GOLF: Paddy Gribben continued to enhance his prospects of a European tour card following a 69 at the Pals Golf Club in Spain yesterday. Gribben lies in second place on 206, two adrift of Scotland's Graham Fox, going into the final round of the second stage of the school.

With the top 31 finishers going forward to next week's final, Gribben is certain to be staying in Spain for another week.

Damian Mooney slipped back with a third-round 74 and will need a low number today to make the six-round qualifying final at Sotogrande next week. With a score of 215, he is on the same mark as Damian McGrane. Both are in a six-way tie for 38th spot.

At the Peralada Club Gary Murphy's superb six-under par 65 moved him into a share of 11th place on eight under (205), eight shots adrift of leader Lee Thompson.

Francis Howley improved his chance of advancing with a round of 67, which leaves him on 211. Peter Lawrie's 72 for 214 and John Kelly's 74 for 215 probably leaves them too far back.

CRICKET: Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer both scored centuries before Australia's celebrated batting line-up inexplicably collapsed on the opening day of the first test against New Zealand yesterday.

Hayden struck 136 and Langer scored 104 to provide a flying start with for a record opening stand of 224 before the middle order crumbled to leave Australia on 294 for six at the close.

Chris Cairns started the collapse with the wickets of Hayden and Ricky Ponting. Craig McMillan, the sixth bowler to be used by captain Stephen Fleming, then weighed in with the scalps of Steve Waugh, Damien Martyn and Langer to finish the day with impressive figures of three for 13 off seven overs.