Sports
Liam Lawson Secures Eighth Place at Belgian Grand Prix, Outshines Teammate

Liam Lawson delivered an impressive performance at the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing in eighth place and marking his third points finish of the 2025 Formula One season. The Kiwi driver outperformed his Racing Bulls teammate, Isack Hadjar, who struggled to make an impact during the race.
Lawson’s journey to the top was not without challenges. He qualified one position behind Hadjar but executed a crucial overtake at a pivotal moment as drivers transitioned from wet to slick tyres. This strategic move allowed Lawson to gain an advantage and prompted his team to pit him first. He seized the opportunity, securing four championship points as Hadjar fell behind, crossing the line last on the track.
Race Dynamics and Team Strategies
The Belgian Grand Prix showcased the intense competition within Red Bull Racing, particularly with speculation surrounding a potential future partnership between Lawson and Max Verstappen. Hadjar has not scored points in four consecutive races, a stark contrast to Lawson’s performance, which includes a career-best sixth place finish in Austria. The disparity in their results raises questions about Hadjar’s position in the team as Lawson continues to shine.
Lawson’s eighth-place finish at Spa-Francorchamps adds to his growing reputation in the sport. With Hadjar’s last notable finish being seventh in Spain, the pressure mounts as both drivers aim to solidify their roles within the team. The dynamics between the two teammates will be critical as the season progresses and opportunities for advancement arise.
As the Formula One season unfolds, Lawson’s consistent performance highlights his potential to rise within the ranks of Red Bull Racing, while Hadjar’s recent struggles may prompt a reassessment of his future with the team. The upcoming races will be crucial for both drivers as they seek to secure their positions and chase their championship ambitions.
Sports
Test Your Knowledge with the Otago Daily Times Quiz on July 28

The Otago Daily Times invites readers to challenge their knowledge with a quiz scheduled for July 28. This engaging activity aims to test both local and general knowledge, offering a fun way for participants to gauge their understanding of various topics.
Participate in the Challenge
The quiz is designed for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging a sense of community while promoting intellectual engagement. Participants can expect questions that span a range of subjects, from history and geography to current events and pop culture.
Local residents of Otago are particularly encouraged to participate, as the quiz will include questions relevant to the region, providing a unique opportunity to showcase local knowledge. Engaging with this quiz not only serves as entertainment but also fosters a deeper connection to the community and its heritage.
Why Take the Quiz?
Quizzes like this one offer more than just a test of knowledge; they also serve as a means of social interaction and friendly competition. Participants can compare scores with friends and family, creating an engaging atmosphere around learning and discovery.
Whether you’re a trivia buff or someone looking to expand your knowledge, the Otago Daily Times quiz on July 28 presents an enjoyable opportunity to challenge yourself. Join in and see how much you really know!
Sports
Wellington Phoenix Triumphs in Thrilling Penalty Shootout

The Wellington Phoenix emerged victorious in a thrilling contest against their opponents during the first round of the Australia Cup on March 15, 2024. Despite facing a late equaliser, a significant lightning delay, and torrential rain, the Phoenix secured their win following a dramatic penalty shootout.
The match, held in Perth, showcased the determination of both teams. The Phoenix took an early lead, but as the game progressed, the conditions deteriorated. Rain poured down, contributing to a tense atmosphere, and a sudden lightning storm prompted a brief halt in play.
When the match resumed, the opposing team managed to equalise in the dying moments, pushing the game into penalties. Fans braced for an intense finish as both sides prepared for the shootout under challenging weather conditions.
In the penalty shootout, the Wellington Phoenix demonstrated remarkable composure. They converted all their attempts while their goalkeeper made a crucial save that sealed the victory. The final score in penalties was 4-3, marking a significant achievement for the team as they advance further in the tournament.
This win not only highlights the team’s resilience but also sets the stage for their upcoming matches in the Australia Cup. The Phoenix will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deeper run in the competition.
Fans and analysts alike praised the Phoenix for their performance under pressure, with many noting the team’s ability to maintain focus despite the adverse weather conditions. Coach Ufuk Talay commended his players for their grit and determination, stating, “This team has shown they can handle tough situations, and tonight was a testament to that.”
The Wellington Phoenix will continue their campaign in the coming weeks, with their next match scheduled for March 22, 2024. As they prepare, the players will undoubtedly draw on the experience gained from this challenging encounter.
Sports
Erika Fairweather Disqualified from 400m Freestyle at Worlds

New Zealand swimmer Erika Fairweather faced an abrupt end to her title defense in the 400m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore on March 17, 2024. The 21-year-old athlete was disqualified after officials ruled she committed a false start in the third heat. Despite finishing fourth with a time of 4 minutes 3.39 seconds, Fairweather’s performance would have qualified her for the final, placing her sixth overall.
The disqualification came as a shock to Fairweather and her supporters. International broadcasters highlighted her movement at the start, noting that even minimal early movement can lead to disqualification under current regulations. In this instance, the officials determined that Fairweather’s early motion violated the competition’s rules.
“I think the call is technically correct,”
noted one commentator during the live broadcast, emphasizing the challenges of interpreting the start rules. The official guidelines on what constitutes a false start can sometimes be ambiguous, leading to contentious decisions.
In stark contrast, American swimmer Katie Ledecky, a nine-time Olympic gold medalist and the most decorated female swimmer in Olympic history, showcased her dominance by qualifying first in the same event. Ledecky clocked an impressive time of 4 minutes 1.04 seconds, demonstrating her consistent excellence in the pool.
The disqualification marks a disappointing moment for Fairweather, who has worked tirelessly to defend her title. As the competition continues in Singapore, her absence from the final will be felt, particularly as she has been a rising star in international swimming.
The World Aquatics Championships serve as a significant platform for swimmers worldwide, and Fairweather’s experience underscores the high stakes within competitive swimming. With the event continuing, many eyes will be on Ledecky and other top contenders as they vie for medals and recognition in this prestigious arena.
Sports
Tactix Clinch First ANZ Premiership Title, Ending 28-Year Wait

The Tactix secured their first ANZ Premiership title on September 30, 2023, triumphing over the Stars in a decisive final held in Christchurch. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team and the Mainland region, ending a 28-year wait for a major netball championship.
In a match characterized by skill and precision, the Tactix showcased their strength throughout the season, ultimately earning their place in the grand final. The team, led by coach Brent Anderson, executed a well-planned strategy that kept their opponents on the back foot. Key players, including Ellie Bird and Kate Beveridge, delivered standout performances, contributing to a final score of 68-54.
The atmosphere in the venue was electric as fans rallied behind the Tactix, many of whom had supported the team through years of near misses. Celebrations erupted as the final whistle blew, signaling not only a championship win but also a triumph for a region that has long awaited this moment. The significance of the victory extends beyond the trophy; it revitalizes the local netball community and inspires future generations of players.
The Tactix’s journey to the title was marked by resilience. Throughout the season, they faced tough competition, yet their consistent performance allowed them to finish atop the standings. The team’s determination was evident, and their victory is seen as a testament to hard work and teamwork.
Speaking after the match, coach Brent Anderson expressed immense pride in his players. “This is a culmination of years of effort and dedication. The team has come together in a way that showcases the best of what we can achieve,” he stated.
For the players, the win represents a dream fulfilled. Ellie Bird, who was pivotal in the final, emphasized the emotional weight of the victory. “To finally bring home the title for our fans and the region is beyond words. We’ve worked so hard, and this is for everyone who has believed in us,” she said.
The Tactix’s success is expected to have a lasting impact on netball in the Mainland region. With increased visibility and support, the sport is likely to grow, encouraging young athletes to pursue their aspirations in netball. This championship win not only brings glory to the Tactix but also serves as a rallying point for netball enthusiasts across the region.
As the celebrations unfold, the Tactix have set their sights on future challenges, aiming to build on this achievement in the upcoming season. With a solid foundation and a winning mentality, the team is poised to become a formidable force in the ANZ Premiership for years to come.
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