Injuries continue to plague Raonic
Milos Raonic picked up another injury Thursday and was forced to retire from his second round match at the Japan Open.
The 2016 Wimbledon finalist from Thornhill, Ont., lost the opening game against Yuichi Sugita and then decided to stop while trailing 1-0 because of an injury to his right calf.
“It happened when the score was deuce,” said Raonic. “I felt a sharp pain at the back of my leg. I’ll head home now and get medical attention. It’s been a difficult and frustrating year.’’
Nadal keeps on rolling
Rafael Nadal earned his season-leading 58th victory on Thursday by beating Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals of the China Open.
The top-ranked Spaniard, who won the French Open and U.S. Open this year, will next face John Isner. The big-serving American defeated Leonardo Mayer 6-0, 6-3.
Second-seeded Alexander Zverev also advanced, beating Fabio Fognini.
BASKETBALL Raptors lock up Powell
The Toronto Raptors have signed swingman Norman Powell to a four-year extension worth US$42 million.
The 24-year-old is slated to play a major role this season, either as the starting small forward or sixth man, after two years off the bench.
In 42 games as a starter, Powell has averaged 12.5 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists, shooting 43 per cent from three-point range.
RUGBY CFLer to join sevens squad
Fresh off a history-making World Series season, Canadian rugby sevens coach Damian McGrath unveiled a 2017-18 roster that includes Montreal Alouettes speedster Tevaughn Campbell.
The 6-foot, 195-pound defensive back will become a carded member of the sevens program in late November, after his CFL duties are done.
Campbell, 24, got a taste of the sevens game in April when he trained with the team during a trip to Asia.
“He’s got that one thing that you can’t add to people, which is out-and-out speed,” McGrath said.
HOCKEY Devils get behind NWHL
The New Jersey Devils are the first NHL franchise to partner with a National Women’s Hockey League team.
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the Devils parent company, announced a partnership with the Metropolitan Riveters on Thursday. The goal is to support the growth of the NWHL, a four-team league that started in 2015.