The first two spots in the playoffs have been clinched in the men’s bracket at the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling’s Meridian Canadian Open at the North Battleford Civic Centre.
In an ‘A’ final game that was televised nationally on Sportsnet, Brad Jacobs and his Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. rink stole two points in the seventh end as they defeated Calgary’s Kevin Koe by a score of 8-4.
“Our first three games have been one of the strongest stretch of games that we’ve had this year at a Grand Slam,” Team Jacobs third Ryan Fry said.
“Anytime that you are playing guys of this caliber and you’re able to get wins, you’re doing well for yourself. We’re just trying to put good performances together here in every game as we gear up for provincial and hopefully national play.”
The other men’s ‘A’ final came down to an extra-end as Sweden’s Niklas Edin edged out John Shuster of the United States in a 7-6 affair.
“We’ve been playing OK so far,” Team Edin third Oskar Eriksson said. “We’re putting our rocks in good positions to get points with the hammer in all of our games.
“Maybe we’ve overachieved to get those three wins so far, but we’re making enough shots in order to make the playoffs.”
The most shocking result of the draw happened on the lone women’s game, as Lethbridge’s Casey Scheidegger routed Ottawa’s Rachel Homan 10-4 in seven ends for her first Grand Slam of Curling win.
“You kind of have nothing to lose when you’re playing against her,” Scheidegger said. “You might as well go all out.
“They are one of the best teams in the world, so you just have try your best and take your chances.”
In men’s ‘B’ event play, Vernon B.C.’s John Morris earned a 9-3 win over American Heath McCormick, while Charley Thomas of Edmonton stole a point in the eighth end to defeat Saskatoon’s Bruce Korte 5-4.
Two spots in the women’s playoffs will be decided in a pair of ‘A’ event finals at 3 p.m.
Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni will take on Winnipeg’s Michelle Englot, while the other final will see Jacqueline Harrison of Mississauga squaring off with Val Sweeting of Edmonton.
There will also be an all-Winnipeg matchup in the ‘B’ event as Jennifer Jones plays Kerri Einarson in a game that will be broadcast on Sportsnet.
Allison Flaxey of Caledon, Ont. will take on Brianne Meilleur of Winnipeg in another ‘B’ event contest.
Meanwhile, it will be a win or go-home situation in the men’s ‘C’ event as defending Canadian Open champion John Epping and his Toronto rink go up against Scotland’s Kyle Smith.
