Alice Robinson concedes she is battling to overcome homesickness during the World Cup alpine ski season in Europe

The Kiwi has failed to finish her last three World Cup Giant Slalom races, the discipline where the 19 year old won two of the six completed races last season.

But Robinson insists it's not because she isn't skiing well but she hasn't seen her family for five months which is different to her normal routine and it's harder mentally than it has been in the past.

The Wellington Firebirds have rocketed to the top of the Super Smash standings after thrashing the Northern Knights by nine wickets in Mount Maunganui.

Finn Allen smashed an unbeaten 91 off 50 balls to help the Firebirds past their target of 148 with four overs to spare.

Knights coach Graeme Aldridge says they got spanked.

Everton's missed a chance to climb to second on the English Premier League table after being beaten 1-nil at home by West Ham.

The visitors netted an 85th minute winner that consolidates 10th on the table while the Toffees remain fourth.

Manchester United can draw level on points with leaders Liverpool if they beat Aston Villa with that match getting underway at 9 o'clock.

And World number one Michael van Gerwen will try to set up a blockbuster semi final at the World Darts Championships this morning.

The three times champion takes on England's Dave Chisnall with the winner to meet Scotland's two times world champ Gary Anderson for a place in the final.