Hauser sprints to triathlon victory, leads world series
Hauser held off Portugal's Vasco Vilaca in a thrilling race on Saturday, making him the man to catch after two of the eight races which culminate with the Championship Finals on home soil in Wollongong this October.
The result adds to a strong start to Hauser's 2025 season, following his silver at the opener in Abu Dhabi, where he was edged out in a sprint showdown by Kiwi star Hayden Wilde - who has subsequently suffered multiple broken bones in a bike crash.
"I couldn't settle for third, second, or anything less than first until I'd given everything to the line," said 27-year-old Hauser after his win.
"I tried to produce a bit of that Aussie spirit today and it got me home first, which I'm super glad about.
"Wollongong World Championships this year – it's the year of the Aussies. Hopefully we can go back and put on a show for you all.
"It should be a great year ahead. It's my first Olympic distance World Triathlon Championship Series win so I'm really proud of that."
The Queenslander was at his trademark best in the water, emerging second from the 750m swim and he was among the leaders coming off the rain-slick bike course.
Hauser, Vilaca and Brazil's Miguel Hidalgo broke clear and were left to slug it out for the medals over the final 2.5kms of the 10km run leg.
With 1km to go, Vilaca surged and Hidalgo was unable to respond, but Hauser dug deep before launching his own move and pulling clear down the blue carpet.
"I learned a few lessons in Abu Dhabi, not to go to early and burn my matches," Hauser said.
Hauser's heroics capped off a strong day for the Australians in both the elite and para triathlon events.
Luke Willian opened his season with a solid showing, finishing 12th, while Ellie Hoitink was 34th in the women's race, won by Jeanna Lehair (LUX).
Earlier in the day, Lauren Parker (PTWC) and Anu Francis (PTS2) both claimed gold medals in the World Triathlon Para Series, making it back-to-back wins to start their seasons.
Jack Howell (PTS4) secured a hard-fought silver medal, just edged out in a dramatic sprint finish by Martin Schulz (GER), while Maggie Sandles (PTVI) with guide Lauren Sprague, and Grace Brimelow (PTS5) bagged bronze medals.
Australia's Matt Hauser has won a sprint finish to secure his first World Triathlon Championship Series win of the season in Japan and go to the top of the standings.
Hauser held off Portugal's Vasco Vilaca in a thrilling race on Saturday, making him the man to catch after two of the eight races which culminate with the Championship Finals on home soil in Wollongong this October.
The result adds to a strong start to Hauser's 2025 season, following his silver at the opener in Abu Dhabi, where he was edged out in a sprint showdown by Kiwi star Hayden Wilde - who has subsequently suffered multiple broken bones in a bike crash.
"I couldn't settle for third, second, or anything less than first until I'd given everything to the line," said 27-year-old Hauser after his win.
"I tried to produce a bit of that Aussie spirit today and it got me home first, which I'm super glad about.
"Wollongong World Championships this year – it's the year of the Aussies. Hopefully we can go back and put on a show for you all.
"It should be a great year ahead. It's my first Olympic distance World Triathlon Championship Series win so I'm really proud of that."
The Queenslander was at his trademark best in the water, emerging second from the 750m swim and he was among the leaders coming off the rain-slick bike course.
Hauser, Vilaca and Brazil's Miguel Hidalgo broke clear and were left to slug it out for the medals over the final 2.5kms of the 10km run leg.
With 1km to go, Vilaca surged and Hidalgo was unable to respond, but Hauser dug deep before launching his own move and pulling clear down the blue carpet.
"I learned a few lessons in Abu Dhabi, not to go to early and burn my matches," Hauser said.
Hauser's heroics capped off a strong day for the Australians in both the elite and para triathlon events.
Luke Willian opened his season with a solid showing, finishing 12th, while Ellie Hoitink was 34th in the women's race, won by Jeanna Lehair (LUX).
Earlier in the day, Lauren Parker (PTWC) and Anu Francis (PTS2) both claimed gold medals in the World Triathlon Para Series, making it back-to-back wins to start their seasons.
Jack Howell (PTS4) secured a hard-fought silver medal, just edged out in a dramatic sprint finish by Martin Schulz (GER), while Maggie Sandles (PTVI) with guide Lauren Sprague, and Grace Brimelow (PTS5) bagged bronze medals.
Australia's Matt Hauser has won a sprint finish to secure his first World Triathlon Championship Series win of the season in Japan and go to the top of the standings.
Hauser held off Portugal's Vasco Vilaca in a thrilling race on Saturday, making him the man to catch after two of the eight races which culminate with the Championship Finals on home soil in Wollongong this October.
The result adds to a strong start to Hauser's 2025 season, following his silver at the opener in Abu Dhabi, where he was edged out in a sprint showdown by Kiwi star Hayden Wilde - who has subsequently suffered multiple broken bones in a bike crash.
"I couldn't settle for third, second, or anything less than first until I'd given everything to the line," said 27-year-old Hauser after his win.
"I tried to produce a bit of that Aussie spirit today and it got me home first, which I'm super glad about.
"Wollongong World Championships this year – it's the year of the Aussies. Hopefully we can go back and put on a show for you all.
"It should be a great year ahead. It's my first Olympic distance World Triathlon Championship Series win so I'm really proud of that."
The Queenslander was at his trademark best in the water, emerging second from the 750m swim and he was among the leaders coming off the rain-slick bike course.
Hauser, Vilaca and Brazil's Miguel Hidalgo broke clear and were left to slug it out for the medals over the final 2.5kms of the 10km run leg.
With 1km to go, Vilaca surged and Hidalgo was unable to respond, but Hauser dug deep before launching his own move and pulling clear down the blue carpet.
"I learned a few lessons in Abu Dhabi, not to go to early and burn my matches," Hauser said.
Hauser's heroics capped off a strong day for the Australians in both the elite and para triathlon events.
Luke Willian opened his season with a solid showing, finishing 12th, while Ellie Hoitink was 34th in the women's race, won by Jeanna Lehair (LUX).
Earlier in the day, Lauren Parker (PTWC) and Anu Francis (PTS2) both claimed gold medals in the World Triathlon Para Series, making it back-to-back wins to start their seasons.
Jack Howell (PTS4) secured a hard-fought silver medal, just edged out in a dramatic sprint finish by Martin Schulz (GER), while Maggie Sandles (PTVI) with guide Lauren Sprague, and Grace Brimelow (PTS5) bagged bronze medals.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
'Pressure is coming': Wallabies ready for Boks backlash
Under no illusions, Australia are bracing for some fierce backlash from South Africa in the two sides' return Rugby Championship stoush in Cape Town. While delighted with his side's resilience and growing belief shown in Saturday's colossal comeback win over the back-to-back world champions in Johannesburg, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt isn't getting carried away. He believes the Springboks took their foot off the pedal after motoring to a 22-0 lead inside 18 minutes before succumbing to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the first time since 1963. "I've coached enough teams because I'm really old," the 60-year-old Kiwi said. "I've had teams who got a very, very rapid start. It can sometimes just cause a bit of a lapse in effort and concentration. I think they just gave us a little bit of belief. "As well as (man of the match) Fraser (McReight) did and the other players did, we were probably a little bit lucky because Pieter-Steph (du Toit) at one stage just went to pick and go and he just knocked it on." Schmidt said it was unlikely the Springboks would repeat such mistakes next weekend. "There were a couple of uncharacteristic errors from the Springboks where, I think next week, if they pick and go there, he (du Toit) is such a powerful, athletic man, he will be a handful," he said. "It was probably a mix of us and a little bit of inaccuracy from the Springboks because when they were accurate, you saw that first 20 minutes. "I saw wave after wave and even that very first drive was impressive. "We probably got a little bit lucky, even when Andre (Esterhuizen) went down the left-hand touch a couple of times. "One of the times, (Wallaby) Tom Wright went 70 metres and scored at the other end." Schmidt says the Wallabies can't expect a repeat of the Springboks' second-half lapse when the two teams meet again next Sunday morning (AEST) at DHL Stadium. "We know that pressure is coming," he said. "I've coached against the Boks with a few other international teams and come out second. "I know whether they're favourites or not, they're a heck of a team." Lock Will Skelton and veteran flyhalf James O'Connor revealed the Wallabies quietly celebrated while also reviewing the epic 38-22 triumph on laptops, knowing full well the Boks will likely respond in ruthless fashion. "A lot of the boys are already onto next week. The boys are reviewing, everyone's clipping stuff," Skelton said. "We know what's going to come. They're going to try and punch you in the face this week. "So we're going to have to have a good week of preparation again, and really fight until the end." After playing a lead role in his first Test since 2022, 35-year-old O'Connor said the Wallabies "enjoyed each other's company" but were not getting carried away. "That's the thing about rugby - you're already on to next week. I know my mind went there," he said. "I thought straight away: 'What are they going to be coming with - 6-2 bench, back to basics, bomb squad, aerial contest? "They're going to meet us in the trenches there, so I'm already thinking about what's coming and then just focusing on recovery." With winger Dylan Pietsch (broken jaw), utility back Ben Donaldson (abductor muscle) and prop James Slipper (concussion) all returning home, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart and Rhys van Nek will fly to South Africa to join the Wallabies. Under no illusions, Australia are bracing for some fierce backlash from South Africa in the two sides' return Rugby Championship stoush in Cape Town. While delighted with his side's resilience and growing belief shown in Saturday's colossal comeback win over the back-to-back world champions in Johannesburg, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt isn't getting carried away. He believes the Springboks took their foot off the pedal after motoring to a 22-0 lead inside 18 minutes before succumbing to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the first time since 1963. "I've coached enough teams because I'm really old," the 60-year-old Kiwi said. "I've had teams who got a very, very rapid start. It can sometimes just cause a bit of a lapse in effort and concentration. I think they just gave us a little bit of belief. "As well as (man of the match) Fraser (McReight) did and the other players did, we were probably a little bit lucky because Pieter-Steph (du Toit) at one stage just went to pick and go and he just knocked it on." Schmidt said it was unlikely the Springboks would repeat such mistakes next weekend. "There were a couple of uncharacteristic errors from the Springboks where, I think next week, if they pick and go there, he (du Toit) is such a powerful, athletic man, he will be a handful," he said. "It was probably a mix of us and a little bit of inaccuracy from the Springboks because when they were accurate, you saw that first 20 minutes. "I saw wave after wave and even that very first drive was impressive. "We probably got a little bit lucky, even when Andre (Esterhuizen) went down the left-hand touch a couple of times. "One of the times, (Wallaby) Tom Wright went 70 metres and scored at the other end." Schmidt says the Wallabies can't expect a repeat of the Springboks' second-half lapse when the two teams meet again next Sunday morning (AEST) at DHL Stadium. "We know that pressure is coming," he said. "I've coached against the Boks with a few other international teams and come out second. "I know whether they're favourites or not, they're a heck of a team." Lock Will Skelton and veteran flyhalf James O'Connor revealed the Wallabies quietly celebrated while also reviewing the epic 38-22 triumph on laptops, knowing full well the Boks will likely respond in ruthless fashion. "A lot of the boys are already onto next week. The boys are reviewing, everyone's clipping stuff," Skelton said. "We know what's going to come. They're going to try and punch you in the face this week. "So we're going to have to have a good week of preparation again, and really fight until the end." After playing a lead role in his first Test since 2022, 35-year-old O'Connor said the Wallabies "enjoyed each other's company" but were not getting carried away. "That's the thing about rugby - you're already on to next week. I know my mind went there," he said. "I thought straight away: 'What are they going to be coming with - 6-2 bench, back to basics, bomb squad, aerial contest? "They're going to meet us in the trenches there, so I'm already thinking about what's coming and then just focusing on recovery." With winger Dylan Pietsch (broken jaw), utility back Ben Donaldson (abductor muscle) and prop James Slipper (concussion) all returning home, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart and Rhys van Nek will fly to South Africa to join the Wallabies. Under no illusions, Australia are bracing for some fierce backlash from South Africa in the two sides' return Rugby Championship stoush in Cape Town. While delighted with his side's resilience and growing belief shown in Saturday's colossal comeback win over the back-to-back world champions in Johannesburg, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt isn't getting carried away. He believes the Springboks took their foot off the pedal after motoring to a 22-0 lead inside 18 minutes before succumbing to the Wallabies at Ellis Park for the first time since 1963. "I've coached enough teams because I'm really old," the 60-year-old Kiwi said. "I've had teams who got a very, very rapid start. It can sometimes just cause a bit of a lapse in effort and concentration. I think they just gave us a little bit of belief. "As well as (man of the match) Fraser (McReight) did and the other players did, we were probably a little bit lucky because Pieter-Steph (du Toit) at one stage just went to pick and go and he just knocked it on." Schmidt said it was unlikely the Springboks would repeat such mistakes next weekend. "There were a couple of uncharacteristic errors from the Springboks where, I think next week, if they pick and go there, he (du Toit) is such a powerful, athletic man, he will be a handful," he said. "It was probably a mix of us and a little bit of inaccuracy from the Springboks because when they were accurate, you saw that first 20 minutes. "I saw wave after wave and even that very first drive was impressive. "We probably got a little bit lucky, even when Andre (Esterhuizen) went down the left-hand touch a couple of times. "One of the times, (Wallaby) Tom Wright went 70 metres and scored at the other end." Schmidt says the Wallabies can't expect a repeat of the Springboks' second-half lapse when the two teams meet again next Sunday morning (AEST) at DHL Stadium. "We know that pressure is coming," he said. "I've coached against the Boks with a few other international teams and come out second. "I know whether they're favourites or not, they're a heck of a team." Lock Will Skelton and veteran flyhalf James O'Connor revealed the Wallabies quietly celebrated while also reviewing the epic 38-22 triumph on laptops, knowing full well the Boks will likely respond in ruthless fashion. "A lot of the boys are already onto next week. The boys are reviewing, everyone's clipping stuff," Skelton said. "We know what's going to come. They're going to try and punch you in the face this week. "So we're going to have to have a good week of preparation again, and really fight until the end." After playing a lead role in his first Test since 2022, 35-year-old O'Connor said the Wallabies "enjoyed each other's company" but were not getting carried away. "That's the thing about rugby - you're already on to next week. I know my mind went there," he said. "I thought straight away: 'What are they going to be coming with - 6-2 bench, back to basics, bomb squad, aerial contest? "They're going to meet us in the trenches there, so I'm already thinking about what's coming and then just focusing on recovery." With winger Dylan Pietsch (broken jaw), utility back Ben Donaldson (abductor muscle) and prop James Slipper (concussion) all returning home, Filipo Daugunu, Hamish Stewart and Rhys van Nek will fly to South Africa to join the Wallabies.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
Shock Tomic move stuns as Aussie sacrifices title to chase real comeback dream
Bernard Tomic has proven his haters wrong by sacrificing a great chance to end a seven-year trophy drought to pursue his ultimate goal of playing in a grand slam again. The 32-year-old veteran has turned his life and career around in the last 24 months and his new-found focus has seen him climb up the ranks at a rapid rate. At the end of August 2022, Tomic was a 29-year-old ranked 835 in the world, and completely off the radar. From a career-high of World No.17 in January 2016, it was as low as he had been since his initial rise after turning pro, and it was a point where many tennis players would have thrown in the towel. But not for Tomic. Having once bragged about 'counting his millions' after a lacklustre performance in Australian Open qualifying in 2018, he has put in the hard yards grinding on the ITF Tour. While in 2025 the Aussie has again started to compete on the ATP circuit, climbing up to 184 in the world, which will soon be World No. 169 when rankings next update. And in a true showing that he is hungrier than ever to succeed, Tomic forewent the opportunity to claim an elusive title to chase his dream of again playing on the biggest stage. Tomic reached his second ATP Challenger final this month, where he was drawn to face world No. 314 Arthur Fery, a man ranked well below him, providing him the perfect chance to finally claim a title and $22,000 in prize money. However, after the weather in Barranquilla, Colombia, didn't want to play ball, the final was delayed 24 hours. Fans were then left stunned when hours later, news trickled in that Tomic had withdrawn from the final, with Fery crowned champion. While initially the decision raised eyebrows, it was ultimately revealed that it was because Tomic had a plane to catch, giving up his chance of winning a title to try and qualify for the US Open, which would mark his first grand slam appearance in nearly five years. And Tomic hasn't played at Flushing Meadows since 2018, where he was beaten by Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of qualifying. But a rejuvenated Tomic isn't giving up on playing on the big stage again, set to take on American Patrick Kypson, the world No. 212, in the first round of qualifying. If he overcomes that challenge, Tomic will likely face Pierre Hugues-Herbert in the second round. While a third-round win would see Tomic make the US Open main draw and see him score a hefty $170,000 payday. Lately, Tomic has shown glimpses of the player who was once ranked 17th in the world. In June, he defeated world No. 77 Aleksandar Kovacevic and Aussie world No. 88 Rinky Hijikata. And speaking about what brought about his career resurgence, Tomic told the Changeover podcast that his goal is again to crack the top 100 and try to fulfil his potential, so he can one day retire without regret. 'Tennis has become part of my life ever since I was seven. Obviously, I had a dad that pushed me extremely hard, and that's one of the reasons I got there, in a sense,' Tomic said in June. 'But when you look at this whole picture, now that I'm 32, it's a purpose. It still gives me something to do. Without tennis, I don't know what I would do. 'I'm sitting about 200 in the world, or whatever, and my goal is to be top 100, and then I can retire. It's more of a statement, that sort of thing, so let's see if I can do it. 'But the whole sort of sense you've got to find your purpose, something that gets you going now that you're older, you want something to give. And it's about tennis. 'It's the only thing I'm good at. I've been good at it for almost three decades, so it gets me going. I can still play decent. I'm not in my prime like I was … but that's why I'm challenging myself to get back there one more time. And then retire happy, guilt-free.'
News.com.au
3 hours ago
- News.com.au
Bernard Tomic's latest act proves haters wrong as Aussie turns down big title glory to chase dream
Australian tennis bad boy Bernard Tomic has proven his haters wrong by sacrificing a great chance to end a seven-year ATP trophy drought to pursue his ultimate goal of playing in a grand slam again. The 32-year-old veteran has turned his life and career around in the last 24 months and his new-found focus has seen him climb up the ranks at a rapid rate. At the end of August 2022, Tomic was a 29-year-old ranked 835 in the world, and completely off the radar. From a career-high of World No. 17 in January 2016, it was as low as he had been since his initial rise after turning pro, and it was a point where many tennis players would have thrown in the towel. But not for Tomic. Having once bragged about 'counting his millions' after a lacklustre performance in Australian Open qualifying in 2018, he has put in the hard yards grinding on the ITF Tour. While in 2025 the Aussie has again started to compete on the ATP circuit, climbing up to 184 in the world, which will soon be World No. 169 when rankings next update. And in a true showing that he is hungrier than ever to succeed, Tomic forewent the opportunity to claim an elusive ATP crown to chase his dream of again playing on the biggest stage. Tomic reached his second ATP Challenger final this month, where he was drawn to face world No. 314 Arthur Fery, a man ranked well below him, providing him the perfect chance to finally claim an ATP title and $22,000 in prize money. However, after the weather in Barranquilla, Colombia, didn't want to play ball, the final was delayed 24 hours. Fans were then left stunned when hours later, news trickled in that Tomic had withdrawn from the final, with Fery crowned champion. While initially the decision raised eyebrows, it was ultimately revealed that it was because Tomic had a plane to catch, giving up his chance of winning a title to try and qualify for the US Open, which would mark his first grand slam appearance in nearly five years. And Tomic hasn't played at Flushing Meadows since 2018, where he was beaten by Thanasi Kokkinakis in the first round of qualifying. But a rejuvenated Tomic isn't giving up on playing on the big stage again, set to take on American Patrick Kypson, the world No. 212, in the first round of qualifying. If he overcomes that challenge, Tomic will likely face Pierre Hugues-Herbert in the second round. While a third-round win would see Tomic make the US Open main draw and see him score a hefty $170,000 payday. Lately, Tomic has shown glimpses of the player who was once ranked 17th in the world. In June, he defeated world No. 77 Aleksandar Kovacevic and Aussie world No. 88 Rinky Hijikata. And speaking about what brought about his career resurgence, Tomic told the Changeover podcast that his goal is again to crack the top 100 and try to fulfil his potential, so he can one day retire without regret. 'Tennis has become part of my life ever since I was seven. Obviously, I had a dad that pushed me extremely hard, and that's one of the reasons I got there, in a sense,' Tomic said in June. 'But when you look at this whole picture, now that I'm 32, it's a purpose. It still gives me something to do. Without tennis, I don't know what I would do. 'I'm sitting about 200 in the world, or whatever, and my goal is to be top 100, and then I can retire. It's more of a statement, that sort of thing, so let's see if I can do it. 'But the whole sort of sense you've got to find your purpose, something that gets you going now that you're older, you want something to give. And it's about tennis. 'It's the only thing I'm good at. I've been good at it for almost three decades, so it gets me going. I can still play decent. I'm not in my prime like I was … but that's why I'm challenging myself to get back there one more time. And then retire happy, guilt-free.'
