though, added 51 with Raina (24) prior to the skipper bein

WEST VANCOUVER, B.C. -- Vasek Pospisil would have no trouble filling a scrapbook -- or an online photo album -- featuring his accomplishments this year. The Canadian tennis star has been piling up memories, but he still has a chance for more unforgettable moments between now and the end of September. Pospisil will compete in the Rogers Cup in Montreal next week as he continues to tune up his game in preparation for Canadas historic Davis Cup semifinal against Serbia in Belgrade in September. "Im hoping to get a lot of matches here this week and confidence to build for the Rogers Cup," said Pospisil, who is playing in the Odlum Brown VanOpen, a United States Tennis Association event, in West Vancouver before he heads to Montreal. "Its obviously a very exciting next couple of months for me." Pospisil, a 23-year-old Vernon, B.C., native who now calls Vancouver home, will head into the Rogers Cup looking to build on a season in which he has helped Canada reach unprecedented heights on the international stage. Canada earned a berth in the Davis Cup semifinals for the first time ever with its quarter-final win over Italy in Vancouver in April. The quarter-final berth was Canadas first in the Davis Cups modern era, resulting from a win over Spains injury-riddled world No. 1 squad in February, also in Vancouver. "(The Rogers Cup) is going to be a good experience," he said. "Obviously, any big tournament that you play in is good for gaining experience for a tie as important as we have in September. Ive played in the Rogers Cup a few times now, so its not going to be new territory for me." Pospisil is a candidate for Davis Cup singles and doubles selection. He and Daniel Nestor teamed up for a crucial five-set doubles victory against Italy that set the stage for Milos Raonics singles victory that enabled Canada to advance. "Davis Cup is probably the most memorable experience Ive had in my career at the moment," said Pospisil. "To play for your country and one another is huge, especially for Canada having clinched past this first round. Other than that, Id say its more just being consistent up there in the ATP events, which I struggled with a little bit last year. "It was my first year playing major (international tournaments), and this year, Im feeling much more comfortable. So, for me, its just a good year in terms of getting comfortable out there and playing against the top players." Pospisil has gained the greater comfort while working with new coach Frederic Fontang of France, a former ATP player. Fontang has helped Pospisil improve on playing the game at a higher speed and using more aggression to avoid long rallies and earn points quicker. "I honestly cant say enough good things about him," said Pospisil. "Hes an incredible coach. He knows what hes doing. His knowledge of the sport is incredible. He takes that knowledge with me and shares it with me, and helps me perform. He has a lot of experience. "Hes done a good job with me. Honestly, every week, Im learning something new." In mid-July, Pospisil used his increased knowledge to reach an ATP tour semifinal for the first time, in Bogota, Colombia before falling in three sets to Alejandro Falla. The strong showing enabled him to move up in the ATP rankings to No. 89 and move within range of his career-best No. 85 spot, reached last year. But Pospisil is not the only Canadian Davis Cup team member who will use the Rogers Cup to prepare for the battle with Serbia. Jesse Levine, an Ottawa native who grew up in the U.S. and obtained permission to play for Canada earlier this year, will also compete in Montreal, playing doubles with Pospisil as well as singles. "Weve played really well together," said Pospisil. Frank Dancevic of Niagara Falls, Ont., will also compete at the Rogers Cup after gaining a wild-card entry into the main draw. Dancevic, 28, played a key role in helping Canada get past Spain in February, as he upset heavily-favoured Marcel Granollers in opening-night singles action. But Dancevic, 28, was forced to sit out the tie against Italy due to a knee injury. As a result, Levine took his place while he watched Canada gain glory from the sidelines. "Actually, it was my choice," said Dancevic. "I felt like it was time to put the team ahead of yourself. I just felt I knew I wasnt 100 per cent. Its better to give somebody else the opportunity, whos 100 per cent, especially in an important tie like that. "I dont think theres any room for error. I think guys should be really honest with how they feel the weeks of Davis Cup. If theres somebody healthy behind you and youre not 100 per cent, youve got to put your ego aside and think about the country and think about how far weve gotten and put somebody else on the line, and thats what I did." Now that he is healthier, he is looking forward to a chance to represent Canada in Serbia, which is led by one of the worlds top players, Novak Djokovic. But Dancevic still must earn selection from captain Martin Laurendeau. "You grow up wanting to play for your country," said Dancevic. "Ive always loved playing for Canada. Ive had great memories playing Davis Cup. Ive had really great wins, really bad losses, cried for my country and celebrated. Ive been through it all in the last 10 years. Its pretty intense. Itll be great if Im selected. Ill be really happy." Dancevic might have helped his cause by beating up-and-comer Filip Peliwo, 19, of North Vancouver, B.C., in the opening round of this weeks tournament in West Vancouver. It was Dancevics second victory over Peliwo, a frequent practice partner, in recent weeks. But Dancevic is not placing too much stock in results before the time comes for the Davis Cup lineup to be named. "Theres still a long way to go before the Davis Cup," said Dancevic. "Basically, I just do my thing." Notes: Peliwo will also head to Montreal for the Rogers Cup, but must get through qualifying rounds. Kyrie Irving Shoes Deals . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. Clearance Kyrie Irving Shoes . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. https://www.cheapshoeskyrieirving.com/ . Both players have lower body injuries that will keep them out of the lineup until at least January 31, which is the first game they can be activated from IR. Kyrie Irving Shoes From China . Each of Houstons starters scored in double figures as the Rockets improved to 2-0 against the Spurs this season, with both victories coming on the road. They also moved within 3 1/2 games of San Antonio (22-7) for the lead the Southwest Division. Cheap Kyrie Irving Shoes .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday.Delhi Daredevils moved up to second in the IPL standings after cruising to an eight-wicket win over table-toppers Gujarat Lions in Rajkot. Rishabh Pant struck 69 in just his third IPL innings as Delhi - who have won five of their seven games this term, as many as they managed in the whole of the last campaign - coasted past their opponents 149-7 with 16 balls in the bank.Dinesh Karthik notched a gritty 53 from 43 deliveries for Gujarat but Suresh Rainas men were well beaten on their home turf, just two days after they slipped up against rock-bottom Kings XI Punjab at the same venue. Dinesh Karthiks 53 came in a losing effort Brendon McCullum (1), Dwayne Smith (15) and fit-again Aaron Finch (5) formed a power-packed overseas top order for Lions but all three were back in the shed at the four-over mark having been dismissed within the space of nine balls.McCullum, fortunate to avoid falling lbw when struck on the pad from the sixth delivery of the match, was bowled by Zaheer Khan attempting a slog in the second over, with Smith and Finch then caught off spinner Shahbaz Nadeem.Karthik, though, added 51 with Raina (24) prior to the skipper being stumped off Amit Mishra, while the 30-year-olds stand with Ravindra Jadeja (36no) had reached 52 by the time Mohammad Shami flicked his off-stump.Jadeja lashed Shami for six att the start of the final over but Gujarats total always looked reachable, especially with Pant and Quinton de Kock (46 off 44) crunching 115 runs for Delhis first wicket in 13.dddddddddddd overs. Marcus North and Andy Flower review the Delhi Daredevils IPL clash with the Gujarat Lions. Pant - who, at 18 years and 212 days, became the second-youngest man to hit an IPL fifty, after his Daredevils team-mate Sanju Samson - clubbed nine fours and two maximums before edging his 40th ball onto his pad and through to wicketkeeper Karthhik, while De Kock holed out to deep midwicket an over later.However, Samson (19no) and JP Duminy (13no) guided Delhi home - and to within two points of Gujarat - ensuring Englands Sam Billings, fresh from hitting 54 on debut against Kolkata on Saturday, was denied a bat.Catch more IPL action on Wednesday as Kolkata Knight Riders take on Kings XI Punjab. That clash is live on Sky Sports 3 from 3pm. ' ' '