Ko on top of the world

Lydia Ko has reclaimed the world No 1 spot in the women’s golf rankings for the first time since 2017 after a stunning year on the LPGA Tour. Ko last week won the CME Group Tour Championship – her third win of the year to go with nine top-five finishes. It was her first multiple-winning year since 2016. Ko replaces American Nelly Korda in the top spot – the third time the New Zealander has reached the summit of the women’s game.

All Blacks star Ardie Savea has gained some belated international recognition for his rampaging form. The blockbusting No 8 has been named as a finalist for the Autumn Nations Series’ Player of the Series award following a month of inter-hemisphere action in Europe. He is up against French wing Damian Penaud and Italy’s young fullback Ange Capuozzo. Savea was a controversial omission from World Rugby’s annual awards, not making the short list for the 15s player of the year or the Dream Team, despite his consistent form in an up-anddown All Blacks outfit.