National Sports

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. — Rachel Homan opened the Grand Slam season on Tuesday with a 4-3 victory over fellow Canadian Clancy Grandy at the HearingLife Tour Challenge. Homan, the defending champion from Beaumont, Alta.

With rugby tests hard to come by, Canada coach Kingsley Jones is looking forward to seeing his team return to action so soon after a pair of August games in Tonga. Canada will join host Spain, Brazil and the U.S.

It's been a good year for Canadian cricketers, who have regained their one-day international status and qualified for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup for the first time.

VANCOUVER — When the Vancouver Whitecaps approached Canadian internationals Sam Adekugbe, Junior Hoillett and Richie Laryea about signing, the trio turned to a friend for advice. That friend? Former Major League Soccer player Tosaint Ricketts.

TORONTO — The West Division's playoff picture could become a lot clearer this week. The Winnipeg Blue Bombers (12-4) and B.C. Lions (12-5) are battling for top spot — and home field for the division final Nov.

MONTREAL — Olympic speedskater Courtney Sarault was filled with doubt ahead of the Canadian short-track national championships at the end of September. “I went in struggling a little bit mentally,” she said.

ABERDEEN, United Kingdom — Canada qualified for the playoffs at the world mixed curling championship with wins over Poland and New Zealand on Tuesday. Skip Felix Asselin and his crew out of the Glenmore Curling Club in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que.

Calgary Stampeders receiver Reggie Begelton was named this year's recipient of the Herm Harrison Memorial Award on Tuesday. The award, established in 2013, honours a Stampeders player for his outstanding community service.

EDMONTON — American linebacker Mark McLaurin, who appeared in 11 regular-season games this year with the Edmonton Elks, was among five players released by the CFL club Tuesday.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have acquired defenceman Mark Friedman and forward Ty Glover from the Pittsburgh Penguins. In exchange, Vancouver has sent defenceman Jack Rathbone and forward Karel Plasek off to Pittsburgh.