National Sports

BELMONT, Mich. (AP) — Jennifer Kupcho opened a two-stroke lead over defending champion Nelly Korda on Friday in the LPGA Meijer Classic, shooting a 5-under 67 in windy conditions for her second straight bogey-free round.

DENVER (AP) — Jon Cooper told his Tampa Bay Lightning players in the locker room following their Game 1 loss they need to be a lot better to take out the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup Final.

HAMILTON — In the space of a week, American rookie offensive lineman Tyrone Riley has gone from the Hamilton Tiger-Cat's practice roster to the starting lineup.

MONTREAL — Red Bull's Max Verstappen laid down the fastest lap times in both practice sessions for the Montreal Grand Prix on Friday, as he aims to build on his lead in the Formula One season standings.

Canadian tennis star Eugenie Bouchard has withdrawn from Wimbledon. The 28-year-old posted the news on social media Friday, saying she'll concentrate on other tournaments, including the U.S.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps know they'll feel the heat in Texas this weekend — literally. The temperature is set to be about 33 degrees Celsius when the 'Caps kick off against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday evening.

Taylor Pendrith is targeting the John Deere Classic for his return to the PGA Tour. The product of Richmond Hill, Ont., had hoped to make his return to play at last week's RBC Canadian Open, but had to withdraw before the event began.

EDMONTON — An economics professor says Edmonton should be happy it was not selected to host games for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the cost would have exceeded the economic benefits.

MONTREAL — Sebastian Vettel arrived at the Montreal Grand Prix wearing his thoughts about climate change on his T-shirt.

MONTREAL — A few days after he gingerly climbed out of his Mercedes with what he called "excruciating" back pain, Lewis Hamilton joked half-heartedly that he's a little bit shorter this week due to spinal compression.