Latest - Wales in the history books, All Whites defeated by Peru, Ko fifth at US Open and new coach for White Ferns.
Wales ended their 64-year wait for a place in the World Cup finals as they beat Ukraine 1-0 to end the war-torn nation's hopes of reaching Qatar.
An own goal from Ukraine winger Andriy Yarmolenko, who headed a Gareth Bale free-kick into his own net, decided the contest.
Wales' striker Gareth Bale celebrates with teammates. Photo: AFP
Despite the loud and passionate atmosphere, Ukraine were on top from the outset and Wales keeper Wayne Hennessey was busy in the opening half making three vital saves to keep the score level.
It was against the run of play then when Wales grabbed the lead in the 34th minute, Bale fired a low free-kick from 25 metres out and Yarmolenko's stooping, attempted header clear, flew into the net past the helpless Georgiy Bushchan.
Aaron Ramsey missed a great chance to double Wales' lead after the break, side-footing wide from a great position and then Neco Williams drilled a well-struck shot against the post.
But Wales, who last appeared in the World Cup finals in 1958. had Henessey to thank again as he pulled off a fine one-handed save from substitute Artem Dovbyk's powerful header, six minutes from the end.
-Reuters
All Whites go down to Peru
The All Whites have been beaten by Peru 1-0 in their International friendly in Spain.
Gianluca Lapadula scored the lone goal for Peru in the 69th minute to secure the result.
The All Whites stand for the national anthem in Barcelona. Photo:
Peru are ranked 25th in the world, while the All Whites are 101.
All Whites coach Danny Hay said his team took some time to settle in the unfamiliar conditions.
"That's the first time since November 2019 that we've actually played in front of a crowd," Hay said.
"The opportunity to play in a stadium like this with such a vocal loud crowd - when we couldn't communicate, I think we learned a hell of a lot."
"As the game progressed and we got over that little bit of a fear factor around playing our natural game.
"I think we really started to come to life in the second half."
- RNZ
Lee wins another major, Ko finishes fifth
New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has finished fifth at the US Women's Open at Pine Needles in North Carolina.
Minjee Lee Photo: Darren Carroll
Ko shot a one over par 72 in the final round to finish at five under par for the event, eight shots back from Champion Minjee Lee.
Lee won her second major title in commanding fashion, beating second place Mina Harigae by four shots.
The Australian made $1.8 Million US, claiming the biggest prize in womens golf.
Lee's younger brother Minwoo is also a professional on the DP World Tour, and a potential team member of the Presidents Cup later this yeat for the international team.
The pair have long been touted as world beaters since playing junior golf in Perth, and this win further cements their place as one of the most formidable sibling duos in golf.
- RNZ
New head coach appointed for White Ferns
Australian Ben Sawyer has been appointed White Ferns head coach on a two-year contract.
Sawyer joins the White Ferns having most recently worked as the Australian women's fast bowling coach since 2018 under head coach Matthew Mott.
White Fern Amelia Kerr Photo: PHOTOSPORT
He is also the head coach of the Birmingham Phoenix in the Hundred, and has previously been head coach of the Sydney Sixers WBBL team.
The forty-two-year-old father of two joins the White Ferns in a training camp at Bay Oval today ahead of his first two assignments: the Birmingham Commonwealth Games campaign, and the subsequent tour to the West Indies.
"I can't wait to get stuck in," Sawyer said.
"I see a lot of potential in this group and I feel really optimistic about helping to untap that potential, so they can take their cricket to the next level."
- RNZ
Kookaburras sweep trans-Tasman series
The Australian Kookaburras wrapped up the trans-Tasman hockey series with a fourth straight win over the New Zealand men, 3-1, in Auckland yesterday.
New Zealand's goal came through Manawatu midfielder Hayden Phillips in his 93rd game for the Black Sticks.
Phillips said the team was moving in the right direction because the 3-1 result was closer than one-sided games earlier in the series.
"We've made lots of progress," Phillips said.
"The start of the week, that first result to where we are now.
"That first game we were a bit passive.
"Now we've stepped up to be more aggressive, which is a positive sign for such a young group."