49er World Champions for the Fifth Time
Kiwi yachting stars survive dramatic final day to claim cherished title in home waters.
They’ve now won five world titles but New Zealand yachting stars Peter Burling and Blair Tuke rate their latest as their greatest.
The Kiwis overcame gear failure, a near-overboard incident and a fired-up German crew of Erik Heil and Thomas Ploessel to eventually seal another accolade in their young but storied careers that include Olympic gold and America’s Cup success as well as world sailor of the year honours.
They started the day 12-points clear and over three races, including the double points 10-boat medal race, saw the Germans whittle that down to six.
Womens Sevens Team take out win in Dubai
New Zealand’s Tenika Willson, right, kisses the trophy with her teammates after they defeated Canada in the final in Dubai.
A late Gayle Broughton try powered the Black Ferns sevens to a memorable world series win in Dubai on Sunday morning (NZT).
Broughton touched down in the final minute of the 17-14 win against Canada, ensuring the reigning world champions won the Dubai leg of the series for a second consecutive year.
Stacey Waaka touched down each side of the half to be named player of the match, as the Kiwis bounced back from a shock 19-14 loss to France in the pool stage on Saturday morning.
They’d earlier demolished Japan 48-0 and England 40-12, with their second place in the pool stage earning them a quarterfinal against Fiji, who they dispatched 24-10.
Silver Ferns win Lonsdale Cup
The netball world champion Silver Ferns have been awarded the Lonsdale Cup.
The prestigious award is presented each year by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) to the athlete or team that made the most outstanding contribution to an Olympic or Commonwealth sport.
NZOC chief executive Kereyn Smith said the team were deserved winners of the award.
“The Netball World Cup win united the nation and inspired athletes around the country.”
New Zealand finish UCI Track Cycling World Cup with eight medals
New Zealand have finished the UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Cambridge with an eight-medal haul, with Campbell Stewart and Aaron Gate bagging a fifth Kiwi gold – the most of any nation – with their 50km Madison win on Sunday night.
The Kiwis’ four laps on the field, as well as six sprint wins and points in 14 of the other 20 sprints meant they finished with 129 points, with Australia an enormous 42 points back, and Italy (Michele Scartezzini and Francesco Lamon) third on 57.
Third podium finish for Hastings alpine skier Piera Hudson in three days
Alpine ski racer Piera Hudson (Havelock North) has finished on the podium for the third day running, this time winning the Far East Cup Giant Slalom and scoring a personal best result.
Piera’s impressive string of results began on Wednesday with a win in Slalom, followed by a third place in Slalom on Thursday. She carried her strong form with the change of discipline to Giant Slalom on Friday, once again finishing atop the podium, scoring 15 FIS points.
“I’m really happy with my results at the Far East Cup series so far, especially today’s GS,” says Piera. “It was a huge personal best for me so I’m going to do my best to try and replicate that again for tomorrow’s race!”
