Sports News Roundup: NFC Championship, Osaka-Kerber clash, WTA Finals

Eagles, Vikes set for NFC Championship Game rematch

The Philadelphia Eagles will look to remain undefeated at home when they host the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field in a rematch of last year's NFC Championship Game. In that contest, the Eagles routed the Vikings 38-7 on their way to the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

NHL roundup: Caps blast Bruins on banner night

T.J. Oshie and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored in the game's first two minutes as the Washington Capitals began defence of their Stanley Cup title in style with a 7-0 victory over the visiting Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. It was the largest shutout win by a defending Stanley Cup champion in a season opener.

Tennis: Zhang downs Kerber to set up Osaka clash in Beijing

Zhang Shuai stunned Wimbledon Champion Angelique Kerber 6-1 2-6 6-0 in the China Open on Thursday to set up a quarter-final clash with Naomi Osaka. China's Zhang broke Kerber's serve five times and fired 22 winners to seal the victory in an hour and 27 minutes in her second meeting with the German.

Tennis: Holder Wozniacki, Kvitova book WTA Finals berths

WTA Finals holder Caroline Wozniacki and former champion Petra Kvitova have clinched places in this month's season-ending tournament in Singapore, the WTA announced on Thursday. The pair joins world number one Simona Halep, Angelique Kerber and Naomi Osaka who have already qualified for the Oct. 21-28 tournament at the Singapore Sports Hub.

Golf: Spectator hit on the head by a wayward ball at Dunhill Links Championship

A female spectator was hit on the head by a wayward golf ball struck by defending champion Tyrrell Hatton on the opening day of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns on Thursday. The BBC and other British media reported that the woman, seen bleeding from the head, was treated at the 15th hole and then taken by buggy to the medical centre at the Scottish course.

Ronaldo left out of Portugal soccer squad again

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has again been left out of the squad for this month's matches against Poland and Scotland, announced by the Portuguese Federation (FPF) on Thursday. Ronaldo, Portugal's record scorer and most-capped player, also missed Portugal's two games in September a friendly against Croatia and a Nations League match against Italy at his own request.

Golf: Hosts Korea off to flying start in International Crown

Hosts South Korea got off to the perfect start in the LPGA's International Crown team competition on Thursday, winning both their matches against Taiwan, while defending champions the United States split the points with Sweden. The four-day biennial event, which is being held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea in Incheon, west of Seoul, pits four players from eight countries against each other in four-ball and singles formats.

Saints QB Brees on history's doorstep with Redskins up next

Drew Brees says it's not about him, but, of course, it is. After playing 253 games in 18 NFL seasons, the 39-year-old quarterback of the New Orleans Saints is on the cusp of breaking one of the greatest NFL passing records of all-time - Peyton Manning's 71,940 career passing yards, accomplished over 18 seasons and 266 games.

Gronkowski, Edelman ready to play for Patriots: reports

New England quarterback Tom Brady will have his favourite targets available when the Patriots meet the Indianapolis Colts Thursday night, according to reports. ESPN's Adam Schefter said tight end Rob Gronkowski is expected to be active for the game, even though an ankle injury limited him at practice this week. Gronkowski left last Sunday's game against the Miami Dolphins with the injury and has been listed as questionable to play against the Colts.

Panthers' Smith, Newton embracing Reid addition

Eric Reid's new Carolina Panthers teammates aren't worried about whether the safety will demonstrate or protest during the national anthem on Sunday before the Panthers face the New York Giants. "Hey, no one cares," wide receiver Torrey Smith told reporters Wednesday. "It's not like he's out there and the coach calls Cover-3 or man-to-man, he's going to take a knee and let his guy run by. If that was the issue, it would be a problem.

(With inputs from Reuters)