Today's winner of the Auckland marathon led from start to finish - despite never having run one before.

Supplied by ASB Classic. In more outstanding news for the ASB Classic, Venus Williams has indicated that she will play doubles with sister Serena in Auckland in January. In a video to fans released by Venus today, the elder of the Williams sister’s talks about her love of playing in Auckland. “I am so excited. Of course I love you all. I feel so at home there. I cant wait to go all the way to the end and bring home the title” said Williams.

The Pioneer is an awe inspiring seven day mountain bike stage race through New Zealand’s pristine Southern Alps. The first race of its kind to link together over 500kms of farm tracks, NZ Cycle Trails, double track and single track riding in a very special part of the world where soaring mountain peaks, crystal-clear blue lakes, and golden high country await. The inaugural Pioneer Mountain Bike Stage Race through NZ’s Southern Alps proved to be a true pioneering race. All those who competed loved the stunning scenery, the brutal nature of the challenge, and left them heaping praise on this epic event through New Zealand’s pristine high country.

An unbeaten 154 by Virat Kohli has led the hosts to a seven-wicket victory over the Black Caps in Mohali. Source: Sky Sport

A controversial call from the TMO and Nigel Owens has incensed former Wallaby Rod Kafer during the All Blacks’ win over Australia. New Auckland mayor Phil Goff has reignited calls for a new stadium in Auckland and even has a plan on where it could fit.

Former Wallaby Phil Kearns has stirred the pot by ahead of tonight’s Bledisloe Cup test claiming there’s nothing special about Eden Park. Warriors boss Jim Doyle believes it’s only a matter of time before Kieran Foran is officially registered by the NRL.

The six-run win in the second ODI squares the five-game series but importantly gave the tourists' their first win after four straight defeats in the international matches on tour, after a 3-0 drubbing in the tests and a loss in the first ODI at Dharamsala. Source: Sky Sport

All Blacks 1st-five Aaron Cruden commenting on the upcoming test against the All Blacks and Australia and a bit on his future.

Seven professional rugby players had to be rescued when they got stuck in a hotel lift - because they broke the weight limit. Source: Wales Online

Losing the test series 3-0 was a significant disappointment. No one bar the most deluded New Zealand supporter would have contemplated winning the series.

Steven Adams has burst into life in Oklahoma City Thunder's NBA pre-season campaign, dominating the inside in a 112-84 win over Minnesota Timberwolves. Source: NBA

The 15-year-old daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay has been fatally shot in Kentucky, the athlete's agent and authorities said today. Trinity Gay died at the University of Kentucky Medical Center, the coroner's office for Fayette County said in a statement. The athlete's agent, Mark Wetmore, confirmed in a text message to The Associated Press that Gay's daughter had died.

India scored 194-4 in 33.1 overs to chase down New Zealand's paltry 190 and win the first one-day international by six wickets. Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten 85, after debutant Hardik Pandya took 3-31, to help their side take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Source: Sky Sport

Source: Sky Sport

It may be five years since he slotted the match-winning penalty goal in the Rugby World Cup final against France at Eden Park to end a 24-year World Cup drought, but Stephen Donald proved he still knows exactly what to do when his number is called. Source: Sky Sport

Source: Sky Sport

Andrew Alderson reviews day four of the third test between India and the Black Caps where the hosts wrapped up the series 3-0.

The All Whites have gone down to the highly rated Mexican side, but not in the manner many would have expected. New Zealand gave Mexico a real scare, drawing level soon after halftime before eventually losing 2-1 to the world No15 ranked team. Source: Sky Sport

Source: Mitchell J Smith

Australia has finished second in the Rugby Championship after beating Argentina 33-21 at Twickenham. Source: Sky Sport

India, led by the first century of the series from captain Virat Kohli, dominated New Zealand on the opening day of the third test at Indore. Source: Sky Sport

Source: YouTube / Runaway Sports Channel. A teenage rugby sensation has been getting plenty of attention from professional clubs in both codes and one look at his highlights reel shows why.

Former US Open champ Michael Campbell returned home for a few days recently. Michael spoke to Holden Golf World about why he’s enjoying the current chapter of his golfing life.

All Blacks move on from Aaron Smith's exit

A woman was seen driving from Aaron Smith's Dunedin home today, wearing sunglasses and a hat

Whanganui senior firefighter Tanja Grunwald is off to the World Firefighter Combat Challenge in the United States. Made with funding from NZ on Air

Nigel Yalden on how Aaron Smith’s departure will affect All Blacks team to face South Africa.

Andrew Alderson braves the traffic in Kolkata.