Sprinter sharp at Classic

Kiwi sprint sensation Edward Osei-Nketia claimed victory in the 100 metres at the Cooks Classic in Whanganui, but fell short of breaking his father’s stadium record. Almost 20 years ago, former Ghana and New Zealand international Gus Nketia ran 10.49 seconds at the event, and that record will remain after his prodigy son wasn’t quite able to better it on Saturday evening. The 18-year-old reigning national champion has taken the sport by storm after bursting onto the sprinting scene, and his latest effort saw him come from behind at Cooks Gardens, before easing home in 10.62 secs – with the North Harbour Bays representative having to settle for a stadium junior record. Osei-Nketia was battling with five-time New Zealand champ Joseph Millar, who led early but finished second in 10.72sec.

New Zealand’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup hopes took an early hit, after rain forced them to share points with Japan in their opening game of the tournament in South Africa. The first-up Group A fixture in Potchefstroom yesterday looked a banker for the Kiwis, with Japan making their debut appearance at an ICC event of any level. After being sent in at the North-West University No 1 Ground, New Zealand were duly on track to post an imposing total, reaching 195-2 in 28.5 overs, but the weather then intervened. New Zealand’s remaining two pool games are in Bloemfontein against Sri Lanka and India, on Wednesday and Friday respectively.