Raonic dedicates win to La Loche victims

MELBOURNE (Reuters) – Milos Raonic dedicated his third-round win over Viktor Troicki at the Australian Open on Saturday to victims of the school shooting that rocked the remote Canadian town of La Loche.

Four people were killed and several injured in the shooting on Friday in Canada’s worst school violence in years.

“Today before I stepped out on court it was a difficult day back home,” Canadian Raonic told the crowd in a courtside interview after completing a 6-2 6-3 6-4 win over Serb Troicki at Margaret Court Arena.

“There was a shooting at a high school. I want to take a moment to give thoughts to that community.

“We wish you all the best.

“Today’s victory was for that community and (to wish) a quick recovery. All of Canada and I’m sure the world is behind you.”

Raonic next faces fourth seed Stan Wawrinka or Czech Lukas Rosol in the last 16.

(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Peter Rutherford)