National Sports

TORONTO — Saad Zafar is ready for cricket to take the next step in Canada, both on the pitch and in the stands.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Xander Schauffele has been a mainstay near the top of the leaderboard most of the year. Now he’s hoping to close the door.

CLIFTON, N.J. (AP) — Nelly Korda has no intention of letting anyone run away with the Cognizant Founders Cup and end her bid to become the first player to win six straight LPGA Tour tournaments. Hear that Rose Zhang and Madelene Sagstrom.

MONTREAL — Tickets are still available for "Messi Mania" in Montreal — if you're willing to pay up.

PRAGUE (AP) — The United States lost to Sweden 5-2 in its opening match at the ice hockey world championship on Friday. Joel Eriksson Ek scored twice and added an assist, and star defenseman Victor Hedman had a goal and an assist for Sweden.

TORONTO — Keith Pelley was reminded of the first time he watched Liverpool play up close. The Premier League giant with an illustrious soccer history in both England and Europe are followed by a rabid supporters craving success.

MONTREAL — Just the thought that he may come face to face with Lionel Messi has CF Montreal captain Samuel Piette pinching himself.

PARIS (AP) — Kylian Mbappé announced again he's leaving Paris Saint-Germain, an unsurprising move by the French superstar who is expected to join Real Madrid. Mbappé said on Friday on X he will play his final home game on Sunday against Toulouse.

TORONTO — A victory over visiting New York City FC on Saturday and Toronto FC can match its entire points total of last season when it finished last in the league at 4-20-10.

PRAGUE, Czechia — Toronto Maple Leafs captain John Tavares has been added to the Canadian roster at the world men's hockey championship, Hockey Canada announced Friday.