National Sports

HALIFAX — Not long ago, Prince Albert Raiders coach Marc Habscheid would lead his team out to a near empty building for a Western Hockey League game.

FIFA scrapped plans to expand the 2022 Qatar World Cup to 48 nations, deciding Wednesday to stick with 32 countries due to the political and logistical complexities of using another Persian Gulf nation.

TORONTO — It may be looking for a silver lining, but Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney says Alejandro Pozuelo missing Sunday's visit by the San Jose Earthquakes may not be such a bad thing.

Halifax sports fans were gearing up Wednesday for what Mayor Mike Savage called a "glorious" sports day that might require a little tenderness from employers the morning after.

Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard has been named to the 2018-19 NBA all-defensive second team. Leonard, who has now made the all-defensive team five times, is the first player in Raptors history to receive the honour.

TORONTO — Shawn Lemon remembers the lecture well. And the one after that. And after that.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Alouettes have signed veteran defensive back Ciante Evans. The 26-year-old played for the Calgary Stampeders the past four seasons, helping the team win the Grey Cup last year.

PARIS — Canada's Rebecca Marino has advanced to the second round of French Open women's singles qualifying. The Vancouver native ousted France's Tessah Andrianjafitrimo 6-7 (5), 6-4, 7-5 in the first round on Wednesday.

MONTREAL — Stephen Bronfman-owned Claridge Investments and real estate development firm Devimco have reached an agreement to develop a plot of land for sale known as the Peel Basin, where a group committed to bringing Major League Baseball back to Mo

LYON, France — Canada's Denis Shapovalov rallied for a 2-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2 win over France's Ugo Humbert in the second round of the Lyon Open on Wednesday. The No. 3 seed from Richmond Hill, Ont.