Match reports

She paid tribute to the crowd for lifting when she was love-three down in the deciding set. “It’s amazing. I didn’t think I’d get so much support in Australia. They cheered me on to win. I don’t know why, but I’m glad I have their support. I have that will to win. My parents always told me I can come back. I was looking at my dad the whole match. He kept saying, ‘Come on kid’.” … [Read more...] about Naomi Osaka and Cori Gauff remain on collision course at Australian Open

As the clouds parted mid-morning earlier, Nishioka broke Evans for 2-1. The world No 32 had come from two sets down in the first round against the American long shot McDonald, setting aside recent criticism from Tim Henman that he needed to work on his fitness. As light-hearted an observation as that might have been, Evans has had a heavy workload the past couple of weeks, arriving in Melbourne after a couple of excellent wins the ATP Cup in Sydney. … [Read more...] about ‘I can only be happy’: Dan Evans exits Australian Open with a smile

Salford’s 5,000-strong travelling support, who only have to venture four miles down the road next Saturday, were in fine voice all night, but that try marked the moment when they could genuinely relax and believe a first title in 43 years could be theirs. Another Inu penalty was the icing on the cake, and French’s consolation was greeted by ironic cheers from the Salford fans; most of the home supporters had already left. … [Read more...] about Lee Mossop and Salford thrash Wigan to claim shock place in Grand Final

The critics had pondered whether a week off in the opening round of the play-offs as a result of finishing top would hinder, rather than help, Saints. This was as emphatic a response as anyone could have hoped. “I was delighted we had the week off, and I guess it’s good we’ll get another next week,” Justin Holbrook, the St Helens coach, said afterwards. … [Read more...] about St Helens storm into Grand Final after seven-try blitz blows Wigan away

And after seeing off that Castleford challenge, the script was perhaps written for Jackson Hastings to score the game-clinching try in the closing minutes, which he duly did when he cut through on his final home appearance. St Helens or Wigan had better beware: this band of brothers are in no mood for their journey to reach its end just yet. … [Read more...] about Salford stand on verge of maiden Grand Final after beating Castleford