NEW ZEALAND'S ROAD TO RIO - WEEKLY ROUND UP 17 - 23 NOV

Third straight world crown for Burling and Tuke

Peter Burling and Blair Tukes reign in the Olympic skiff class has become virtually unassailable sealing their third straight world title in the 49er and extending their unbeaten run to 22 victories since the London Olympic Games.

The New Zealanders, crowned World Sailors of the Year on the eve of the world championships in Argentina, had wrapped up the title even before lining up for yesterdays final medal race, with a 29-point lead that could not be overtaken. A fourth in the medal race put them 34 points ahead of reigning Olympic champions Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen, who fought back for silver.

Despite the huge points gap, Burling admitted it had been a really tough week on the water for the pair, who have been intensely focused on winning gold in Rio 2016 since collecting silver at the London Olympics.

In the womens 49erFX worlds, Kiwis Alexandra Maloney and Molly Meech finished eighth, after clinching a third placing in the medal race.

Lydia Ko ends LPGA season on top of the world

She may not have clinched the final tournament spoils, but New Zealand golfer Lydia Ko has finished the LPGA season on a huge high today.

For a second successive year, 18-year-old Ko has won the Race to the CME Globe the tours season-long points race, picking up a $1.5 million bonus for her efforts. She keeps her world No. 1 ranking, wins the LPGA Tour Player of the Year award and tops the tours money list for 2016.  She also picks up a new car for finishing the season with the most top-10 finishes (16 from 23 starts).

Today she finished the LPGA Tour Championship in Florida at 11-under par for seventh overall; the tournament won by American Cristie Kerr, on 17-under.

Clarke Johnstones four-star event is a Sensation

New Zealand-based Olympic hopeful Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation have won bronze at the Australian International 3 Day Event in Adelaide, at the horse's first attempt at a four-star event.

The only onshore based Equestrian Sports New Zealand high performance eventer, Johnstone notched up a stunning clear round in the show jumping phase to secure third place behind Australian Olympian Shane Rose, who snatched first and second.

Johnstone, who is focused on making the New Zealand team for Rio in 2016, says his 11-year-old grey gelding is "brave, careful and athletic - everything you need in a four-star horse."

Battle for Finn intensifies for Murdoch and Junior

New Zealands top Finn sailors Andrew Murdoch and Josh Junior will go head-to-head in their battle for Olympic selection during this weeks Finn Gold Cup off Aucklands Takapuna Beach.

Having successfully secured New Zealand a spot in the Finn in Rio next year, the two yachties are now gunning for that one place, and know its crucial to perform in this weeks regatta featuring the worlds top 30 Finn sailors including Brit Giles Scott, unbeaten in the class since 2013.

Meanwhile, Sara Winther is in 15th place midway through the World Laser Radial Championships being sailed off Oman. A third place in the 100-strong fleet in race five helped move her up the overall rankings.

Katie Glynn bows out of Black Sticks

Black Sticks scoring machine Katie Glynn has been forced to retire from international hockey through an unfortunate string of injuries.

The 26-year-old striker, who scored 77 goals since making her debut for New Zealand in 2009, had hoped to make her second Olympic appearance in Rio next year, but has struggled with knee and back injuries over the last two seasons.

New Zealand Olympian number 1149, Glynn won Commonwealth silver and bronze medals and was a key member of the Black Sticks womens side who finished fourth at the 2012 Olympics.

Sports leaders pay their respects to Jonah Lomu

Olympic leaders around the globe have paid homage to rugby legend Jonah Lomu, who passed away last week aged 40.

The IOC President Thomas Bach described Lomu as a player who changed the face of modern rugby. "He was an icon not just for New Zealand fans but for all rugby fans around the world. It is sad that he did not live to see the sport return to the Olympic Games next year in Rio de Janeiro.  He will be sadly missed by everyone and all our thoughts are with his family at this sad time."

Kereyn Smith, CEO of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, also acknowledged Lomu's contribution to the Olympic Movement and Commonwealth Games sport.  "Rugby sevens first appeared on the Commonwealth Games programme in 1998 and Jonah made his mark as part of New Zealand's gold medal-winning team," she said. His ability to connect with global audiences and his passion for rugby saw him play a key role in supporting the game's successful bid for a spot in its sevens format on the Olympic programme from 2016.