Sports News Roundup: Tennis-Italy beat France in BJK Cup Finals after two singles wins; ATP roundup: Jack Draper pulls off massive upset at Sofia Open and more

The meeting at the White House was described by one of the attendees, ESPN anchor Kevin Negandhi, as a session to gather information about issues involving college sports, particularly injuries. Soccer-Arsenal cruise to 2-0 win against Sevilla Arsenal returned to winning ways with a routine 2-0 defeat of Sevilla to take a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Tennis-Italy beat France in BJK Cup Finals after two singles wins

Italy made a winning start to their Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over France but hosts Spain suffered defeat by Canada on Wednesday. Singles wins for Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini gave Italy an unassailable lead in their Group D clash in Seville.

ATP roundup: Jack Draper pulls off massive upset at Sofia Open

Great Britain's Jack Draper pulled off a 7-5, 6-2 upset of No. 1 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy on Wednesday in the second round of the Sofia Open in Sofia, Bulgaria. Draper collected seven aces, won 31 of 35 first-service points and saved five of six break points to join Russian Pavel Kotov and Turkish wild card Cem Ilkel in ousting seeded opponents. Kotov was tied 3-6, 7-6 (4) with fourth-seeded Sebastian Baez before the Argentine retired, while Ilkel downed No. 6 seed Max Purcell of Australia 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

Soccer-Supporter handed three-year ban for racist gesture towards Tottenham's Son

A visiting supporter was given a three-year football ban for making a racist gesture towards Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min, the club said on Wednesday. The incident occurred during Tottenham's 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace in May. The offending fan was arrested and charged with a racially aggravated public order offence.

Soccer-Rashford sees red as Man United give up two-goal lead to lose in Copenhagen

Manchester United gave up a two-goal lead in a breathless 4-3 Champions League loss to FC Copenhagen on Wednesday that turned after Marcus Rashford was shown a controversial red card following a brace by young United striker Rasmus Hojlund. The loss was a calamitous setback in United's hopes for last-16 qualification with Erik ten Hag's side fourth in Group A on three points with two group games still to play. Copenhagen are one point better off in second place.

Horse racing-Breeders' Cup to be held at Del Mar in 2025

The Breeders' Cup will be held in back-to-back years at Del Mar racetrack after organizers on Wednesday said the site of the 2024 edition of the international championships will return to the oceanside venue again in 2025. Known for its tagline "Where the turf meets the surf," San Diego County's Del Mar hosted in 2017 and 2021 and the announcement means the event will be held in Southern California three years in a row following last weekend's championships at Santa Anita Park.

Biden meets former football players on safety, revenue

U.S. President Joe Biden met with former college football players and advocates on Wednesday to hear why student-athletes should have safety standards and benefit from the revenue they help produce, the White House said. The meeting at the White House was described by one of the attendees, ESPN anchor Kevin Negandhi, as a session to gather information about issues involving college sports, particularly injuries.

Soccer-Arsenal cruise to 2-0 win against Sevilla

Arsenal returned to winning ways with a routine 2-0 defeat of Sevilla to take a big step towards qualification for the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday. Successive defeats in the League Cup and Premier League had halted Arsenal's momentum but goals by Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka cemented their place as leaders of Group B.

Soccer-Real Madrid beat Braga 3-0 to clinch Champions League last-16 place

Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo scored as Real Madrid cruised into the last 16 of the Champions League with two group games remaining after a 3-0 victory over Portuguese side Braga on Wednesday. Real manager Carlo Ancelotti rested several regular starters, including top scorer Jude Bellingham with a shoulder injury, but the 14-times champions maintained their 100% record to lead Group C with 12 points from four games.

Motor racing-Russell's Brazil retirement no problem for last two races

George Russell's engine-related retirement from last Sunday's Sao Paulo Grand Prix will have no knock-on effects for the last two races of the Formula One season, Mercedes said in a team debrief on Wednesday. The Briton was retired at Interlagos as a precaution after rising temperatures in the power unit risked failure and wider damage to the car.

Games-Peru Pan Am medallist rejects hometown award after being 'denied support'

Canoeist Eriberto Gutierrez wants Peru to make good on laws that it enacted to boost the country's sporting achievements after the Pan Am Games medallist rejected an award from his hometown due to what he said was a lack of support. Gutierrez was invited to a ceremony celebrating the city of Abancay's heritage last Saturday, where the 30-year-old was to be feted for his bronze medal in the kayak cross competition at the Games in Santiago last month.