Murray to start Wimbledon prep with Queen’s bid against Bedene

World number one Andy Murray will start the build-up to his Wimbledon title defence with a Queen’s Club first round clash against Aljaz Bedene. Murray heads into the grass-court campaign back in form after his run to the French Open semi-finals ended a frustrating period marred by problems with injuries and illness.

The Scot, who has battled shingles, an elbow injury and the flu in 2017, was beaten by Stan Wawrinka in five sets on the clay at Roland Garros.

LYON IN ‘ADVANCED TALKS’ TO SIGN TRAORE

Lyon Olympique Lyonnais are expecting competition from various clubs as they hold “advanced talks” to sign midfielder Bertrand Traore from Premier League champions Chelsea, the Ligue 1 team’s president Jean-Michel Aulas said.

The 21-year-old, who made 12 appearances for Chelsea in the 2015-16 season, was loaned out to Ajax Amsterdam last season, where he scored 13 goals to help them reach the Europa League final and finish second in the Dutch league.

RSPB TROUNCE UP 8-0

LUCKNOW: Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) defeated Uttar Pradesh Hockey 8-0 in their Pool A encounter on the third day of the ongoing Hockey India 7th Senior National Hockey Championship (Men’s A Division) here on Saturday.

A hattrick by Yuvraj Walmiki (36’, 60’, 60’) and a brace by Malak Singh (5’, 16’) were enough for Railway Sports Promotion Board to register the three points. In Pool B, Hockey Punjab and Hockey Gangpur Odisha played out an entertaining 2-2 draw.

In Pool C, The Mumbai Hockey Association Ltd beat Hockey Odisha 3-0.