National Sports

AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Steven Alker shot a bogey-free 4-under 66 on Friday for a share of the second-round lead in the Bridgestone Senior Players Championship with Joe Durant, Tim Petrovic and Alex Cejka.

After blanking Belgium 45-0 on the weekend in Halifax, the Canadian men's rugby team faces a step up in class Sunday when it faces Spain in Ottawa. Just how big a step is to be determined.

OTTAWA — Alex DeBrincat and the Ottawa Senators have mutual goals and each side is hoping the other will be the key to fulfilling them.

TORONTO — Canada's women's basketball practice ended on Friday with a halfcourt shooting contest. Natalie Achonwa put $20 on the line.

MONTREAL — Kirby Dach knew the Chicago Blackhawks were heading into rebuild mode. What he didn't know was that he wasn't part of the team's blueprint. The Blackhawks dealt Dach to the Montreal Canadiens for a pair of picks on Thursday.

NORTH BERWICK, Scotland (AP) — Cameron Tringale finally saw The Renaissance Club in windy weather and held his own Friday to stay three shots ahead in the Scottish Open as he tries to win for the first time in his 13th year on the PGA Tour.

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — This deficit was less daunting for Novak Djokovic . The tension less palpable. It's not that he wants to fall behind in matches, of course. It's that when he does, he knows how to deal with it.

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Beer with alcohol is expected to be sold at World Cup stadiums in Qatar but fans may be allowed to take only non-alcoholic drinks to their seats.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampede returned Friday with its trademark parade, led by Hollywood actor Kevin Costner on horseback, in the first full event since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

MONTREAL — Maple Leafs head coach Sheldon Keefe is usually in the middle of the action. He was more than happy to play the role of interested observer at the NHL draft.