Surprise switch does it for the All Blacks
AUCKLAND • All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said the surprise tactical switch of playing the British and Irish Lions at their own rugby game did the trick after the world champions swept to victory in the first Test yesterday.
Two tries from unexpected wing selection Rieko Ioane broke the game open in the second half as New Zealand romped home 30-15, with the visitors' score boosted by a try on full-time.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Srikanth to face Chen in Aussie Open final
SYDNEY • India's 11th-ranked Kidambi Srikanth blew away China's world No. 4 Shi Yuqi 21-10, 21-14 in 37 minutes yesterday to set up a final against Olympic champion Chen Long at badminton's Australian Open.
China's Chen gave himself a shot at his first Superseries title this year by fighting off South Korean veteran Lee Hyun Il 26-24, 15-21, 21-17 in 68 minutes.
The women's final will be an all-Japanese affair between Akane Yamaguchi, who shocked Taiwanese top seed Tai Tzu-ying 21-19, 21-12, and Nozomi Okuhara, who beat China's Sun Yu 21-18, 18-21, 21-14.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Garcia, Stenson lead chase at BMW Open
MUNICH • Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson headed the chasing pack at golf's BMW International Open as they trailed leaders Joakim Lagergren (66) and Joel Stalter (68) by one stroke after the second round on Friday.
Spaniard Garcia, playing his first event in Europe since winning the Masters, shot a two-under 70, while Sweden's Stenson, the winner last year, carded a 69, leaving them 136 overall.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Park takes opening lead at Arkansas
ROGERS (Arkansas) • Golfer Park Sung Hyun rolled in six straight birdies as she rode a hot putter to an eight-under 63 and a two-shot lead after the first round of the LPGA Tour's Arkansas Championship on Friday.
Two shots behind her are fellow South Korean Ryu So Yeon, Mel Reid and Ally McDonald.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Gatlin stuns Coleman in 100m at US trials
SACRAMENTO • Justin Gatlin stormed to victory in the 100m at the US world championship trials on Friday, upstaging rising star Christian Coleman and setting up the prospect of one final duel with Usain Bolt.
The 35-year-old Gatlin turned on the gas in the final 20 metres at Sacramento's Hornet Stadium to reel in Coleman for a convincing win in 9.95sec. Coleman timed 9.98sec with Christopher Belcher third in 10.06sec.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Ashley sells off Rangers shares
LONDON • English football club Newcastle United's owner Mike Ashley has sold his Glasgow Rangers shares to Hong Kong-based investor Julian Wolhardt and supporters group Club 1872.
The 52-year-old billionaire, who founded British retailing group Sports Direct, had a nine per cent stake in Scottish club Rangers since 2014.
REUTERS
