National Sports

Denis Shapovalov likes to set the tone on the tennis court, using an offence-first approach to dictate pace and force an opponent's hand. That style worked nicely in his first two matches at the Australian Open.

ROTA, Spain — Canada played to a 0-0 draw with Switzerland in a closed-door women's soccer training match Thursday. The Canadians, ranked fifth in the world, now turn their attention to an international friendly against No. 13 Norway on Jan.

TORONTO — After two World Cups and numerous other marquee soccer matches, Canada's Joe Fletcher is retiring as an assistant referee. The 42-year-old Fletcher, from St. Catharines, Ont., by way of Niagara Falls, says the time is right.

Tim Maypray, who was a receiver with the Montreal Alouettes during their 2010 Grey Cup season, has died. He was 30.

CAMBRIDGE, New Zealand — Just under a year after breaking both her legs during a World Cup ski cross event, Canada's Georgia Simmerling is set to return to the top level of another sport — cycling. The 29-year-old native of West Vancouver, B.C.

WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-signed offensive lineman Stanley Bryant to a one-year contract extension Thursday. Bryant was named the CFL's top lineman for a second straight season in November.

TORONTO — After medicals and two days of fitness training indoors in the frigid north, Toronto FC heads to the warmth and real grass of California on Friday to start training camp in earnest.

Xavier McKeever's earliest memory of cross-country skiing with his parents is being used as a training aid. Robin McKeever and Milaine Theriault towed their toddler instead of a tire up hills during workouts.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos re-signed Canadian kicker/punter Hugh O'Neill on Thursday to a contract extension through the 2020 season. O'Neill appeared in all 18 regular-season games with Edmonton last year. He posted a 45.

NEW YORK — Gladys Knight will sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at this year's Super Bowl. The seven-time Grammy Award-winner says she's proud to use her voice to "unite and represent our country" in her hometown of Atlanta.