National Sports

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — A queer artist from western Newfoundland is facing off against homophobia and hyper-masculinity in sports by creating a make-believe hockey league full of "sissies," "pansies" and "flamers.

CINCINNATI — Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime dispatched Hungary's Marton Fucsovics in first-round action Monday at the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament. Auger-Aliassime, the 12th seed from Montreal, advanced with a 7-6 (0), 6-3 victory.

TORONTO — Nick Nurse will remain the head coach of Canada's men's basketball team in its quest for a berth in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Munnyfor Ro is a go for the $1-million Queen's Plate. Trainer Kevin Attard confirmed Monday the '21 Woodbine Oaks champion will race in the opening jewel of the OLG Canadian Triple Crown on Sunday at Woodbine Racetrack.

Aurelie Rivard has learned to adapt to swimming with no fans in the stands to cheer her on. The Paralympic star can dig deep within herself to find that pre-competitive adrenalin rush.

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders could be minus veteran quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell when they host the Montreal Alouettes on Friday. Stampeders head coach Dave Dickenson said Mitchell's presence under centre is "definitely up in doubt.

TORONTO — Teoscar Hernández has been named the American League player of the week, making it three consecutive weeks that a Blue Jay has earned the honour. Hernández batted .

CALGARY — The Calgary Stampeders cancelled outdoor practice Monday because of smoke from forest fires. The city's air quality health index was eight on a scale of one to 10 and thus deemed high risk for outdoor activities.

TORONTO — The Canadian Elite Basketball League has expanded into Toronto, adding the Scarborough Shooting Stars as its eighth franchise. The Shooting Stars will tip off when the 2022 season opens next May.

TOKYO (AP) — All fans will be barred from the Paralympics in Japan because of the coronavirus pandemic, just as they were from the recently-completed Tokyo Olympics, organizers said Monday.