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It wasn't a win for the Indian Panthers but they showed plenty of spirit for the first two quarters, hanging tough with the Hawks. Playing at home the Panthers kept the score locked in the first quater at 23-23, before being behind by just four at halftime. LATEST HEADLINES: Breakers add Kiwis Le'afa, Loe, Britt Zheng leads PGA Tour Australasia Q-School Changes to NZ Warriors to face Brisbane Blues Women ready for trans-Tasman final Moore wins Australian Amateur junior title Eventually the Hawks took the lead out to 20 heading into the final quarter and then a 103-88 victory. The Hawks now have a 5-3 record to sit fifth while the Panthers are yet to register a win.. Dan Grida top-scored for the Hawks in their win over the Indian Panthers PHOTO: NZ NBL West Australian Dan Grida led the Hawks with a game-high of 27 followed by Darnell Cowart 21 and teen Jackson Ball scored 18 along with Wani Swaka Lo Buluk For the Panthers Jaylen Gerrand scored 23 including including five three-pointers from 13 attempts. New Zealand veteran Leon Henry once again contributed, this time with a dozen points and an equal amount of rebounds. The Hawks are away to the Jets on Friday night while the Panthers don't play until April 26, also away to the Jets. Hawke's Bay Hawks 103 (Dan Grida 27, Darnell Cowart 21, Jackson Ball 18, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk 18) Indian Panthers 88 (Jaylen Gerrand 23, Zack Te Puni 13, Leon Henry 12, Tushal Singh 12, Dante Matakatea 11, Aaron Blessen 10). 1Q: 23-23, HT: 51-47, 3Q: 78-58

Latest NZ Breakers signings (from left) Izayah Le'afa, Rob Loe and Taylor Britt. PHOTOS: ANBL The NZ Breakers' new ownership's left-turn to adding more local talent to the roster has continued. The Auckland-based Australian National Basketball League (ANBL) franchise has signed Tall Blacks guards Izayah Le'afa and Taylor Britt, and Kiwi big man Rob Loe, with Le'afa and Loe returning to the club. LATEST HEADLINES: Zheng leads PGA Tour Australasia Q-School Changes to NZ Warriors to face Brisbane Blues Women ready for trans-Tasman final Moore wins Australian Amateur junior title All Blacks wing Tele'a to depart for Japan IndyCar top-10s for NZ's McLaughlin, Dixon Le'afa appeared in 65 games for the Breakers over two seasons, helping the club to within one game of an ANBL title in 2023. The 28-year-old 6-foot-2 guard signed a two-year deal, a year after departing for the Sydney Kings. Loe played all or parts of six seasons with the Breakers from 2016 to 2023, and returns on a one-year contract. After being jettisoned by previous Breakers owners, he initially retired before joining Melbourne United as an injury replacement player. The 33-year-old 6-foot-11 centre played 37 games with United last season, averaging 9.0 points and 5.8 rebounds a game, getting within one win of his first ANBL title. Britt will be returning to the ANBL one a two-year deal (with a club option) after a four-year hiatus. He last played in 29 games for the Perth Wildcats during two Covid-19-affected seasons. Since, the 28-year-old 6-foot-2 guard has continued to star for the back-to-back NBL champion Canterbury Rams, along with playing for the Tall Blacks and 3x3 Tall Blacks. With NZ forwards Sam Mennenga, Max Darling and Carlin Davison returning from last season, Tall Blacks forward Reuben Te Rangi already signed in free agency, and Alex McNaught and Kaia Isaac as development players, the Breakers now have nine Kiwis. Mennenga and Darling were the only full-time Kiwis on the Breakers roster last season, although NZ-born Mojave King also was, and Tai Wynyard was signed short-term as an injury replacement player. The Breakers are expected to cut ties with Australian guard Mitch McCarron and former NBA centre Tacko Fall through contract buyouts to make way for the New Zealanders. With Mexican teen 'Next Star' Karim Lopez and Australian forward Sean Bairstow also on the books, three full-time roster spots remain to be filled, most likely by imports. Meanwhile, another New Zealand guard, Taine Murray, has signed with the Brisbane Bullets on a two-year deal. Murray was a Breakers development player in 2020-21, seeing action in just one game, before a four-year NCAA Division I career with the University of Virginia, where he was a bench role player. The Wildcats have also expressed interest in trying to lure Tall Blacks big Yanni Wetzell back to the ANBL. Wetzell was a leading performer for the Breakers in 2021-22 before playing the last three seasons with ALBA Berlin in Germany.

Jimmy Zheng leads at the midway point of the PGA Tour of Australasia Q-School Finals. PHOTO: WAGR New Zealand golfer Jimmy Zheng holds the lead after 36 holes of the PGA Tour of Australasia's Qualifying School Finals. Zheng fired a second straight five-under 67 in the second round of the final qualifier on Tuesday at the Moonah Links Ocean Course in Fingal, Victoria, holding a two-stroke lead over Australian Ben Wharton. LATEST HEADLINES: Changes to NZ Warriors to face Brisbane Blues Women ready for trans-Tasman final Moore wins Australian Amateur junior title All Blacks wing Tele'a to depart for Japan IndyCar top-10s for NZ's McLaughlin, Dixon The 23-year-old Auckland amateur started the tournament with a bogey-free round, while he made seven birdies and two bogeys in the second round. Zheng, in the day's first group, birdied the second and fourth holes, both par-fives, before five pars and a bogey at the 10th. He reeled off four straight birdies from the 12th to the 15th, with another at the closing hole. Four other Kiwis are currently in position to earn PGA Tour of Australasia cards for next season (top-26 plus ties), while three others are just on the outside with 36 holes remaining. Golf New Zealand Academy member Mako Thompson shot a two-under 70, featuring three birdies and a bogey, on Tuesday to sit in a share of 16th at two-under. Kit Bittle and Cameron Harlock both carded one-under 71s in the second round to lie tied for 20th at one-under, while James Hydes is tied for 26th at even-par after he followed a three-under 69 with a three-over 75. Mason Lee (T32, one-over), James Tauariki and Jared Edwards (T44, three-over) have work to do to earn their playing status for 2025-26.

The Blues Women take on Australia's best to decide trans-Tasman supremacy PHOTO: CRAIG BUTLAND/LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Fresh from winning back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles, the Blues Women have named their team to contest Thursday night’s Super Rugby Women’s Champions Final. The Blues will face off against NSW Waratahs, winners of the Australian competition, to decide an overall title winner at North Harbour Stadium.. LATEST HEADLINES: Moore wins Australian Amateur junior title All Blacks wing Tele'a to depart for Japan Phoenix Women miss A-League playoffs IndyCar top-10s for NZ's McLaughlin, Dixon Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Head coach Willie Walker has named one change to the forward line from the Aupiki championship win over Matatū, while Ruahei Demant moves in to first five and Sylvia Brunt gets the start at second five. The Waratahs won the Australian Super Rugby Women’s final 43-21 over the Reds, and will be a fierce challenge on Thursday night. “Winning the Aupiki title on Saturday was really special for us. It was a well-earned reward for the hard work everyone has put in this season, said Walker. “Matatū gave us a really tough match which was great preparation for Thursday night against the Waratahs. They are a high quality side and it’s going to be a fantastic challenge. “We’re looking forward to the next few days of preparation and hope our fans come out in full voice at North Harbour Stadium to give us one final lift, as they have done all season.” Chryss Viliko, Maama Vaipulu and Jaymie Kolose who are all reaching their 20th game milestone while Elizabith MoiMoi comes in at No. 8 for Liana Mikaele-Tu’u who has been ruled out with a foot injury. Eloise Blackwell is subject to judicial proceedings due to a red card in the Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final and unavailable for selection. Blues team for Super Women’s Champions Final, Thursday, 7:05pm at North Harbour Stadium: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (captain), 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Holly Greenway, 7. Taufa Bason, 8. Elizabith MoiMoi, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Jaymie Kolose, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, 20. Dajian Brown, 21. Kerri Johnson, 22. Krysten Cottrell, 23. Patricia Maliepo

Co-captain James Fisher-Harris is out of the NZ Warriors for several weeks. PHOTO: NRL Injury and suspension have forced several changes for the NZ Warriors for Saturday night’s Round 7 NRL clash against the Brisbane Broncos. . Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad (concussion), co-captain James Fisher-Harris (pectoral), out for 4-6 weeks, and centre Rocco Berry (suspended) will be missed from the match at Go Media Stadium Mt Smart (kick-off 7.30pm). LATEST HEADLINES: Blues Women face trans-Tasman rivals Moore wins Australian Amateur junior title All Blacks wing Tele'a to depart for Japan Phoenix Women miss A-League playoffs IndyCar top-10s for NZ's McLaughlin, Dixon Taine Tuaupiki moves from the right wing to fullback, Jackson Ford replaces Fisher-Harris in the front row, second rower Kurt Capewell into the centres for Berry, Edward Kosi onto the right wing and Leka Halasima into the second row.; Capewell was in the centres for most of the second half against the Storm on Sunday after Nicoll-Klokstad was forced off the field. The promotion of Ford and Halasima from the bench sees second rower Jacob Laban and halfback Te Maire Martin replacing them on the interchange. With Fisher-Harris, Nicoll-Klokstad and Berry joining Dallin Watene-Zelezniak (wrist), Roger Tuivasa-Sheck (hamstring) and Tom Ale (foot) on the unavailable list this week, meaning the Warriors are without a total of 840 matches in NRL experience. The most seasoned specialist back left standing, 26-year-old Tuakau-raised aDAM Pompey has been one of the club’s quiet achievers since making his debut in the Warriors’ 19-18 win over Cronulla Sutherland in Wellington in 2019. He becomes the 31st player to reach the 100-game mark for the club, he’ll join Simon Mannering (301), Jerome Ropati (145) and Bunty Afoa (140) as the only players on the 100 list to have played their entire first-grade careers for the Warriors. In the Warriors first home outing in four weeks, the Warriors’ 30th anniversary encounter with their original opponents. . The Warriors went down to the Melbourne Storm 14-42 while Brisbane side also smarting after a 16-26 loss to the Roosters at Suncorp Stadium which leaves the Broncos on the same number of points as the Warriors (8). Warriors : 1.Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Ed Kosi, 3. Kurt Capewell, 4. Ali Leiataua, 5. Adam Pompey, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Luke Metcalf, 8. Jackson Ford, 9. Wayde Egan, 10. Mitch Barnett (c), 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Marata Niukore, 13.Erin Clark Interchange (from): 14: Bunty Afoa, 15. Jacob Laban, 16. Demetric Vaimauga, 17. Te Maire Martin, 18. Tanah Boyd, 20. Tanner Stowers-Smith, 21. Sam Healey, 22. Freddy Lussick, 23. Morgan Harper

New Zealand golfer Cooper Moore joined Daniel Hillier as the only golfers to win the Australian Junior Boys Amateur and New Zealand Amateur. PHOTO: GOLF NZ Golf New Zealand Academy member Cooper Moore has triumphed in a three-hole playoff to win the Australian Junior Boys Amateur championship at Indooroopilly Golf Club in Brisbane. The New Zealand amateur champion began the fourth round six shots back of the lead, carding a four-under 68 with five birdies on Friday. LATEST HEADLINES: All Blacks wing Tele'a to depart for Japan Phoenix Women miss A-League playoffs IndyCar top-10s for NZ's McLaughlin, Dixon Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia Dubbo Golf Club’s Cooper Giddings emerged as his rival for the title in playing his final 10 holes in seven-under, after making eagle on the 16th and birdies on the 17th and 18th to post a 65 and five-under for the tournament. Moore was playing four groups behind and joined Giddings at five-under after sinking an 18-foot birdie putt on the par-three 17th before leaving his birdie putt just short on the closing hole, sending the tournament to a playoff. After swapping pars through the first two playoff holes, Moore appeared to have handed control to Giddings when he landed his approach shot on the third hole in the right greenside bunker. As Giddings lined up his birdie putt, Moore played his bunker shot immaculately, with the ball bouncing just once to then roll into the hole and send the Kiwi supporters on the bank into raucous cheers. Moore said he knew he needed to pull out something special after putting his second shot into the sand. “Heading back to the tee for that third time, it was getting to the point where I just wanted to be done, get it over and done with. Cooper Moore won the Australian Junior Boys Amateur Championship on the third playoff hole. PHOTO: GOLF AUSTRALIA “Then I hit my approach shot into the short-side bunker and I was like, it’s cooked there. I was just like, I need something special to extend the playoff because I was still expecting him to at least hole it or two-putt. “Then when I holed it, it was like wow. Yeah, it was quite surprising.” Moore now joins the DP World Tour’s Daniel Hillier as the only pair to have won the Australian Junior Boys and New Zealand Amateur crowns and has his name on the same trophy as the likes of Jason Day, Adam Scott and Grant Waite. Gregg Thorpe, Golf New Zealand general manager of high performance and talent development, said he was not only proud of Moore’s win but of how the entire squad handled themselves against stern international competitors. “It’s a great win for Cooper; it took a very special shot at a crucial time, which makes it all the more impressive. “But just as importantly, all the squad members will be better off for the experience playing on a superb golf course that required good game management against some tough international competition.” In the girls championship, Juwon Kim and Emma Zheng represented New Zealand with aplomb, finishing tied for sixth and eighth, respectively, as Raegan Denton took the title on the first extra hole. Victoria Xin from Maungakiekie took out a top-30 finish with her T28 placing.

Southland's Riley Faulkner in action at last year’s UCI Junior Track World Championships. PHOTO: SWPix. Cycling New Zealand has announced a 10-strong team to compete in the 2025 UCI Junior Track World Championships in the Netherlands in August. There is a new look to the team, with two riders back from last year, in sprinters Alex Schuler (Cambridge) and Riley Faulkner (Southland). LATEST HEADLINES: All Blacks wing Tele'a moving to Japan Phoenix Women miss A-League finals Indycar top-10s for McLaughlin, Dixon Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia The team includes six males and four females. There are three females from Canterbury comprising 17-year-old Sophie Maxwell and two 16-year-olds in the well-performed Shaylah Sayers and Jesse Thomson. Sayers won the national junior titles in omnium, points and scratch races and was runner-up in the scratch race at the Oceania Championships. Maxwell won the national junior individual pursuit and was runner-up in the omnium, points and elimination, where she also finished second in the Oceania Championships, while Thomson was a medallist in the individual pursuit and scratch race. The female squad is rounded out by Southland’s Riley Faulkner, the current New Zealand sprint champion, and was part of the team sprint that won the silver medal last year. Schuler, 18, will be joined by Ben Murphy (Cambridge) and Flynn Underwood (Hamilton) in the men’s team sprint, after the combination won the Oceania Championship title recently. Schuler is the national junior sprint and keirin champion. The male endurance riders comprise the Auckland pair of Hunter Dalton, the elimination national champion, and the highly promising 16-year-old in David Kwon (Auckland), who was runner-up in the national championships in omnium, points and elimination. Rounding out the exciting squad is Otago’s national omnium winner Joshua Grieve. The Championships take place in the renowned velodrome at the Omnisport complex in Apeldoorn from 20 to 24 August 2025. Track is the only cycling discipline that has a stand-alone UCI World Championships dedicated to Junior riders only. In total, 22 titles of UCI World Champion are at stake, including the six Olympic events of - keirin, madison, omnium, sprint, team pursuit and team sprint along with elimination, individual pursuit, points race, scratch and time trial. The championships return to Europe for the first time in three years, with Apeldoorn having hosted the UCI Track World Championships in 2011 and 2018; the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships in 2015 and 2019; and two rounds of the Track Champions League. New Zealand team: Female: Riley Faulkner (Southland), 17; Sophie Maxwell (Canterbury), 17; Shaylah Sayers (Canterbury), 16; Jesse Thomson (Canterbury), 16. Male: Hunter Dalton (Auckland), 18; Joshua Grieve (Otago), 17; David Kwon (Auckland), 16; Ben Murphy (Cambridge), 17; Alex Schuler (Cambridge), 18; Flynn Underwood (Hamilton), 18. Non-travelling reserve: Miles Preena (Auckland), 17.

Mark Tele'a in All Blacks action will head to Japan later this year PHOTO: LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Powerful All Blacks wing Mark Tele'a has taken up a Japanese club contract, potentially bringing his test career to a close. The 28-year-old revealed his move in a social media post, which was later confirmed by his Super Rugby club the Blues. LATEST HEADLINES: Phoenix Women miss A-League finals Indycar top-10s for McLaughlin, Dixon Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia Jets rally to defeat Airs in NBL; Tuatara roll "It's been an amazing ride so many fantastic memories and amazing people But after much thought I have decided from next year I will play my rugby in Japan," Tele'a said. "Thanks to my fellow players, coaches, administrators and fans for making the past years special for me." He didn't provide details of his destination club, nor the length of his contract. However, reports say he has signed a three-year contract with Toyota Verblitz, where former All Blacks coach Ian Foster is in charge. Tele'a, who ended last year as the first choice on the All Blacks right wing, has scored 13 tries in 19 tests. He was known for brushing off tacklers and having fancy footwork. . Tele'a is still in line to selected for All Blacks this year pri to his Japanese contract beginning later in the year. However, that will depend on test coach Scott Robertson's willingness to opt for a player he knows is leaving. After standout performances in the NPC with North Harbour he was called into the Blues in 2020, which led to a test debut on the All Blacks' northern tour in late 2022. He was one of the best players during New Zealand's World Cup campaign a year later and was named World Rugby's "Breakthrough" player of the year Blues GM Rugby, Murray Williams, acknowledged the impact Tele’a has had during his time with the club since making his debut in 2020. “Mark has been an outstanding servant to the Blues jersey. He brings intensity, physicality and flair every time he takes the field, and his growth as both a player and person has been great to watch,” he said. “While we will miss him, we support this next chapter in his journey and thank him for everything he’s given to the Blues.” Tele’a will remain with the Blues through to the conclusion of the 2025 season.

The Wellington Phoenix Women lost their 10th one goal defeat to miss the A-League playoffs PHOTO: WELLINGTON PHOENIX The Wellington Phoenix Women's team have had their A-League final hopes ended by Canberra for the second straight year with a 1-0 loss at McKellar Park to secure the sixth and final playoff berth. The result leaves the Nix ninth on the ladder and seven points outside the top six with a round to play. LATEST HEADLINES: Indycar top-10s for McLaughlin, Dixon Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia Jets rally to defeat Airs in NBL; Tuatara roll Penalties relegate Lawson to 17th in Bahrain It was Wellington’s 10th one goal defeat of the campaign and Temple felt the match summed up their season. The big moment at McKellar Park came midway through the first half when Canberra scored what turned out to be the match-winner. Paul Temple made just one change to the XI which started their defeat to Melbourne City before the international break with midfielder Daisy Brazendale replacing American defender Alivia Kelly, who moved to the bench. Canberra had the first shot at goal just over 60 seconds into the match, but a big block from Phoenix centre back Mackenzie Barry snuffed out the opportunity. The Nix came close to opening the scoring half a dozen minutes later when a looping free kick from captain Annalie Longo landed on the crossbar. Wellington had two shots in quick succession in the 20th minute but neither was able to test Sally James in Canberra’s goal. Phoenix goalkeeper Carolina Vilão made a great save down the other end shortly after to deny Michelle Heyman in her 200th A-League match after Heyman pounced on an overhit back pass and ran through on goal. Unfortunately for Vilão, Canberra took the lead from the resulting corner with American defender Madison Ayson tapping home at the back post after the Nix were unable to clear the initial left-wing delivery. Wellington continued to dominate possession after falling behind but struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities before halftime. They were given a let-off deep in first half stoppage time. Vilão made a sharp save to deny Aideen Keane but the ball feel to Heyman who inexplicably shot wide from a couple of yards out. The Matildas forward almost made amends seconds into the second half when she was picked out by Maja Markovski, but her volley sailed over the bar. Vilão kept the Phoenix in the game four minutes later when she made a great reflex save to keep out a powerful volley from Ayson, who got on the end of a long-range free kick. The save seemed to inspire the Nix, who had their best spell of the match for the next half a dozen minutes. James made two fine saves to deny Olivia Fergusson, who got on the end of threatening crosses from first Lara Wall and then Manaia Elliott. Fergusson also struck the right-hand post with a header in between her two goal-bound shots, but the flag was eventually raised by the assistant referee so it wouldn’t have counted if it was on target. Wellington continued to press for an equaliser for the remaining half an hour plus stoppage time, but were unfortunately unable to threaten James’ goal. Grace Jale came closest. She shot straight at Canberra’s goalkeeper from a free kick in the 64th minute, dragged a long-range effort wide of goal soon after and headed a right-wing corner into the ground and then into James’ arms with 10 minutes remaining. Forward Emma Main ensured the hosts didn’t double their lead in the 85th minute when she produced an incredible goal-line clearance to prevent Canberra scoring direct from another left-wing corner. The Phoenix had a chance to secure a draw with the last kick of the game but Barry’s snap shot from a long ball forward was again comfortably saved by James. The Wellington Phoenix will finish their season at Porirua Park on Easter Sunday against finals-bound Western United.

Liam Lawson finished 17th in Bahrain after time penalties dropped him from 13th. PHOTO: F1 New Zealand's Liam Lawson has finished 17th at Formula 1's Bahrain Grand Prix as Australian Oscar Piastri won in a near-perfect performance. Lawson, 23, actually crossed in 13th place for Racing Bulls on Sunday (Monday NZ Time) but was relegated to 17th as a result of penalties incurred during the 57-lap race, one of which was for making contact with Lance Stroll. LATEST HEADLINES: Warriors lose to Storm 17th straight Blues win Super Rugby Aupiki again Kiwi Matt Payne wins Taupo Supercars Whai beat Giants, Saints defeat Nuggets Auckland City win OFC Champions League His second five-second penalty was for causing a collision with the Sauber of Nicolas Hulkenberg, who finished 14th. The best rest for Lawson this season has been 12th in China. He was 17th in Japan and didn't finish in Australia. Meanwhile, Piastri cut Norris' Formula 1 lead to three points after the fourth race of the season. Russell was 15.599 seconds behind Piastri. Norris did well for third after a tumultuous race for him while Lewis Hamilton was fifth and Max Verstappen after having an early second pit stop. George Russell edged out Lando Norris for second, but that placing is subject to a post-race investigation.

New Zealand drivers Scott McLaughlin and Scott Dixon have lost further ground in the IndyCar drivers' championship. Despite finishing in the top-10 at the Grand Prix of Long Beach in California on Sunday (Monday NZ Time), both have fallen further behind leader Alex Palou, who finished second behind Kyle Kirkwood. LATEST HEADLINES: Brown earns seventh win on Charles Tour Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia Jets rally to defeat Airs in NBL; Tuatara roll Penalties relegate Lawson to 17th in Bahrain NZ Warriors lose 17th straight to Melbourne McLaughlin started and finished sixth on the streets of Long Beach, picking up two spots in the standings as he moved ahead of Penske teammate Josef Newgarden and Alexander Rossi. Dixon, who led two laps, finished eighth after starting 14th, dropping to fifth overall - overtaken by third-placed Christian Lundgaard and fourth-placed Felix Rosenquist. It was Dixon's 300th top-10 result in the CART and IndyCar series. The six-time IndyCar champion hit the wall at turn six twice on Saturday, during practice and qualifying, necessitating repairs before being able to resume. The third New Zealander on the grid, Dixon's Chip Ganassi teammate Marcus Armstrong, started seventh, led the race for one lap on lap seven, before fading to finish 14th, the same position he occupies in the standings. Dixon is now 56 points back of Palou after three races on the 17-race schedule, while McLaughlin is a further 17 points adrift. The next race of the IndyCar series is the Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsport Park in Birmingham, Alabama on May 4. Meanwhile, Kiwi Shane van Gisbergen's struggles in the Nascar Cup Series continued at the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Van Gisbergen qualified 36th for the 500-lap race at the half-mile colosseum in rural Tennessee but dropped two spots to finish 38th of 39 drivers. Since finishing sixth at the Circuit of the Americas in early-March, van Gisbergen has finished 31st, 34th, 32nd, 34th, 20th and 38th on oval tracks. The next race of the Nascar season is at Talladega, a super speedway where van Gisbergen has shown some promise, in Alabama on April 27.

Mark Brown won for the seventh time on the Charles Tour, at the Muriwai Open. PHOTO: DAVE LINTOTT PHOTOGRAPHY Veteran New Zealand golfer Mark Brown has won the 2025 Muriwai Open, his seventh Charles Tour victory. Beginning the final round on Sunday four shots back from 54-hole leader Kerry Mountcastle, Brown carded a three-under 65 to win by one shot – first tying the lead on the 68th hole of the tournament. LATEST HEADLINES: Silver Ferns to host South Africa, Australia Jets fly home to beat Airs; Tuatara roll in NBL Penalties relegate Lawson to 17th in Bahrain NZ Warriors lose 17th straight to Melbourne Kiwi Matt Payne wins at Taupo Supercars Mountcastle had set the pace for much of the event at Muriwai Golf Links, taking advantage of the comparatively benign conditions to lead after the second and third rounds and holding off chasers Brown and Josh Geary with a narrow lead. For Mountcastle, though, a difficult back-nine in the fourth round that featured two bogeys and two double-bogeys ended up costing the PGA New Zealand member. Conversely, Brown showed all the experience he had gained in his years on the Charles Tour, taking advantage of Mountcastle’s double-bogeys on the 14th and 17th holes to grab the lead for the first time. The par-three 17th hole proved to be the decider. With the leaders tied, Mountcastle sent his tee shot long, perhaps playing for some of the wind that had turned the 110m hole into a far less routine play throughout the week. The Sunday easterly could not help Mountcastle keep his ball on the green and he made double-bogey after his second shot landed in the greenside bunker, while Brown made par and suddenly the veteran was in control. There were perhaps a few nerves from Brown’s supporters as he came down the 18th with a two-shot lead, exacerbated by his second shot landing to the right of the green presenting a tricky chip up the slope. Knowing a bogey would be enough to win, Brown delicately placed his ball on the top shelf of the green and two-putted his way to victory. “This one’s special, you know, [it’s] probably one of the last tournaments I’ll play on the Charles Tour, so to win here after many years of coming here is really special.” On whether there were any nerves coming down the 18th after knowing he had regained the lead, he said the easterly wind made sure he had to play each shot with precision. “It was just tough out there. This easterly wind that swells on the last three holes, it was just a difficult day to hang in. So there were a couple of nerves, [but I tried to] just execute each shot as they come along.” The final putt of the tournament saw Brown tap in for his bogey and he said having such a short putt took a little of the pressure off the winning moment. “I wouldn’t have wanted it any longer.” Brown now turns his attention to Europe where he plans a stint on the Legends Tour, taking the family away for a time before he then returns to work at the Mount Golf Club. “We’re going to head over to Europe and play some Legends events over on their senior tour, just eight or nine tournaments to see how we like it. “Take the family away, then I’ll be back for work at the Mount Golf Club.”