Sports News Roundup: NHL roundup: Connor Bedard's 4 points pace Blackhawks; Tennis-Osaka to make tour return at Brisbane International and more

At 18 years and 115 days old, the top-line center is the third-youngest player in NHL history with a four-point game. Colombia ELN guerrillas free kidnapped father of Liverpool soccer star Diaz Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas on Thursday freed the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz, after taking him hostage nearly two weeks ago, the government said.

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

NHL roundup: Connor Bedard's 4 points pace Blackhawks

Chicago's Connor Bedard authored his first sensational performance after being selected No. 1 overall in June, producing four points as the Blackhawks stormed to a 5-3 win over the host Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday. In his first career multi-point game, Bedard produced two goals and two assists in the first 22:12. He became the youngest player in Blackhawks history to have a multi-goal game and at least three points. At 18 years and 115 days old, the top-line center is the third-youngest player in NHL history with a four-point game.

Colombia ELN guerrillas free kidnapped father of Liverpool soccer star Diaz

Colombia's National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrillas on Thursday freed the father of Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz, after taking him hostage nearly two weeks ago, the government said. The kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz has disrupted the government's peace talks with the ELN, which restarted last year in the hope of ending the group's part in Colombia's 60-year conflict, which has killed at least 450,000 people.

Soccer-Liverpool stunned by Toulouse, Brighton ease to win at Ajax

Liverpool suffered a shock 3-2 loss at French side Toulouse in Europa League Group E on Thursday as Brighton & Hove Albion took a big step towards the knockout stages with a 2-0 win at Ajax Amsterdam. Juergen Klopp's Liverpool still top the group standings with nine points, two ahead of Toulouse, despite being denied an equaliser in the last minute of added time by the VAR.

NBA-LeBron James museum to open Nov. 25 in Ohio

A museum dedicated solely to the life and illustrious career of NBA great LeBron James is opening this month in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, his foundation said on Thursday. LeBron James' Home Court will be a self-guided tour offering a look at his life and including never-before-seen items along his journey from Akron to the NBA, Olympics, business, philanthropy and beyond.

ATP roundup: Alexander Shevchenko advances to Metz semifinals

Alexander Shevchenko knocked off fellow Russian and third seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-4 on Thursday in the quarterfinals of the Moselle Open in Metz, France. Shevchenko overcame a 10-3 disadvantage in aces by converting two of three break points, to 0-for-3 for Khachanov.

Tennis-Italy and Canada reach BJK Cup semis, Swiss crash out

Switzerland's reign as Billie Jean King Cup champions is over after they suffered a second successive loss in Seville on Thursday, this time at the hands of the United States. Italy became the first nation through to the semi-finals after beating Germany 3-0 in Group D.

Top 25 roundup: No. 4 Michigan St. crushes Southern Indiana

Tyson Walker scored 14 points to help No. 4 Michigan State earn a 74-51 home win over Southern Indiana on Thursday in East Lansing. Jaden Akins had 13 points, seven rebounds and four steals to help the Spartans rebound from a season-opening upset loss to James Madison on Monday. After going 1-of-20 from 3-point range against James Madison, Michigan State wasn't much better against Southern Indiana, going 1-of-11 from 3-point territory.

Soccer-NWSL announces record broadcast deal to start in 2024

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has agreed a four-year media deal with broadcasters ESPN, CBS, Prime Sports and Scripps' ION Network, the league said on Thursday. The NWSL described the deal, worth a reported $60 million annually, as the "largest media investment in women's sports history", promising "record-breaking distribution and revenue" for the top-flight American league.

Tennis-Osaka to make tour return at Brisbane International

Former world number one Naomi Osaka will return to the WTA tour after a break of 15 months at the Brisbane International warm up for the Australian Open in January, organisers said on Friday. The four-times Grand Slam winner last played a WTA tournament at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in late September 2022 and had a daughter, Shai, in July this year.

Motor racing-U.S. GP results stand after F1 stewards reject Haas appeal

The U.S. Grand Prix results were confirmed after Formula One stewards rejected on Thursday an attempt by the Haas team to have them reviewed weeks after the event. Stewards ruled, in a lengthy statement, that Haas had presented no significant and relevant new element that was unavailable to them at the time of the Oct. 22 race in Austin, Texas.