CRICKET
Australia thump S Africa
Australia yesterday completed a thumping of South Africa by an innings and 284 runs in the first-ever women’s Test between the two countries. Having beaten the hosts for the first time in ODIs and T20s during their tour, South Africa were hoping to go out on a high with a momentous Test win at the WACA in Perth, but they were outclassed. “I’m very proud. It’s been an amazing series,” Australia skipper Alyssa Healy said. South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt said that it had been a learning experience. “All credit to Australia, we were pretty much outplayed in all facets of the game, but a great experience for us and we enjoyed the opportunity,” Wolvaardt said. South Africa were bundled out for just 76 in 31.2 overs in their first innings — South Africa’s lowest Test score. In reply, the hosts racked up 575-9 before declaring with the highest total by a women’s Test side, spearheaded by 210 from 22-year-old Annabel Sutherland. South Africa made 215 in their second innings.
CRICKET
Kyle Jamieson ruled out
Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson has been ruled out for the rest of the season after scans revealed a stress fracture in his back, New Zealand Cricket announced yesterday. The 29-year-old is not expected to play again until next summer, meaning he will miss New Zealand’s two-Test series against Australia this month. “The last few days have been some of my most challenging, but I am hugely grateful for the support I’ve received from my partner, family, teammates, support staff and medical professionals,” Jamieson said. “I know injuries are part of life as a cricketer and at my age I am hopeful I still have many more playing days ahead of me.”
GOLF
Spieth signs wrong score
Jordan Spieth on Friday signed for the wrong score at the Genesis Invitational and was disqualified for the first time in the 263 tournaments he has played on the PGA Tour. Spieth owned up to the mistake in a post on X. “Today, I signed for an incorrect scorecard and stepped out of the scoring area, after thinking I went through all procedures to make sure it was correct. Rules are rules, and I take full responsibility,” he wrote. Spieth made double-bogey on the 18th hole for a 73, but he signed for a three on the par-three fourth hole when he actually made a four, leading to the disqualification. That left 51 players in the field for the weekend at Riviera, with Patrick Cantlay leading on 13-under after two rounds. Kevin Yu of Taiwan missed the cut.
CYCLING
Hoy diagnosed with cancer
Six-time Olympic champion Chris Hoy on Friday said he has been diagnosed with cancer and that he felt “forced” to reveal the news. The 47-year-old former track cycling star wrote on Instagram that he was diagnosed with the disease last year and that he is undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, adding that it is “going really well” and he feels “fine.” He added: “For the sake of my young family, I had hoped to keep this information private, but regrettably our hand has been forced.” He gave no further details or the type of cancer he has.
Manchester City have reached do-or-die territory in the UEFA Champions League earlier than expected ahead of what Pep Guardiola has described as a “final” against Club Brugge today. City have disproved the suggestion a new format to Europe’s top club competition would remove any jeopardy for the top clubs as Guardiola stares down the barrel of failing to make the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in his career. The English champions have endured a torrid season both in their English Premier League title defense and on the continent. A run of one win in 13 games, which included Champions League
BACK-TO-BACK: The League One club, which is owned by stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, is sparing no expense to clinch promotion to the Championship Hollywood endings are pricey, even in England’s third division. In pursuit of their third straight promotion, Wrexham AFC splashed some cash at League One rival Reading to secure the services of striker Sam Smith. The Welsh club owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney confirmed the signing of the 26-year-old Smith on Friday. He is one of the top scorers in the third division. The transfer fee was not disclosed, but British media widely reported it to be about ￡2 million (US$2.48 million) — not extravagant, but a hefty price at this level and it would be about the same figure that
Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Sunday poured in 35 points as the Thunder grabbed a bounce-back 118-108 victory in Portland to push their NBA-best record to 37-8. The Thunder, surprised by the short-handed Dallas Mavericks on Thursday, fended off a late surge from the Trail Blazers to snap their four-game winning streak. Jalen Williams scored 24 points and Isaiah Joe added 16 off the bench. Center Isaiah Hartenstein, back after a five-game absence with a calf injury, added 14 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and a big block. The Western Conference leaders were under pressure late as Portland, trailing by 15 heading
The Golden State Warriors on Wednesday withstood Oklahoma City star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 52-point outburst to beat the Western Conference leading Thunder 116-109. Andrew Wiggins scored 27 points and Warriors superstar Stephen Curry scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half as Golden State erased a double-digit deficit and pulled away late for the victory. “We just stayed solid,” said Curry, who entered the contest mired in a shooting slump and had just four points on one basket in the first half. “Just all-around effort.” The Thunder, fueled by 31 first-half points from Gilgeous-Alexander, led by as many as 14 in the
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