National Sports

The long-simmering Canadian curling residency issue has been raised to the front burner once again after a quadrennial that saw Canada largely come up short at major international four-player team events.

ROME — Dennis Shapovalov shocked Rafael Nadal on the Spanish legend's favourite playing surface Thursday to highlight a big day for Canadian tennis stars at the Italian Open clay-court tournament.

Veterans Bianca Farella and Phil Berna lead the Canadian rugby sevens teams named for the HSBC Toulouse Sevens later this month in France.

NEW YORK — Toronto Maple Leafs centre Auston Matthews and Edmonton Oilers centre Connor McDavid are two of the finalists for the Hart Memorial Trophy, the NHL's most valuable player award.

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Chris Rossetti has a new NFL gig. The Mississauga Ont., native was named the New York Giants' director of pro scouting.

It could take another 10 years but Adam Thompson firmly believes Toronto's time for an NFL expansion franchise is coming. Thompson is a handicapper/oddsmaker for Bookies.

TORONTO — Spanish striker Jesus Jimenez worked his way up through the lower levels of Spanish soccer before earning his chance with a storied club in Poland.

Canada will host Iran in a men's soccer friendly on June 5 in Vancouver. The match is part of a two-game homestand at B.C. Place Stadium.

CALGARY — Darryl Sutter isn't about to reveal his plans for a potential series-clinching game, but the Calgary Flames have won back-to-back playoff games with the coach taking from his forwards and giving to his defencemen.

DUBLIN — The United States will stage a Rugby World Cup for the first time after being voted as host of the men's tournament in 2031 and the women's tournament two years later.