Running events: Keown crushes rivals

Esther Keown, of Auckland Girls' Grammar, won the world schools girls' cross country running title in the Czech Republic. Competing for a New Zealand schools selected team, Keown, 15, won the 3000m race easily in 9m 19s, beating the Belgium pair of Zenobi Van Gansbeke and Eline Dalemans by six seconds.

Keown led New Zealand to victory in the teams race, with Hannah Newbould of Cashmere High School fourth, Nicki McFadzien of Villa Maria College sixth and Olivia Burne of Palmerston North Girls' High 12th combining for 23 points, to beat Algeria on 49, England 51 and Australia 76.