NATIONAL SHORTS
The Age
Saturday November 28, 2009
Klein, Molik winTENNIS: West Australian Brydan Klein and former world No. 8 Alicia Molik have survived scares to progress to the semi-finals of the Goldfields St Ives International in Kalgoorlie. Klein, playing his second tournament since returning from suspension, yesterday beat Queenslander Colin Ebelthite 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3. Molik, on the comeback trail after coming out of retirement in September, was also forced to go the distance in her 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 quarter-final triumph over Victorian Sally Peers. Top seed Olivia Rogowska had no problems in her 6-2, 6-3 win over Briton Danielle Brown.McMahon award bidNETBALL: Australian captain Sharelle McMahon is shaping as one of the major contenders for the prestigious Liz Ellis Diamond to be presented in Melbourne today. McMahon and her vice-captain, midcourt stalwart Natalie von Bertouch, are expected to poll well, though a handful of emerging stars are also likely to feature in the voting. Von Bertouch and McMahon were each nominated for the inaugural award, along with emerging defenders Julie Corletto, Renae Hallinan and Susan Fuhrmann plus shooter Susan Pratley. The Diamond covers both the ANZ Championship and international campaigns.Nitties leadsGOLF: James Nitties has stamped his class on the NSW Open, handling difficult conditions to take a four-shot lead after two rounds at The Vintage Golf Club in the Hunter Valley. High temperatures and wind sent scores soaring. After 26 players shot under 70 on day one, just five recorded a sub-70 tally in the second round. Nitties followed his first-round 65 with a 68, the joint best score of day two, as he finished on nine-under at the halfway stage. He held a four-stroke lead over Victorian Craig Scott (70). Overnight leader and tournament host Nathan Green shot 76 to drop to two-under, seven shots off the pace.Bird not wantedRUGBY LEAGUE: The Brisbane Broncos have rejected reports they are in the race to sign sacked Cronulla star Greg Bird. Broncos chief executive Bruno Cullen said reports linking the six-time premier to the origin player were incorrect and the club has no interest in him at this time. North Queensland has emerged as the early favourite to secure the controversial Bird, with chief executive Peter Parr declaring few rival NRL clubs could match a Cowboys offer.
© 2009 The Age
