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Wednesday, March 23, 2016
■ WATERSKIING
Skiers revel in perfect water Perfect water conditions created an ideal environment for this year’s Clearwater Aquatic Club annual club championships. Stand out performer at the event was Marty Green, who took out the Champions of Champions trophy for best all round skier. He also claimed the senior men’s title for slalom and tricks. Hamish Hunter-Letham came in first in the boys’ under 16 slalom and tricks with Ben Schikker in second. In the girls’ under 16 divisions it was very close between Megan White and Kristy Hunter-Letham who tied for first place in the tricks and slalom. Penny Coleman claimed the women’s one division title for slalom and tricks with Kellie Forrester in second, while Helen Young won the senior women’s slalom. Bradley Shearer also had an impressive day taking out first place in the junior boys’ slalom and tricks as did Alia Forrester in the junior girls’ section. The wakeboarding competition proved very popular with a high number of entries. Kaden Forrester had an outstanding run claiming first in the junior section with Monty Hodge in second and Bradley Shearer third. Penny Coleman took the senior division with a very high scoring run. Andy Shearer finished second and Hamish Hunter-Letham, third.
Ashburton Guardian 15
In brief Burgess released Sam Burgess has been released from hospital. The South Sydney star Burgess was cleared of a serious neck and spinal damage after being rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday during the Rabbitohs’ clash with St George Illawarra at the SCG. No time frame has yet been set for Burgess’ return to the NRL, but he’s not expected to play in the Good Friday clash with Canterbury. The hospital has said dual international Burgess was expected to make a full recovery. He will continue to monitored for any muscle or neurological issues. - AAP
Bolt on last legs
Marty Green is Clearwater Aquatic Club’s champion of champions.
■ BASKETBALL
Abercrombie off to Turkey Breakers swingman Tom Abercrombie has confirmed he is heading to play for Karsiyaka in the Turkish city of Izmir for the remainder of the Turkish Championship. Karsiyaka are the defending Champions in the Turkish League and are again contending for a place in the post-season, with Abercrombie being recruited to help that drive to a repeat Championship. Abercrombie is raring to go after a strong season with the Breakers, including being one of the stand out players in the Grand Final Series defeat to Perth. “This is an amazing opportunity to once again test myself in one of the best competitions in Europe,” said Abercrombie. “The last time I was in Izmir was for
the 2010 FIBA World Championships and I have always held great memories of the place. I’m looking forward to joining a team fighting for a great playoff position and looking to defend their championship. “This was an opportunity too good to turn down and I am excited I will get to continue to play at a very high level and hopefully have a big impact on the team. Despite some recent events in Turkey I feel confident I am in a good place and have people and resources around me to ensure me and my family are as safe as possible.” Abercrombie joins Corey Webster in signing to play in Europe, with the Breakers guard leaving on Monday for a short term deal in Greece. - NZH
■ WORLD TWENTY20
Khawaja continues form Usman Khawaja has all but ended Aaron Finch’s hopes of taking part in the World Twenty20, top-scoring for Australia again. Khawaja and Finch, the former captain and No.1 batsman on the International Cricket Council’s T20 rankings, were locked in a tight selection struggle in the lead-up to the tournament. But Khawaja is now the form batsman in Australia’s 15-man squad and has very much nailed down his spot at the top of the order. Shane Watson is yet to deliver a big score at the event but impressed with the ball in both matches, suggesting Finch will find it hard to break into the XI against Pakistan or India. Khawaja’s classy 58 against Bangladesh helped Australia haul in their target of 157
with nine balls remaining. As was the case against New Zealand, Khawaja looked to be batting on a different pitch to his teammates. The 29-year-old was in complete control of the chase until the 14th over, when he attempted to clip a ball off his pads but was instead bowled by Al-Amin Hossain. Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe Mortaza acknowledged the damage had already been done at that point. “He set the tone again for Australia today. He batted really well and took the game away from us,” Mashrafe said. “He’s been in good form.” Khawaja dominated the recent Big Bash League season, crafting two centuries to help deliver Sydney Thunder their maiden title. - AAP
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PHOTO SUPPLIED
Usain Bolt has confirmed the Rio Olympics will be his last. The 29-year-old Jamaican sprint champion, who has won six gold medals in 100-metre, 200-metre and relays in the past two Olympics, says he doesn’t have the desire to compete at Tokyo in 2020. “It’ll definitely be my last Olympics,” Bolt told German news agency SID. “It’s going to be hard to go four more years for me, to keep the motivation that I want, especially if I accomplish what I want to in Rio.” Bolt also said he aimed to break the 19-second barrier in the 200-metres before his retirement in the next four years, while he plans to claim another treble in Rio. - AAP