Sports News in Brief
Cup setback
HAMBURG - Lleyton Hewitt re-opened the debate surrounding his playing future after suffering one of the dirtiest days of his Davis Cup career. The nation's greatest Cup servant succumbed to German world No.127 Cedrik-Marcel Stebe 6-4 6-1 6-4 in a flat, error-filled performance in the deciding rubber in Hamburg. Even one of his greatest fans, former Davis Cup captain John Fitzgerald wondered how much longer the former world No.1 would carry on.
Chase for No.1
LOWER TRESTLES - Australian surfer Joel Parkinson faces a sudden-death match-up against American Conner Coffin in round two of the Hurley Pro at Trestles as he attempts to keep the heat on best mate Mick Fanning. Parkinson trails countryman Mick Fanning on the ASP world rankings race with Trestles the sixth stop of 10 on this year's tour. Fanning pipped Parkinson for the Billabong Pro title in Teahupoo last month and leads the rankings on 34,750.
Pavlich injury
PERTH - Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich has confirmed he requires surgery after battling niggling injuries for much of the AFL season. Pavlich will fly to Melbourne this week where he will undergo a hip arthroscopy and also surgery on his troublesome achilles tendon. The procedures will require a recovery period of about six to eight weeks, leaving Pavlich ready to join in at pre-season training in November.
NZ defence
WELLINGTON - Defender Katrina Grant says the Silver Ferns will need to work harder to negate Australian shooter Caitlin Bassett's game-changing potential in Thursday's second netball Test in Auckland. New Zealand hung on in Melbourne on Sunday for a first-up 54-52 win, after taking a five-goal lead into the final quarter. But the Silver Ferns struggled to adjust when Australian coach benched shooter Catherine Cox for Bassett in the last 15 minutes.