Britain's Kyle Edmund will play Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the last 16 of the Grand Prix Hassan II in Marrakech.

The 24-year-old third seed beat Frenchman Ugo Humbert 6-3 6-2 in the first round, while French wildcard Tsonga beat Cedrik-Marcel Stebe in straight sets.

Edmund lost to Spaniard Pablo Andujar in last year's final - his first at ATP level.

Britain's Jamie Murray is top seeded in the men's doubles alongside John Peers.

They start their campaign against Denmark's Frederik Nielsen and the Netherlands' Matwe Middelkoop on Tuesday.

World number three Alexander Zverev is top seed in the men's singles and faces Uzbekistan's Denis Istomin in the first round.

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MOORESBURG, Tenn. — Dirt Late Model Hall of Famer Scott Bloomquist, who is currently sidelined after being injured in a motorcycle accident in March, has forged a business partnership with promoter Cody Sommer.

Sommer, who promotes the Gateway Dirt Nationals and Ohio’s Mansfield Motor Speedway, will manage all business aspects of the Bloomquist brand while also taking on the role of president of the newly-formed organization.

The duo began discussing a possible partnership in 2018 and have officially reached an agreement that sets the stage for the future of the Team Zero organization now and after Bloomquist decides to retire from racing.

Sommer is slated to fill a void by managing the business, which will allow Bloomquist to focus on recovering and racing once he returns to competition.

“When you walk in this shop and you see the history, you understand where this man (Bloomquist) has been and what he is cable of if the pieces of the puzzle all fit right. This decision is something that we are taking very seriously and we have very specific goals in mind,” said Sommer. “Scott’s accomplishments behind the wheel have always set the bar for which the entire sport has strived to be on the race track. This partnership will also allow us the opportunity to set that same bar for the industry off of the race track.”

The team will begin taking on more developmental projects, including building a new car specifically for testing and R&D purposes, a dedicated pull-down area within the race shop headquarters, custom equipment for aerodynamic research and several other functions dedicated to performing on the race track.

“If you sit back and look at the accomplishments he has had with little structure and organization…it really is remarkable,” said Sommer. “Allowing Scott the ability to focus on speed is essential. It will create more accomplishment. I don’t think anyone would disagree that when he is able to focus, he is going to be very hard to beat on the race track, he has proven that over and over again in the past.”

“Over the years I’ve had a lot of great people help me accomplish many things,” said Bloomquist, who is recovering from injuries to his right leg and hip. “This partnership is going to allow us together to accomplish even more. We are going to win more championships, more Dreams, more World 100s and more major events. This is going to allow me the ability to focus on that now more than ever. I’m not dead yet, so just get ready.”

The team will be hiring additional help to support the No. 0 car, but also plans to start a second team in the future.

The post Bloomquist Teams With Promoter Cody Sommer appeared first on SPEED SPORT.

BROWNSBURG, Ind. – The Don Schumacher Racing tradition of fielding giving cars began thanks to the late New Mexico philanthropist and drag racing enthusiast Terry Chandler.

By bannering the Infinite Hero Foundation and Make-A-Wish Foundation on the Funny Cars driven by Jack Beckman and Tommy Johnson Jr., Chandler’s giving car program has raised tremendous awareness for two organizations that were dear to her heart.

Sadly, in 2017, Chandler lost a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Her husband, Doug Chandler, knew how important the giving car program was to his wife and has generously continued the program in her honor.

At this weekend’s MOPAR Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals Presented by Pennzoil in Baytown, Texas, Doug Chandler has chosen to recognize The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with a special tribute livery on one of his late wife’s giving cars, the Beckman-piloted Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.

Throughout her battle with glioblastoma, Terry Chandler received treatment at MD Anderson, the world-renowned cancer treatment and research facility based in Houston. By campaigning an MD Anderson car, Doug Chandler wishes to thank the team and medical staff for their care of his wife and raise awareness for glioblastoma.

“Before Terry’s diagnosis, I had never heard the term ‘glioblastoma’ and I know I’m not in the minority when I say that,” said Doug Chandler. “Finding out my wife had been diagnosed with cancer, and that it was the most lethal form of brain cancer and was incurable was devastating. I asked Terry’s team of doctors why there was no cure and they said cures are developed through research, and of course, research takes money. Essentially, funding is what finds a cure.

“By running this car, it’s my goal to raise awareness for glioblastoma and other lesser known forms of brain cancer, which will hopefully lead to more funding for medical research. With this race taking place in MD Anderson’s backyard, this was the perfect place to run this car.

“The team at MD Anderson treated Terry so well. There was no question where we would take her to receive treatment; they’re the best,” added Chandler, who through his TLC Foundation, has awarded two grants to MD Anderson for glioblastoma research. “My wife championed great causes to bring awareness to others, whether it be military veterans or sick children. I honor Terry by joining in the fight to find a cure for glioblastoma.”

Don Schumacher Racing owner Don Schumacher is also no stranger to cancer, or the services provided by MD Anderson. Upon his 2014 diagnosis of head and neck cancer, Schumacher also elected to receive treatment at the center. He describes his experience there as “the most effective and best treatment I could have received for my disease” and credits the team for helping him to overcome cancer.

“MD Anderson is truly amazing, and I’m grateful that both Don and Terry were able to receive treatment there,” said Megan Schumacher, daughter of Don Schumacher and Vice President of DSR. “I was able to see first-hand their abilities at work while Don underwent treatment. The care that MD Anderson offered was first class; they really helped you feel at home. The doctors and staff were incredible to our family, making sure we understood every step of the process.

“We are glad that we will be able to help share how amazing MD Anderson is when the car hits the track this weekend thanks to Doug Chandler,” added Schumacher, who oversees Chandler’s giving car program. “I am forever thankful to MD Anderson for the care they offered to two of the people closest to me. I miss Terry every day but know that she would be so happy to see MD Anderson receiving national attention for what they do.”

Beckman, a cancer survivor himself, who battled and overcame non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2004, describes the opportunity to pilot the MD Anderson Cancer Center Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car as an honor, saying, “I’m a cancer survivor; my mom didn’t beat it. It’s something that hit my house hard and then came back years later. I drive for a man who is a cancer survivor, who went to MD Anderson for treatment, and that’s part of the reason he’s still here.

“I drive the car as a tribute to Terry Chandler, a woman who didn’t survive cancer. The folks at MD Anderson did everything they could for her so I feel a debt of gratitude to the people who work there, and I feel upon the people who are patients there. I can’t think of a better way to pay it forward and pay it back than to fly their colors into the winner’s circle at Houston.”

The post DSR To Fly Colors Of MD Anderson Cancer Center appeared first on SPEED SPORT.

Toronto FC held "exploratory" talks with Arjen Robben but is not actively pursuing a move for the Bayern Munich winger, a source has told ESPN FC.

A report from Calciomercato over the weekend indicated that Toronto was interested in signing Robben, whose contract with Bayern expires at the end of the current campaign. Robben, who has already indicated he won't return to Bayern after this season, has also reportedly drawn interest from Serie A side Inter Milan.

The source added that there were brief discussions between TFC and Robben through a mutual acquaintance, but that the talks were "exploratory, nothing more" with Toronto moving on to other targets as the Reds look to strengthen their squad ahead of the closing of the league's primary transfer window on May 7.

Injuries have limited Robben, 35, to just 15 league and cup appearances this campaign, with the Netherlands international scoring five goals.

He is not expected to suit up for Bayern again this season.

Robben has enjoyed a glittering career for both club and country. He made his professional debut in 2000 with Eredivisie side Groningen before moving on to the likes of PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea and Real Madrid. He has been with the Bavarian giants since 2009.

Robben has been part of 11 league title-winning teams and was a key component of the Bayern side that claimed the 2013 UEFA Champions League crown, netting the winner in a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the final.

At the international level, Robben has made 96 appearances for the Netherlands, scoring 37 goals, and was part of the squad that reached the World Cup final in 2010

LONDON -- Eden Hazard produced a virtuoso individual performance as Chelsea beat West Ham 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday to move up to third in the Premier League and boost their hopes of Champions League qualification.

Positives

Hazard has returned to the form of autumn, when he was the best player in the Premier League. Maurizio Sarri also kept faith in Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi to maintain their recent form and was rewarded. Thanks to the stumbles of their rivals, Chelsea's top-four charge suddenly looks promising again.

Negatives

Chelsea should have been up much more than 1-0 at half-time, and this dangerous West Ham side caused several moments of panic before Hazard finally put the game away. Sarri's men are winning again, but they still need to find their clinical touch.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- Sarri gave Loftus-Cheek and Hudson-Odoi another opportunity to contribute when it matters for Chelsea and it paid dividends. The presence of both also gives greater balance to his much-maligned system. Finally, his substitutes made an impact, with Ross Barkley creating Hazard's second.

Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)

GK Kepa Arrizabalaga, 7 -- Had so little to do in the first half that the isolated Javier Hernandez was substituted at the break. Saved well from Manuel Lanzini and Felipe Anderson in the second half, though, and distributed the ball impressively throughout.

DF Cesar Azpilicueta, 7 -- Seems to be developing nice chemistry with both Hudson-Odoi and N'Golo Kante on Chelsea's right flank, timing his forward surges intelligently. Also kept Felipe in check for the most part defensively, and his overall stamina remains remarkable.

DF Antonio Rudiger, 8 -- His early intensity helped Chelsea get a tight grip on play in the first half and his close attentions ensured Hernandez was a non-factor. Did allow Marko Arnautovic to drift off him to set up a chance for Lanzini, but was otherwise solid.

DF David Luiz, 7 -- Managed to physically bully Hernandez out of the game in the first half. Had more trouble once Arnautovic moved to the point of a more fluid West Ham attack, particularly when dragged out of his most comfortable position in the centre of defence.

DF Emerson Palmieri, 7 -- His mobility on the left keeps Chelsea's attacks functioning at a higher tempo than when Marcos Alonso starts, even if his crossing continues to leave a little to be desired. Also did well to deflect one Arnautovic header just wide as West Ham pushed for an equaliser.

MF N'Golo Kante, 8 -- As has become his trademark, did absolutely everything absolutely everywhere. Broke up attacks to keep West Ham largely pinned back, but also almost scored a brilliant goal after a sublime touch to turn Angelo Ogbonna, and also played in Azpilicueta with a slick back-heel.

MF Jorginho, 7 -- Was a big reason West Ham were unable to get the ball to Hernandez in the first half, astutely intercepting passes and keeping Chelsea's own passages of possession moving forward. Had a bit more trouble in the second half once the visitors re-jigged their attack.

MF Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 9 -- It's becoming more and more obvious by the game that Sarri's midfield is galaxies better when Loftus-Cheek is in it from the start. His ability to carry the ball upfield and pick a pass under pressure helped unlock the best of Hazard and he frequently threatened to test Lukasz Fabianski himself.

FW Callum Hudson-Odoi, 7 -- Not quite as sparkling as he was in his first Premier League start, though there were still enough flashes here to justify him playing a prominent role in the final stretch of Chelsea's season. Fabianski tipped his best effort over the bar and Barkley couldn't quite connect with his inviting low cross to the back post.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 -- Played like he had a point to prove after losing his place to Olivier Giroud, and though he didn't find the net, this was a much improved showing. He linked play nicely and drifted into dangerous positions, latching onto one delightful Hazard pass to crash a shot off the post from a tight angle.

FW Eden Hazard, 10 -- Produced the kind of individual master class that will punctuate his Chelsea legacy if he completes an increasingly likely move to Real Madrid this summer. Single-handedly dismantled West Ham's entire defence to break the deadlock in sensational style and had the visitors petrified whenever he got the ball -- which was often. Having lit up the game, it was only fair that he applied the finishing touch to Chelsea's win.

Substitutes

MF Ross Barkley, 7 -- Brought on to provide fresh legs for Loftus-Cheek, he couldn't turn in Hudson-Odoi's most dangerous delivery but showed speed of thought and foot to find Hazard for Chelsea's second.

FW Olivier Giroud, 7 -- Will rightly feel aggrieved at losing his place to Higuain after scoring against Brighton, but did not show it as he caused West Ham plenty of problems in the final stages.

FW Pedro, 6 -- Introduced in place of Hudson-Odoi for the final few minutes, his most notable contribution was a low cross that came close to finding Giroud.

A David Warner misfield at long-on, followed by a slip as he tried to retrieve the ball that allowed a second. That's how the game ended in Mohali, with Kings XI Punjab chasing down 151 with six wickets and a ball to spare. That slip was down to the dew, which played a big role in the match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's stand-in captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar agreed about the dew, saying after the game: "The way we bowled, I'm really happy given the dew." But, he admitted, he was also a little disappointed to lose after getting so close.

It didn't look like it would get close when, at the start of the 18th over of the chase, Kings XI needed 19 with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal batting on fifty-plus and the partnership at 114.

That's when Agarwal swatted one to deep midwicket, and just like that the pressure was on. "Well, somebody had to take a chance, it was 18 balls 19 (needed) and you know we were thinking if we can get two big hits, we should be through," Agarwal told host broadcaster Star Sports. "But I guess we didn't pull it off."

Two more quick wickets fell, and by the start of the 20th, Kings XI needed 11, with Sam Curran facing up to the experienced Mohammad Nabi for his first ball. Rahul, from the other end, was hoping Curran did not try anything too rash, given the ball was "skidding through" due to the dew.

"It was simple, he had to look for the boundaries. But I did tell him that maybe hitting sixes was a bit difficult because the ball kept skidding through and you couldn't get elevation," Rahul said. "So I said look to hit the pockets, maybe get fours because we're not too far behind, we don't need 16 or 17 runs, we just need 11. He came out, still tried to hit a six, luckily for us went in the gap, scored a few twos and (I) could strike that boundary at the end."

Game over, but some would argue it was sealed much earlier, in the first 10 overs of the match. R Ashwin inserted Sunrisers with the imminent dew at the front of his mind, and they could manage just 50 runs in the first half of their innings. Much of that was down to mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman removing the in-form Jonny Bairstow in his first over, the second of the innings.

The dew, and Bairstow's issues against spin, made the decision to bowl Mujeeb early an easy one, Ashwin said. "It was always in our plans, because Mujeeb knows Mohali really well. Sometimes, Mohali, as a spinner, (it feels) lopsided. Because you don't get enough out of the pitch, there's a lot of dew, the outfield's brilliant, the pitch is great (to bat on)... So as a spinner you need to know what sort of lengths and what sort of speeds you should be bowling at.

"It's very important with the dew that you do use the spinner with the new ball, and someone like Mujeeb has done it all through is career, he's just bowled with the new ball for Afghanistan all his life. He's very comfortable bowling with the new ball, so I thought, especially because of Jonny Bairstow up there, if he can get the ball to come in or bowl the googly it was a good match-up."

Warner batted through the innings at the other end, even if he wasn't at his most explosive, and Sunrisers finished with 150 - "20 runs short because there was dew," according to Bhuvneshwar.

Rahul and Agarwal then took charge of the chase. Rahul made a third half-century in four innings - a timely run of form, given India's World Cup squad announcement is a week away. Agarwal's was his second fifty of the tournament, and his second sizeable stand with Rahul after 64 against Mumbai Indians.

Rahul said Agarwal's approach helped him settle in. "Mayank and I (both play for Karnataka in domestic cricket) have grown up playing together, so we have that understanding and we enjoy playing with each other.

"The way Mayank came out... throughout the six games he's come out with a very positive attitude, even against Mumbai he did the same thing. So it gives me a little bit of time."

However, on the downside for Kings XI, Agarwal picked up a niggle along the way. Rahul said: "Need to bring this up, he hurt his finger and I don't know the extent of the injury but he came out and his top hand wasn't, you know... he was in pain, so to play an innings like that was incredible."

Los Angeles Lakers guard Lonzo Ball has committed to work with Creative Artists Agency after mutually parting ways with his previous agent, Harrison Gaines, last week.

"After thinking about this decision over the last few weeks, I concluded that CAA made the most sense for my career both on and off the court," Ball told ESPN in a statement Monday. "With CAA now in place to manage my basketball career, I can focus my attention and energy on training for the upcoming season."

Ball said he talked with several different agencies as he rethought his business affairs after severing ties and suing former Big Baller Brand co-founder Alan Foster for damages of at least $2 million.

Ball insisted that Gaines had supported him through the situation with Foster and the decision to part ways was unrelated.

Ball's father, LaVar Ball, has had discussions with CAA and other agencies as well, according to industry sources, but it remains unclear how he, his younger sons LiAngelo and LaMelo, and Big Baller Brand will move forward.

SAN FRANCISCO -- First baseman/outfielder Tyler Austin has been traded to the San Francisco Giants from the Minnesota Twins for minor league outfielder Malique Ziegler.

The 27-year-old Austin played in two games for the Twins after making the team out of spring training. He will be added to the 25-man roster.

San Francisco announced Monday that it has designated infielder/outfielder Connor Joe for assignment to clear room on the 40-man roster.

Austin, acquired by the Twins from the New York Yankees last year for pitcher Lance Lynn, played in a career-high 69 games last season and had several other career bests: 10 home runs and 17 RBIs with 10 doubles.

Yankees ace Luis Severino is returning to New York to get an MRI and be re-evaluated by Dr. Chris Ahmad after playing catch in Tampa, Florida, on Monday, manager Aaron Boone said.

Severino, who was shut down at the beginning of March due to rotator cuff inflammation in his right shoulder, isn't experiencing pain, but the Yankees want to run tests to figure out why he isn't feeling well enough to hit the mound, Boone said.

Severino has been throwing at 120-plus feet recently but has not returned to the mound since experiencing shoulder discomfort following a warm-up pitch before his first start of spring training.

The Yankees initially shut him down for two weeks and scratched him from his Opening Day start. They had hoped he would be able to rejoin the rotation by mid-April, but general manager Brian Cashman later pushed that to May 1.

Severino went 19-8 with a 3.39 ERA last season. Earlier this spring, he signed a four-year, $40 million contract extension.

ESPN's Coley Harvey contributed to this report.

CHICAGO -- Chicago Cubs ace Jon Lester left the team's home opener in the third inning due to hamstring tightness, while Pittsburgh Pirates starter Jameson Taillon took a liner off his head.

While warming up before the top of the third, Lester grabbed his left hamstring. He then faced two batters, allowing both to reach, before manager Joe Maddon went and got him. Brad Brach replaced Lester.

He looked to have injured himself running the bases in the second inning, as he slid into second base after hitting a double, then into home when he subsequently scored.

Lester wasn't the only pitcher suffering Monday. Taillon was hit by a line drive off the bat of Anthony Rizzo in the second inning. He was attended to but shook everyone off and stayed in the game to finish the inning. He was pinch hit for in the third, however, trailing 6-0. None of the runs was earned, as Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman committed three errors.

Lefty Steven Brault replaced Taillon. The Pirates announced that the team doctor had checked out Taillon and initial tests were normal. He was to be evaluated Tuesday.

This wasn't the first time Taillon was hit in the head by a liner. As a rookie in 2016 against the Brewers, he took a vicious liner off the back of the head in the second inning. He stayed in that game too, going six innings.