at Sky Stadium on Friday night, and has made the proactive decision to reschedule the match to Sunday, May 4 given the continued uncertainty around travel and flight times tomorrow. The match will kick-off at 5pm. All tickets sold remain valid for the new date. Ticketholders who are unable to attend on Sunday are eligible to receive a full refund on request.