Lee through to Japan Open semi-finals

TOKYO • Malaysian badminton star Lee Chong Wei brushed off Chinese rival Shi Yuqi 21-12, 21-12 yesterday to reach the semi-finals of the Yonex Open Japan.

The 33-year-old world No. 1 will next face 15th-ranked Marc Zwiebler of Germany as he bids to reclaim the Japanese trophy that he lifted in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

Super Rugby format to remain unchanged

WELLINGTON • New Zealand Rugby lobbied furiously to change the Super Rugby play-off format but were knocked back by South Africa and Australia, the organisation's chief executive Steve Tew said.

Super Rugby expanded to 18 teams this past season but critics in New Zealand felt playing schedules were unfair and that the post-season format was not an accurate reflection of the competition.

REUTERS

Van Gaal played me in wrong role: McNair

LONDON • Footballer Paddy McNair, Sunderland's summer signing, has raised question marks over Louis van Gaal's decision to play him as a defender at Manchester United.

The 21-year-old, who is now playing in his favoured midfield role, scored twice as Sunderland won 2-1 at Queens Park Rangers in the League Cup on Wednesday and said that, until he was 18, he played in midfield.

THE TIMES, LONDON