National Sports

VAL D'ISERE, France — Long after most broadcasters had switched to other programs, unheralded No. 41 starter Martin Cater won the first downhill of the World Cup season on Sunday. The television networks had a point.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — If Malachi Flynn was feeling any nerves in his NBA debut, they were gone by the time the Raptors rookie guard knocked down back-to-back three-pointers in the third quarter on Saturday.

The Columbus Crew are 2020 MLS Cup champions after a 3-0 victory over the Seattle Sounders. Lucas Zelarayan scored a pair of goals while Derrick Etienne added another to give the Crew their second-ever MLS Cup title.

WACO, Texas — Canadian running back Chuba Hubbard has chosen to enter the 2021 NFL draft, his college coach said. Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy told the school's radio pre-game show that the 21-year-old from Sherwood Park, Alta.

LAS VEGAS — Canadian featherweight Gavin (Guv'nor) Tucker won his third straight fight in the UFC Saturday night, earning a unanimous decision over Billy Quarantillo in a preliminary bout on the UFC 256 card.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors are giving their all-star guard Kyle Lowry a couple of games off before the NBA's regular season begins.

NAPLES, Fla. — Matt Kuchar and Harris English took a five-stroke lead Saturday in the QBE Shootout, opening and closing with long birdie runs for an 11-under 61 in modified alternate-shot play.

PLYMOUTH, Mich. — USA Hockey has announced the 25 players who'll suit up for the Americans at the world junior hockey championship in Edmonton.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen produced a stunning last lap and beat both Mercedes cars to take pole position for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday. He was .025 seconds ahead of Valtteri Bottas and .

Hockey Canada chose 25 players Friday to represent the host country at the world junior hockey championship in Edmonton. Three goalies, eight defencemen and 14 forwards were picked from a selection-camp roster of 46 for the tournament Dec. 25 to Jan.