Sports briefs
NRL star Jarryd Hayne is reportedly being investigated by the New South Wales Sex Crimes Squad after an alleged sexual assault on NRL grand final night this year. Channel 9 reports Hayne is the subject of a police investigation after a woman made allegations of sexual assault against him after the pair met up in the Hunter Region on September 30. According to the report, the woman, who had been in contact with Hayne via social media, claims she suffered injuries during the sexual encounter with the former test player and has photographic evidence. A statement from NSW Police read: “Police are investigating following reports a woman was sexually assaulted by a 30-year-old man in late September. The investigation is being led by detectives from the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad.” Hayne is defending a civil case in the United States, with a woman accusing him of raping her while he was an NFL player with the San Francisco 49ers. Hayne has rigorously denied the allegations.
Breakers downed in Invercargill
The New Zealand Breakers couldn’t hold off a fast-finishing Melbourne United last night, losing 108-101 in their first Australian NBL basketball game in Invercargill. The Breakers had a huge second quarter which saw them go from seven down to seven up and led for most of the third, although the visitors headed into the final quarter leading 81-79. The lead changed six times in the final period until secondplaced Melbourne, with the scores tied at 98-98 with 2m 12s remaining, put on a 10-point burst which clinched victory and moved them to 7-3. Corey Webster was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points. The match in Invercargill, one of four the Breakers are taking around New Zealand this season, attracted a crowd of 2600. The Breakers (4-4) face a tough week, playing the third-placed Sydney Kings (4-3) across the Tasman tomorrow at 7pm before hosting leaders Perth Wildcats (7-1) at Auckland’s Spark Arena on Friday.
Ferns win but lose at World T20
The White Ferns spinners have been unable to prevent their side from exiting the Women’s World Twenty20 in the West Indies. New Zealand thumped Pakistan by 54 runs, after bowling them out for 90 having posted 144-6. But India’s win over Ireland sees them join Australia in advancing out of the group into the semifinals. Captain Amy Satterthwaite said spinners Amelia Kerr and Jess Watkin, who took three wickets each, were key to the win. New Zealand’s final game is against Ireland tomorrow.
Venus ousted from ATP Finals
Kiwi Michael Venus is blaming himself after exiting the ATP Tour doubles finals in London at the group stage. Venus and South African partner Raven Klaasen lost in straight sets to Colombians Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah. Venus dropped his serve once in each set and says that’s disappointing because his service games have been one of their strengths as a team. Roger Federer advanced to the last four of the ATP Finals for a record-extending 15th time with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Kevin Anderson. Dominic Thiem’s 6-1, 6-4 victory over Kei Nishikori earlier ensured Anderson also advanced.
Rockets fire up against Warriors
James Harden scored 27 points as the Houston Rockets routed the Golden State Warriors 107-86 in a rematch of last season’s NBA Western Conference finals. The Rockets (7-7), who announced before the game they were “parting ways” with 10-time AllStar Carmelo Anthony, have won six of their last eight after starting 1-5. The Warriors (12-4), without Stephen Curry for the fourth straight game, have lost two of their last three.