Pursuiters excel
Rooney retires Erakovic out
New Zealand’s team pursuit combinations will both chase medals after strong qualifying rides on the first day of the junior track cycling world championships in Montichiari, Italy. The junior men’s quartet of Josh Scott, Corbin Strong, Aaron Wyllie and Harry Waine will ride off against France for bronze in the 4000m team pursuit after two slick rides. New Zealand were second-fastest in the first round but could only manage the third-quickest time in the second session, edged out of the final by Denmark by just 0.14s. The Kiwi junior women’s combination of Ellesse Andrews, Nicole Shields, Kate Smith and Emily Shearman were second-fastest after their qualifying ride. Palmerston North’s Libby Arbuckle placed sixth in the junior women’s 5km scratch race. England record-scorer Wayne Rooney called time on his often tempestuous international career yesterday, retiring from duty after spurning an offer to return to the squad. “I believe now is the time to bow out,” the former England captain said. “I will always remain a passionate England fan.” A return to form since leaving Manchester United to go back to Everton had seen England manager Gareth Southgate approach Rooney about returning for upcoming World Cup qualifiers. But the 31-year-old striker has decided to focus on his club career, quitting England duty with a record 53 goals in 119 appearances. A disappointing year has continued for New Zealand tennis No 1 Marina Erakovic following a rapid exit from US Open qualifying. World No 175 Erakovic went down to 237th-ranked Hungarian teenager Fanny Stollar 6-4 6-2 in an hour at Flushing Meadows in New York. The result was symptomatic of a year of struggle for Erakovic, who has contended with injuries and only once advanced past the first round of a main draw. yesterday, with second-tier Nottingham Forest winning 3-2 after extra time at St James’ Park.