Osaka back at Classic, defending women's champ not so likely
Naomi Osaka is set to return to the ASB Classic in Auckland, giving the tournament a marquee name for the summer.
Naomi Osaka is set to return to the ASB Classic in Auckland, giving the tournament a marquee name for the summer.

Osaka back at Classic, defending women's champ not so likely
Naomi Osaka is set to return to the ASB Classic in Auckland, giving the tournament a marquee name for the summer.
Organisers confirmed her participation while noting the defending women's champion is unlikely to appear.
Osaka has played the Auckland event before and has spoken warmly about its atmosphere and scheduling ahead of the Australian Open.
Ticket demand is expected to lift on the back of the announcement.

Greyhound Racing New Zealand chief executive Edward Rennell says the sport is facing a sobering final week, as New Zealand prepares to end commercial greyhound racing from Saturday.

Karin Burger and the Silver Ferns have passed their first major Commonwealth Games test in Glasgow, beating Jamaica 53-48 and ending a difficult run against the Sunshine Girls.

All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga says Ireland will arrive at Eden Park without fear next Saturday, putting New Zealand's long unbeaten run at the ground under a sharper spotlight.