Olympics: New Zealand team far from decided

By SUZANNE McFADDEN

Archery: New Zealand has a record three spots, but may not fill them all. Christchurch archer Ken Uprichard has bettered the qualifying total, but Peter Ebden, Kathryn Faulkner and Scott Woodham are still in with a shot.

Athletics: At five so far, this threatens to be the smallest athletics team since Helsinki in 1952, unless others qualify soon in the United States and Australia. Hammer thrower Tasha Williams is close. Other contenders are long jumper Chantal Brunner, Ian Winchester (discus), Zion Armstrong (hurdles), sprinter Jane Arnott and Robbie Johnson (10km). Phil Costley and Dale Warrender have to break 2h 13m in a United States marathon.

Badminton: Missed out on the initial cut, but mixed pair Tammy Jenkins and Daniel Shirley, fifth on the reserve list, hold a slim hope of a late invitation in July.

Basketball: Both the men's and women's teams, given free entry to the Olympics, must now drop four players each from their 16-strong training squads.

Beach volleyball: Men's hopefuls Craig Seuseu and Tom Eade have until mid-August to qualify - which means making the world's top 20. They are 23rd today, but have been to just two of 13 qualifiers so far.

Boxing: Sudden death for the Kiwis at next week's Oceania championships in Canberra: win gold, go to the Olympics. A cloud hangs over big hope Garth de Silva, under investigation for drug-test irregularity and who has not fought for nine months. Other main contenders are Lance Bryant, Trevor Shailer, Ramil Abubot.

Cycling: The next fortnight is crucial for roadies and trackies. The road men have their last chance to impress at the Tour of Japan for four spots. The track riders push for a place in the 11-strong team at the World Cup in Colombia. With three mountain-bikers, the team will be named early next month.

Equestrian: Eventing's big four - Mark Todd, Blyth Tait, Vaughn Jefferis and Andrew Nicholson - have virtually booked their spaces, but Daniel Jocelyn is a good bet for the three-day contingent, who could number seven. Taupo this weekend is the last trial for Kiwi-based horses. Showjumping has two places up for grabs - John Cottle, Catriona McLeod and Bruce Goodin the main chances. Two women, Kallista Field and Catherine Smallbone, battle for one dressage spot.

Fencing: Three men will try to qualify through the Asia-Oceania tournament in Seoul next week - Alexander Scott in the foil, Rangi de Abaffy (epee) and Antony Fake (sabre).

Gymnastics: David Phillips is the first man to represent New Zealand in Olympic gymnastics since 1972. Laura Robertson has qualified in the women's artistic event. No rhythmic gymnasts, no trampolinists.

Hockey: Thirteen players have been confirmed to play in Sydney, but the fight for the last three places continues at the Champions Trophy in Holland in a fortnight.

Judo: Two Kiwis will compete - Daniel Gowing in the men's over 100kg class, and Fiona Iredale, women over 78kg.

Rowing: The Waddells, Rob and Sonia, are on their way to Sydney in the single sculls, as are the men's coxless four. It's now up to the women's eight, the women's doubles (twins Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell) and men's coxless pair (Bryce Mael and Steve Westlake) to try to join them through a European qualifier in Lucerne in July.

Shooting: With seven competitors, this is the biggest New Zealand shooting team to go to an Olympics. Six are Olympic debutants - only Brant Woodward went to the 96 Games.

Soccer: It all comes down to a playoff with the hardened South Africans next Friday and in Johannesburg eight days later for the New Zealand under-23s.

Softball: Fifteen women have their tickets for Sydney, and now play build-up games against Japan, Canada and Australia.

Swimming: Seven swimmers have already qualified, but 12 others are trying to make the grade in Sydney this weekend. Closest to making it are Monique Robins, Hannah McLean and Liz van Wellie. Olympic champion Danyon Loader also makes a late bid.

Table tennis: Three have qualified - sisters Karen and Li Chun Li, the latter a former Olympian now playing professionally in Japan, and French-based Peter Jackson. Li Chun Li is ranked No 42 in world, but has upset the world's best.

Triathlon: The mystery continues - Ben Bright and Hamish Carter have been told they are in, but the third man is still to be named. The sport has put off naming any women, although there are two spots available.

Weightlifting: A full Kiwi team compete today in Nauru for spots for one man, one woman in Sydney. Olivia Baker could also get a wildcard with her world 12th ranking. The men's place will be fought out between Nigel Avery and Australian-based James Swann.

Yachting: Two dinghy spots still to be filled. Next week, America's Cup tactician Gavin Brady tries to qualify in the Star class and Nik Burfoot is favourite to win the Laser trials next month. But the Kiwis' big medal hopes remain boardsailors Barbara Kendall and Aaron McIntosh.