This is CNBC's live blog covering Asia-Pacific markets ... opening 0.81% lower. In South Korea, the Kospi started the day 0.71% lower, while the small-cap Kosdaq was down 0.1.21%.

Australia's S&P/ASX 200 extended losses to a sixth straight session, opening 0.81% lower. In South Korea, the Kospi started the day 0.71% lower, while the small-cap Kosdaq was down 0.1.21%.

Mainland China's CSI300 index fell 0.22% to close at 3,969.72. Hong Kong's Hang Seng index ended the day 0.58% lower at 23,341.61, after notching a nearly three-year high in its previous session.

This is CNBC's live blog covering Asia-Pacific markets ... the BSE Sensex index had lost 1.03% as of 1.30 p.m. local time. South Korea's Kospi ended the day 0.35% lower at 2,645.27, while ...

South Korea's Kospi ended the day 0.35% lower at 2,645.27, while the small-cap Kosdaq was closed down 0.17% at 773.33. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 ended the day 0.14% higher at 8,308.20 ...

Injuries and suspension have decimated the Rabbitohs during the pre-season but if anyone knows how to prepare a team for an against the odds upset in Round 1 it is Wayne Bennett. The super coach ...