On the final round robin day at t he Canadian Nationals in Kelowna BC it could have been a host committe nightmare 5-way tie for the fourth playoff spot, but at the end of the day only Alberta posted the necessary two wins to join BC Host, BC and Manitoba.
BC Host and Manitoba fought a war of attrition in the last draw, with singles all the way to the eighth end when suddenly the Host team were sitting 4 and Manitoba had to draw to the four foot to save the game. Chris Sobkowicz's draw was a little light and BC Host stole two for a 5-4 win. We watched the game and there are a few notes at the end of this post.
BC Host (8-1) will play BC (7-2) in the Page playoff 1 vs 2 game tomorrow, the winner going straight through to Sunday's 2PM final. The loser will play the 9.30AM Sunday semi-final against the winner of the 3 s 4 game, Manitoba (6-3) vs. Alberta (5-4).
Page playoff games start at 2pm Saturday.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page.
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(Here are the notes we posted as we watched the afternoon action.)
Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Alberta can guarantee themselves at a tiebreak with a win this afternoon. Ontario and Northern Ontario need those three teams to lose to force multiple tiebreaks. We'll update here as the games progress.
BC HOST is guaranteed a spot in the 1-2 Page Playoff game. They are playing Manitoba today. If MB beats HOST, they will play each other again in the 1-2 game.
We're watching MB - HOST. MB took 1 in the first when HOST skip Gary Cormack wisely settled on a guard rather than challenge MB's shot stone on the button. MB had a narrow port for an inturn draw to the 4ft, but came up just light and settled for 1. MB 1 - HOST 0 after one.
In the QC NS game, QC had the hammer. With skip stones, QC was sitting one, open in the 4ft, but NS skip Mike Fitzgerald missed two takeouts. QC were unable to capitalize when their draw for a second point came up short. QC 1 - NS 0 after one.
In other games, in a must-win for ON, they stole two against SK in the first end. NO, with the hammer, took their two, against BC. AB blanked the first against NL.
In the second end, BC HOST were in all sorts of trouble when a series of attempted come-arounds instead guarded MB's shot stone. Skip Cormack with his first stone promoted a MB stone into the house and removed his own second shot, leaving MB sitting four.
MB guarded and Cormack, in a testament to clean living, hit a triple runback that ended with a BC stone on the button. "That was horseshit," said the MB coach, as the crowd cheered. BC HOST save the end, taking 1. The score is tied at 1 after two ends.
QC stole 4 against NS to lead 5-0 after two. AB lead NL 1 - 0 after two ends. ON leads SK 4-0 after a measure. BC and NO are tied at 2 after two.
In the third end, MB was sitting one behind a pile of front stones. With BC's last rock, Gary Cormack was tight on the guard and crashed, leaving MB the opportunity to draw down for a second point. The MB stone took a perfect line but was heavy, tapping shot stone out of the rings. MB takes 1. MB 2 - BC HOST 1 after three.
NO are 3-2 up over BC after 3. NS is on the board with a 3 against QC, who lead 5-3. ON lead SK 4-1 after three, and it looks like AB and NL are tied at one after three.
In the 4th end Gary Cormack's attempted takeout of MB's second shot stone is on target but doesn't push MB's stone far enough for HOST to count 2. HOST takes 1, and the score is 2-2 going to the break.
At the break it's BC 5 - NO 3. AB lead NL 4-1. NS stole 2 in the 4th to tie QC 5-5. ON lead SK 5-1.
In the 5th end, MB took one with a hit and stick, and lead BC HOST 3-2.
BC stole one in the 5th to increase their lead over NO 6-3. QC scored three to lead NS 8-5 after five ends. QC chose to hit 3rd rock stone at the edge of the 12 ft instead of drawing into the rings and took another year off their coach's life.
ON lead SK 7-1. AB lead NL 4-1 after five ends. As it stands at the moment with NS and SK both losing, AB are looking good for the fourth playoff place.
In the sixth end, Rich Green who has come up light on his draw attempts in the last couple of ends, made a terrific shot to double two MB stones out and stick.
MB's skip hit the BC stone but rolled out. Cormack for HOST hit the shot stone and rolled to the pin, completely buried to leave HOST lying one with a single centre line guard up front. Sobkowitz played a heavy draw to push HOST's shot stone back and sit for shot. He's in the open, though, leaving Cormack an open hit for two, if he can stick.
Cormack's attempted hit overcurls to hit the centre line guard, running it back onto his own stone. There's a measure and the Manitoba coach is unhappy thay HOST may have fluked another shot... and it's a steal of 1 for MB. That gives them a 4-2 lead after six.
Meanwhile, NO took 1 in the sixth but trail BC 6-4. AB leads NL 4-2 after NL took one in the sixth. QC stole one to go up 9-5 over NS in the sixth. SK took one, but still trials ON 7-2 after six.
In the seventh end, NO shook hands. Final score BC 9 - NO 4. AB over NL 4-2 after six. ON leads SK 7-5 after seven. SK stole 3.
In our game. Cormack make a clutch shot to hit and stick for one. MB still leads, 4-3, and they have the hammer coming home.
NS took one but still trails QC 9-6. QC will have the hammer coming home.
8th end - MB have a draw to the 4ft facing 3. Chris Sobkowicz shot comes up light. BC steals 2 and wins 5-4.
QC, facing 3 with their last stone removed one for a 9-8 victory over NS. Ontario beat SK 9-5. AB beat NL 6-2 in seven.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Nationals Day 5 - Last playoff spot still open
BC, BC HOST and Manitoba have qualified for Saturday's Page Playoffs at the 2010 Canadian Wheelchair Curling Nationals in Kelowna, BC.
In the battle of the top teams, BC HOST beat BC 7-1, stealing their way to a 6-0 lead after four. Manitoba dispatched Newfoundland and Labrador 12-0 and still have a chance to make the 1-2 Page Playoff game.
All the teams that entered the day with a chance to make the playoffs are still alive. Saskatchewan missed an opportunity to post a fifth win when they fell to Quebec 11-2. When we asked Quebec coach Al Whittier what he'd fed his team for breakfast, he said, "Good Quebec poutine."
Alberta beat Ontario 10-2 and Nova Scotia beat Northern Ontario 10-3. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, with a win this afternoon, are guaranteed at least a tie-breaker. Ontario and Northern Ontario need all three of those teams to lose to have a four- or five-way tie-breaker.
In the battle of the top teams, BC HOST beat BC 7-1, stealing their way to a 6-0 lead after four. Manitoba dispatched Newfoundland and Labrador 12-0 and still have a chance to make the 1-2 Page Playoff game.
All the teams that entered the day with a chance to make the playoffs are still alive. Saskatchewan missed an opportunity to post a fifth win when they fell to Quebec 11-2. When we asked Quebec coach Al Whittier what he'd fed his team for breakfast, he said, "Good Quebec poutine."
Alberta beat Ontario 10-2 and Nova Scotia beat Northern Ontario 10-3. Alberta, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, with a win this afternoon, are guaranteed at least a tie-breaker. Ontario and Northern Ontario need all three of those teams to lose to have a four- or five-way tie-breaker.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tie-break to decide who plays Canada in semi
Italy played themselves into a tie-break with a spectacular last shot 8-7 win over Canada in the final round robin draw. In a replay of yesterday's game against Korea, Canada had shot stone on the button, and Jim Armstrong's attempt at a guard slightly over-curled. But while the Korean skip over-threw his take-out sending the stone wide, Italian skip Tabanelli threw a controlled weight hit and stick to score the winning point.
"I didn't think it was makeable," Armstrong said. "But those rocks are so lively. I wouldn't give him any chance to make it quite honestly. But it was a great shot."
The result didn't change Canada's position as they were already guaranteed first place. They will play either Italy or Sweden, the only two teams to have beaten Canada this week.
Ina Forrest, who led all seconds during round robin, sat out to give her sore shoulder a rest and Alberta's Bruno Yizek had an opportunity to play.
Italy earned a tie-break game against a resurgent Sweden, who saw off Germany 10-3. Jens Jager sat out to give his alternate a game. Marcus Sieger skipped.
Great Britain finished on a win, 10-4 over Japan, with Michael McCreadie sitting in favour of alternate Jim Sellar. It's been a very disappointing tournament for the all Scottish rink, and hopefully Michael will not have ended his curling career on the bench.
The line-up change meant that Aileen Neilson became the first female to skip at the Winter Games. "It was good to come out and finish with a win,'' Neilson said, praising her teammates for setting up the ends for her.
Switzerland lifted themselves from the foot of the table with a win over Norway 10-4.
The tie-break game is at 2pm Friday, with the semi-finals on Saturday at 10am and the medal games at 3.30pm.
For tables and schedule see our Paralympics page.
"I didn't think it was makeable," Armstrong said. "But those rocks are so lively. I wouldn't give him any chance to make it quite honestly. But it was a great shot."
The result didn't change Canada's position as they were already guaranteed first place. They will play either Italy or Sweden, the only two teams to have beaten Canada this week.
Ina Forrest, who led all seconds during round robin, sat out to give her sore shoulder a rest and Alberta's Bruno Yizek had an opportunity to play.
Italy earned a tie-break game against a resurgent Sweden, who saw off Germany 10-3. Jens Jager sat out to give his alternate a game. Marcus Sieger skipped.
Great Britain finished on a win, 10-4 over Japan, with Michael McCreadie sitting in favour of alternate Jim Sellar. It's been a very disappointing tournament for the all Scottish rink, and hopefully Michael will not have ended his curling career on the bench.
The line-up change meant that Aileen Neilson became the first female to skip at the Winter Games. "It was good to come out and finish with a win,'' Neilson said, praising her teammates for setting up the ends for her.
Switzerland lifted themselves from the foot of the table with a win over Norway 10-4.
The tie-break game is at 2pm Friday, with the semi-finals on Saturday at 10am and the medal games at 3.30pm.
For tables and schedule see our Paralympics page.
Canadian Nationals - Draw 7
Saskatchewan beat Chris Sobkowicz's Manitoba despite being 5-0 down at the break. Single steals in the 6th and 7th and a steal of 2 in the 8th brought a mighty cheer from the Saskatchewan supporters glued to the upstairs lounge window. Saskatchewan 2nd Marie Wright shot a game best 58% to her province in the fourth playoff spot. With two draws to go tomorrow, when they will play Quebec and Ontario, they are looking good to at least claim a tie-break.
Leaders BC were completely befuddled by inconsistent Alberta who stole a 6-0 lead after 5 ends. They almost let BC back into the game in the 5th when with BC sitting one behind a pile of front stones, Albeta skip opted to hit the BC shot stone rather than give up the one with a guard. His shot promoted a second BC stone, Gerry Austgarden pushed another into the rings through the opened port and with BC sitting 3 and a stone to come, Alberta were looking ruin in the face.
But Smart's last rock draw was just wide and heavy enough to wick off a stone at the edge of the 12 and roll to the button for shot, and another steal.
Ontario, flush from their morning trophy victory, took 5 in the opening end and spent the rest of the game giving it back, losing 9-7.
N. Ontario gave Quebec an early 3 point lead then posted a four and a couple of steals in an 8-6 win. BC Host went off to a 5 point lead against Newfoundland and Labrador, and won 6-4.
The two BC teams are guaranteed a playoff spot, with Manitoba needing to win just one of their games to join them. Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec are the only teams mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page.
Leaders BC were completely befuddled by inconsistent Alberta who stole a 6-0 lead after 5 ends. They almost let BC back into the game in the 5th when with BC sitting one behind a pile of front stones, Albeta skip opted to hit the BC shot stone rather than give up the one with a guard. His shot promoted a second BC stone, Gerry Austgarden pushed another into the rings through the opened port and with BC sitting 3 and a stone to come, Alberta were looking ruin in the face.
But Smart's last rock draw was just wide and heavy enough to wick off a stone at the edge of the 12 and roll to the button for shot, and another steal.
Ontario, flush from their morning trophy victory, took 5 in the opening end and spent the rest of the game giving it back, losing 9-7.
N. Ontario gave Quebec an early 3 point lead then posted a four and a couple of steals in an 8-6 win. BC Host went off to a 5 point lead against Newfoundland and Labrador, and won 6-4.
The two BC teams are guaranteed a playoff spot, with Manitoba needing to win just one of their games to join them. Newfoundland and Labrador and Quebec are the only teams mathematically eliminated from the playoffs.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page.
Cameron wins John McCrae Trophy in battle of Ontarios
A Canadian National Championship is a fine thing, but pride was at stake when Northern Ontario played Ontario, or Southern Ontario as the Ficek rink called them, for the John McCrae Trophy. This year 0ttawan Bruce Cameron's team repossessed it, winning 7-5 on the strength of a 4 spot just before the break.
BC continued their unbeaten cruise to the playoffs, 10-2 over slumping Newfoundland and Labrador. Alberta continued to disappoint their traveling fans, losing to a very serious and self-possessed Manitoba side 7-5.
Saskatchewan scored the last 9 points of the game, overcoming a 7-1 deficit to beat Nove Scotia 10-7, and BC Host, despite swapping 4 in the opening end, ran out easy winners over Quebec, 12-5.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page.
BC continued their unbeaten cruise to the playoffs, 10-2 over slumping Newfoundland and Labrador. Alberta continued to disappoint their traveling fans, losing to a very serious and self-possessed Manitoba side 7-5.
Saskatchewan scored the last 9 points of the game, overcoming a 7-1 deficit to beat Nove Scotia 10-7, and BC Host, despite swapping 4 in the opening end, ran out easy winners over Quebec, 12-5.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Canada and USA qualify for Paralympics playoffs
In a game that would decide who stood at the top of the table with one day of round robin play to go, Canada (7-1) beat Korea (5-3) by a somewhat flattering score of 6-4.
Canada's steal of one in the second, when a Korean attempted pick buried a Canadian stone on the button, was the difference until the final end. Canada had shot stone buried behind seven stones. Korea called time out. Their options were a fancy double run back, or throw a bomb onto the pile and see what happened.
Korea have the reputation for throwing big weight though they have succeeded by drawing when they had to. This time they chose the big weight option. and they managed to open a port to shot stone.
Jim Armstrong attempted to block it but his draw over-curled. A straight hit and stick by Korea would have left Canada with a tricky shot to save the game. But skip Haksung Kim, revved from his previous shot, over-threw when what was needed was a controlled weight take-out. The shot sailed wide and Canada could smile for the first time in the evening.
USA (6-2) lost a rock on a measurement in the second against Japan, but still posted a six and won 8-2. Italy ruined Norway's hopes of a playoff spot, despite throwing away a 7-2 lead in the eighth. They took 2 in the extra to win 9-7.
Korea, Sweden, Germany and Italy will play for the remaining playoff spots tomorrow. For tables and schedule see our Paralympics page.
Canada's steal of one in the second, when a Korean attempted pick buried a Canadian stone on the button, was the difference until the final end. Canada had shot stone buried behind seven stones. Korea called time out. Their options were a fancy double run back, or throw a bomb onto the pile and see what happened.
Korea have the reputation for throwing big weight though they have succeeded by drawing when they had to. This time they chose the big weight option. and they managed to open a port to shot stone.
Jim Armstrong attempted to block it but his draw over-curled. A straight hit and stick by Korea would have left Canada with a tricky shot to save the game. But skip Haksung Kim, revved from his previous shot, over-threw when what was needed was a controlled weight take-out. The shot sailed wide and Canada could smile for the first time in the evening.
USA (6-2) lost a rock on a measurement in the second against Japan, but still posted a six and won 8-2. Italy ruined Norway's hopes of a playoff spot, despite throwing away a 7-2 lead in the eighth. They took 2 in the extra to win 9-7.
Korea, Sweden, Germany and Italy will play for the remaining playoff spots tomorrow. For tables and schedule see our Paralympics page.
Draw 5 Nationals - Team Canada alumni leading the way
The teams with Team Canada players throwing last rocks remain at the top of the table as we pass half-way of the Canadian National Championships in Kelowna BC.
Quebec had a chance to upset unbeaten BC. They went into the 4th end break 2-1 ahead and in the 6th were lying 4 with skip stones to come. BC coach Al Moore, husband of TV curling pundit Linda Moore, was waving frantically at the upstairs window signalling for his team to call a time-out (rules state that time-outs can only be called on the ice). Gerry Austgarden's attempted draw was short of the front guards.
Quebec skip Ben Lessard attempted to throw a guard but hogged his stone, and Austgarden made no mistake with his final stone, coming into the rings for shot. Lessard attempted to hit it, but threw wide, giving up a steal and a lead that BC never surrendered. Final score 5-2, with BC stealing singles in each of the last 4 ends.
Alberta struggled for most of their match against the tournament's tough luck side, Nova Scotia. Jack Smart showed his lack of confidence in his draw weight when in the 4th he attempted a tap with half the house open. "It was a good choice, it was lined up," coach Tony Zummack said, though it resulted in a Nova Scotia steal.
Nova Scotia had taken one in the first and then stole the next four ends to go ahead 6-0. Alberta took their 4 points in the 6th when Smart played a tricky hit to promote 3 stones into scoring position. It was Alberta's one success as they came up on the short end of a 6-4 scoreline.
When Saskatchewan win they win big, 11-3 over Newfoundland and Labrador who have come back to earth with a bump after opening the competition with a 13-3 win.
BC Host relied on a 4 in the sixth to counter a series of singles by Ontario. Their 6-5 win keeps them tied with Manitoba, who beat N. Ontario 8-5, a game back of BC.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Quebec had a chance to upset unbeaten BC. They went into the 4th end break 2-1 ahead and in the 6th were lying 4 with skip stones to come. BC coach Al Moore, husband of TV curling pundit Linda Moore, was waving frantically at the upstairs window signalling for his team to call a time-out (rules state that time-outs can only be called on the ice). Gerry Austgarden's attempted draw was short of the front guards.
Quebec skip Ben Lessard attempted to throw a guard but hogged his stone, and Austgarden made no mistake with his final stone, coming into the rings for shot. Lessard attempted to hit it, but threw wide, giving up a steal and a lead that BC never surrendered. Final score 5-2, with BC stealing singles in each of the last 4 ends.
Alberta struggled for most of their match against the tournament's tough luck side, Nova Scotia. Jack Smart showed his lack of confidence in his draw weight when in the 4th he attempted a tap with half the house open. "It was a good choice, it was lined up," coach Tony Zummack said, though it resulted in a Nova Scotia steal.
Nova Scotia had taken one in the first and then stole the next four ends to go ahead 6-0. Alberta took their 4 points in the 6th when Smart played a tricky hit to promote 3 stones into scoring position. It was Alberta's one success as they came up on the short end of a 6-4 scoreline.
When Saskatchewan win they win big, 11-3 over Newfoundland and Labrador who have come back to earth with a bump after opening the competition with a 13-3 win.
BC Host relied on a 4 in the sixth to counter a series of singles by Ontario. Their 6-5 win keeps them tied with Manitoba, who beat N. Ontario 8-5, a game back of BC.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Canadian Nationals Draw 4 - BC keep rolling; Quebec get first win
BC are showing the depth of their curling talent, posting their fourth win without their skip and lead from the two previous years. Mind you they do have Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden throwing last rocks and adding his experience to the game calling.
This morning they beat Nova Scotia 7-5 on the strength of a 4 in the 3rd. Nova Scotia pulled to within one with a steal of two in the 7th but could not repeat as BC took their single, and the game, in the final end.
Nova Scotia, after a first round walloping by Newfoundland and Labrador, have played tough, with a win over Gary Cormack's BC Host side, and narrow losses to BC and Manitoba, both very experienced sides.
Quebec were blown out in their first two games, but took Alberta to an extra end in Game 3 and this morning went one better. 5-4 over Newfoundland. A three in the 3rd helped in a game of singles.
BC Host beat Sakatchewan 9-5 and share second spot in the table with Manitoba, who stole 5 in the 2nd against Ontario and won 10-3.
N. Ontario beat Alberta 8-4, two steals of two making the difference.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
This morning they beat Nova Scotia 7-5 on the strength of a 4 in the 3rd. Nova Scotia pulled to within one with a steal of two in the 7th but could not repeat as BC took their single, and the game, in the final end.
Nova Scotia, after a first round walloping by Newfoundland and Labrador, have played tough, with a win over Gary Cormack's BC Host side, and narrow losses to BC and Manitoba, both very experienced sides.
Quebec were blown out in their first two games, but took Alberta to an extra end in Game 3 and this morning went one better. 5-4 over Newfoundland. A three in the 3rd helped in a game of singles.
BC Host beat Sakatchewan 9-5 and share second spot in the table with Manitoba, who stole 5 in the 2nd against Ontario and won 10-3.
N. Ontario beat Alberta 8-4, two steals of two making the difference.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 2 - Canadian Nationals Draw 3
Ontario (2-1) stole the first 4 points to go ahead of Newfoundland and Labrador (1-2) 5-3 at the break. Whatever it was they ate, it came back to bite Newfoundland as Ontario scored another 9 points for a 14-5 win.
BC (3-0) continued their unbeaten record. They stole 2 in the 4th to go ahead of Saskatchewan (1-2) 4-2 and gave up just a couple of singles in the second half while scoring 3 and winning 7-3.
BC Host (2-1) stole two in the 5th and another in the 6th to beat N. Ontario (1-2) 6-4. Third Mark Wherrett was the only N. Ontarian with better than 50% shooting, but he was bested by opposing 3rd Rich Green who shot 59% for the host team.
Quebec (0-3) finally found the rings and took an early 5-1 lead over Alberta (2-1) but gave back 5 in steals in the second half. They scored 3 to tie Alberta in the 8th but in the extra end without the hammer, conceded a single and lost 9-8.
Manitoba (2-1) with steals of two in ends 2 and 3 opened an early 5-0 lead over Nova Scotia (1-2) but a steal of 3 in the 5th brought the bluenosers level. They couldn't hang on though, dropping a 7-6 decision.
For line scores check our National Championship page.
BC (3-0) continued their unbeaten record. They stole 2 in the 4th to go ahead of Saskatchewan (1-2) 4-2 and gave up just a couple of singles in the second half while scoring 3 and winning 7-3.
BC Host (2-1) stole two in the 5th and another in the 6th to beat N. Ontario (1-2) 6-4. Third Mark Wherrett was the only N. Ontarian with better than 50% shooting, but he was bested by opposing 3rd Rich Green who shot 59% for the host team.
Quebec (0-3) finally found the rings and took an early 5-1 lead over Alberta (2-1) but gave back 5 in steals in the second half. They scored 3 to tie Alberta in the 8th but in the extra end without the hammer, conceded a single and lost 9-8.
Manitoba (2-1) with steals of two in ends 2 and 3 opened an early 5-0 lead over Nova Scotia (1-2) but a steal of 3 in the 5th brought the bluenosers level. They couldn't hang on though, dropping a 7-6 decision.
For line scores check our National Championship page.
Canada back on top with 15-1 win over Switzerland
Canada (5-1) weren't affected by less than 50% shooting from their skip as the rest of the team shot better than 70% in the 15-1 dismantling of Switzerland (2-3). A 5 just before the break started the rout and a 6 in the 6th ended it early.
Norway (3-3) beat Japan (1-4) 11-3 and Germany (3-2) stole a single in the 8th to edge Italy (2-3) 7-6.
In the evening draw USA (4-2) blew a chance to at least tie their game against Sweden in the eighth. Sitting one with skip stones to come, they chose to chase the Swedish 2nd shot stone that was on the edge of the 12, rather than coming anywhere full 12 to sit two. The stone flashed and Sweden hit shot stone to run USA out of rocks.
"It was a strategy mistake. The right call was the draw. I know that now and hopefully won't make that mistake again," USA skip Perez said. And despite the error, the win wasn't guaranteed at that point.
Sweden (3-3) have won three in a row; beating Norway, Canada and USA to work themselves very much back into contention. Promoting Glenn Ikonen to 4th stones appears to have worked, as skip Jalle Jungnell continues to struggle, but no longer with last rocks.
Great Britain (2-4) avoided a 5th defeat, beating Germany (3-3) 9-2 and can still say they have a chance at a playoff spot. Korea (4-2) pulled level with USA and one game behind leaders Canada (5-1) beating Italy (2-4) 9-3, and Japan (2-4) edged Switzerland (2-4) 6-5 in an extra end.
With three matches to play in the round robin, every team still has a chance of making the playoffs.
Norway (3-3) beat Japan (1-4) 11-3 and Germany (3-2) stole a single in the 8th to edge Italy (2-3) 7-6.
In the evening draw USA (4-2) blew a chance to at least tie their game against Sweden in the eighth. Sitting one with skip stones to come, they chose to chase the Swedish 2nd shot stone that was on the edge of the 12, rather than coming anywhere full 12 to sit two. The stone flashed and Sweden hit shot stone to run USA out of rocks.
"It was a strategy mistake. The right call was the draw. I know that now and hopefully won't make that mistake again," USA skip Perez said. And despite the error, the win wasn't guaranteed at that point.
Sweden (3-3) have won three in a row; beating Norway, Canada and USA to work themselves very much back into contention. Promoting Glenn Ikonen to 4th stones appears to have worked, as skip Jalle Jungnell continues to struggle, but no longer with last rocks.
Great Britain (2-4) avoided a 5th defeat, beating Germany (3-3) 9-2 and can still say they have a chance at a playoff spot. Korea (4-2) pulled level with USA and one game behind leaders Canada (5-1) beating Italy (2-4) 9-3, and Japan (2-4) edged Switzerland (2-4) 6-5 in an extra end.
With three matches to play in the round robin, every team still has a chance of making the playoffs.
Day 2 - Canadian Nationals - Draw 2
Defending champions BC had all they could handle in their morning draw against the rookies from Ontario. There are some notes from the game at the end of this post, but the decisive play was with skip stones in the 8th end.
Ontario had hammer down one, and were sitting at least 3 with no obvious way into the house for BC. After a timeout, BC decided on a long run back, which though didn't threaten shot stones, did open a narrow port.
Ontario attempted to block it with a guard that was overcurled enough to widen the port, and Gerry Austgarden threw an upweight hit on shot stone back 4. He had to stick and he did. Bruce Cameron attempted to follow him down to at least force an extra end, but was light and BC won 8-6.
Though his overall statistics were not impressive, Austgarden made key shots and saved the game. For Ontario, Doug Morris at 3rd threw an impressive 69% to set up his skip, but it came down to a single tough but makeable last rock that didn't reach its target.
BC are the only team to have won both their matches, while Quebec are still looking for their first win after being blanked by Manitoba 9-0.
In other games Nova Scotia beat BC Host 8-6, Alberta downed Saskatchewan 8-4 and N. Ontario brought Newfoundland and Labrador back to earth with a 10-1 win.
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Draw two of the Canadian National Championships begins at 9.30. We'll be keeping an eye on the BC vs Ontario game, and updating scores of the other games as well. N. Ontario plays Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba plays Quebec, BC Host plays Nova Scotia, and Alberta plays Saskatchewan.
End 1
Ontario had the hammer and the first 4 stones went to the back of the rings. Seconds missed all their shots. BC then threw up a guard. Ontario made a comearound. BC came around on top of it. Ontario chipped shot stone to sit 2.
BC's first skip stone crashed on the guard. Bruce's first skip stone tapped his shot stone to the back 4. Gerry hit shot stone but rolled away. BC sat 1. Bruce drew to the 4 ft for his 2nd point.
BC 0 - ON 2
2nd end
BC sat 4 after seconds' stones with a succession of taps and rolls leaving a ring of biters to the left side of the sheet.
Bruce's final stone had to be shot to avoid giving up 4. It stopped back 12 for 2nd shot. Gerry with his final shot attempted to tap Bruce's stone out but was tight on the guard and rolled to the 4ft. On a measure, BC scored 2 to tie it.
Other games - NO 4 - NL 0 after 2 ends. AB are 3-1 up over SK after 2, and MB lead QC 4-0, and NS lead BC HOST 2-0 after 2.
End 3
Ontario's second is legally blind and uses a bright light on the broom.
ON is shot stone on the back centre line. They call for a guard at the top of the house but it slid back 4. Frank tried a double takeout, but chipped out just one, and ON is still shot back 4.
Gerry thew a 9.1 second take out through the port to hit and stick. BC lying 1, back 4.
Bruce tries to come through the same port, but nicks a guard and promotes a BC stone to second shot. It looks like BC is lying 2.
Gerry's second stone is through the port but a bit heavy and comes to the back 4, giving Ontario a pocket to save the end.
Bruce is also a bit light. The stone overcurled at the end, and BC steals 2 by an inch. It's 4-2 BC at the end of 3rd.
4th end
BC comes in to the button with their first. Ontario executes an angle freeze. BC's second stone is back 12. Ontario taps BC to the back of the button to sit 2.
BC tried to take out the shot stone, but it looks wide of the broom. They remove their own and the shooter rolls to the back 12.
Ontario sit three now in the 4 ft, and there are no guards. Whitney removes one stone and rolls to the 8ft in front of the tee line for 3rd shot.
ON needs something up front to protect their stone --- they throw a long centre line guard. Frank attempts to pick out shot stone and flashes.
Ontario puts up a long corner guard. There's still a port there.
What a shot. Frank comes through the port, taps the shot stone out and rolls to the button for shot, behind the ON stone.
Bruce's comearound attempt crashes on the guard, but that does clear the front.
Gerry's guard attempt curls too much, leaving Bruce a chance to hit his own second shot and push BC out the back. But...his attempt curled fiercely at the end, and he pushes his own stone out. Gerry has an open hit to sit 3.
He's short, in front of the house, guarding his own. That leaves Bruce the same shot for 2. He gets 1.
BC 4 - ON 3, and BC gets the hammer after the break.
In other games NO 4 - NL - after 3; AB 5 - SK 1 after 3; MB over QC 5-0; NS 4 - HOST 0.
5th end
All of the first five rocks are in front of the house. BC tried to open up the front, but crash on the guard and roll across the rings. That might be biting top 12.
BC are trying to peel the ON stone on the centre line but the stone crashes on another guard and rolls out.
ON try to tap the one in the top 12, but it slides past and stops back 12. ON lies one for sure, and maybe 2 if that really is a biter in front.
Frank tries to eliminate the front stone, and goes by it. He just misses the one in the back and slides out.
Ontario tries to come through the port, but they're short and push that possible biter up an inch so it's counting for sure. There is a wall of Ontario stones in front.
BC peel the centre line guard, but stick, almost replacing it.
ON has a pile of rocks on the right side of the house (as we look atit) and Bruce tries to draw in on the open (left) side. The line is good but he's heavy. He's either out the back or that's another biter.
BC comes around and ends up back 4 but wide open. ON could tap it back, or remove it. But the rock slips out the back.
Gerry draws to the button for the second point.
BC6 - ON 3
End 6
Ontario came into the house, t-line. BC tapped it out. ON froze to the BC stone in the top 12. BC split the house with another stone top 8.
Ontario plays a tap back on the one in the 8 ft. They move it to the edge and roll in to the button. ON is shot.
BC removes that. They are lying one for sure, and it's close for 2nd stone. They may be one and two.
Ontario puts one in the top 8 for shot, but it's wide open.
BC flashes on the take out attempt.
Ontario brings another one in. BC remove their own stone. Ontario is lying 3.
Bruce asks for the shot stone to be tapped back. The attempt is short, leaving a centre line guard now.
BC tries again to remove the troublesome ON stone, and instead removes their own. ON now lying 2. Bruce tries to come into the house and end up behind the centre line guard. The line looked right but he slipped out the back.
BC tries to tap his own back, but removes it and rolls away. ON is lying 2. This is a draw for 3. Right on the pin. ON takes 3 and the score is tied at 6.
Scores
NO 8 - NL 1 after 5
AB 7 - SK 2 after 5
MB 8 - QC 0 after 5
NS 6 - BC HOST 3 after 5
End 7
Ontario sitting 2 on the tee line and attempt to guard with their last stone. The guard overcurls, and Gerry throws an upweight shot that hits and sticks for one.
BC7 - ON6. Ontario is down one with the hammer coming home.
Other scores
AB 8 - SK 2 after 6
NS 7 - HOST 3 after 6
MB beat QC, it's at least 10 - 6, we're waiting for it to be posted.
NO defeated NL 10 -1
End 8
At skip stones ON are sitting 3 behind 3 guards. BC have no obvious way in and have called a time out. Their options are a long runback or a deflection off a wide Ontario stone in the 12 ft.
It looks like they're going to runback the guard or at least clear the guard off so they have a shot with their last stone. And that's what they do, the shot opens up a small port.
Bruce will try to close that off --- he has to score 2. He was a little too heavy, wicks off the guard and opens the port a little more.
BC has a shot through that port. Gerry's shot it perfect, removing the ON shot stone and sticking. Bruce has the same shot for 3.
He's short, and BC wins.
Ontario had hammer down one, and were sitting at least 3 with no obvious way into the house for BC. After a timeout, BC decided on a long run back, which though didn't threaten shot stones, did open a narrow port.
Ontario attempted to block it with a guard that was overcurled enough to widen the port, and Gerry Austgarden threw an upweight hit on shot stone back 4. He had to stick and he did. Bruce Cameron attempted to follow him down to at least force an extra end, but was light and BC won 8-6.
Though his overall statistics were not impressive, Austgarden made key shots and saved the game. For Ontario, Doug Morris at 3rd threw an impressive 69% to set up his skip, but it came down to a single tough but makeable last rock that didn't reach its target.
BC are the only team to have won both their matches, while Quebec are still looking for their first win after being blanked by Manitoba 9-0.
In other games Nova Scotia beat BC Host 8-6, Alberta downed Saskatchewan 8-4 and N. Ontario brought Newfoundland and Labrador back to earth with a 10-1 win.
********************************************
Draw two of the Canadian National Championships begins at 9.30. We'll be keeping an eye on the BC vs Ontario game, and updating scores of the other games as well. N. Ontario plays Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba plays Quebec, BC Host plays Nova Scotia, and Alberta plays Saskatchewan.
End 1
Ontario had the hammer and the first 4 stones went to the back of the rings. Seconds missed all their shots. BC then threw up a guard. Ontario made a comearound. BC came around on top of it. Ontario chipped shot stone to sit 2.
BC's first skip stone crashed on the guard. Bruce's first skip stone tapped his shot stone to the back 4. Gerry hit shot stone but rolled away. BC sat 1. Bruce drew to the 4 ft for his 2nd point.
BC 0 - ON 2
2nd end
BC sat 4 after seconds' stones with a succession of taps and rolls leaving a ring of biters to the left side of the sheet.
Bruce's final stone had to be shot to avoid giving up 4. It stopped back 12 for 2nd shot. Gerry with his final shot attempted to tap Bruce's stone out but was tight on the guard and rolled to the 4ft. On a measure, BC scored 2 to tie it.
Other games - NO 4 - NL 0 after 2 ends. AB are 3-1 up over SK after 2, and MB lead QC 4-0, and NS lead BC HOST 2-0 after 2.
End 3
Ontario's second is legally blind and uses a bright light on the broom.
ON is shot stone on the back centre line. They call for a guard at the top of the house but it slid back 4. Frank tried a double takeout, but chipped out just one, and ON is still shot back 4.
Gerry thew a 9.1 second take out through the port to hit and stick. BC lying 1, back 4.
Bruce tries to come through the same port, but nicks a guard and promotes a BC stone to second shot. It looks like BC is lying 2.
Gerry's second stone is through the port but a bit heavy and comes to the back 4, giving Ontario a pocket to save the end.
Bruce is also a bit light. The stone overcurled at the end, and BC steals 2 by an inch. It's 4-2 BC at the end of 3rd.
4th end
BC comes in to the button with their first. Ontario executes an angle freeze. BC's second stone is back 12. Ontario taps BC to the back of the button to sit 2.
BC tried to take out the shot stone, but it looks wide of the broom. They remove their own and the shooter rolls to the back 12.
Ontario sit three now in the 4 ft, and there are no guards. Whitney removes one stone and rolls to the 8ft in front of the tee line for 3rd shot.
ON needs something up front to protect their stone --- they throw a long centre line guard. Frank attempts to pick out shot stone and flashes.
Ontario puts up a long corner guard. There's still a port there.
What a shot. Frank comes through the port, taps the shot stone out and rolls to the button for shot, behind the ON stone.
Bruce's comearound attempt crashes on the guard, but that does clear the front.
Gerry's guard attempt curls too much, leaving Bruce a chance to hit his own second shot and push BC out the back. But...his attempt curled fiercely at the end, and he pushes his own stone out. Gerry has an open hit to sit 3.
He's short, in front of the house, guarding his own. That leaves Bruce the same shot for 2. He gets 1.
BC 4 - ON 3, and BC gets the hammer after the break.
In other games NO 4 - NL - after 3; AB 5 - SK 1 after 3; MB over QC 5-0; NS 4 - HOST 0.
5th end
All of the first five rocks are in front of the house. BC tried to open up the front, but crash on the guard and roll across the rings. That might be biting top 12.
BC are trying to peel the ON stone on the centre line but the stone crashes on another guard and rolls out.
ON try to tap the one in the top 12, but it slides past and stops back 12. ON lies one for sure, and maybe 2 if that really is a biter in front.
Frank tries to eliminate the front stone, and goes by it. He just misses the one in the back and slides out.
Ontario tries to come through the port, but they're short and push that possible biter up an inch so it's counting for sure. There is a wall of Ontario stones in front.
BC peel the centre line guard, but stick, almost replacing it.
ON has a pile of rocks on the right side of the house (as we look atit) and Bruce tries to draw in on the open (left) side. The line is good but he's heavy. He's either out the back or that's another biter.
BC comes around and ends up back 4 but wide open. ON could tap it back, or remove it. But the rock slips out the back.
Gerry draws to the button for the second point.
BC6 - ON 3
End 6
Ontario came into the house, t-line. BC tapped it out. ON froze to the BC stone in the top 12. BC split the house with another stone top 8.
Ontario plays a tap back on the one in the 8 ft. They move it to the edge and roll in to the button. ON is shot.
BC removes that. They are lying one for sure, and it's close for 2nd stone. They may be one and two.
Ontario puts one in the top 8 for shot, but it's wide open.
BC flashes on the take out attempt.
Ontario brings another one in. BC remove their own stone. Ontario is lying 3.
Bruce asks for the shot stone to be tapped back. The attempt is short, leaving a centre line guard now.
BC tries again to remove the troublesome ON stone, and instead removes their own. ON now lying 2. Bruce tries to come into the house and end up behind the centre line guard. The line looked right but he slipped out the back.
BC tries to tap his own back, but removes it and rolls away. ON is lying 2. This is a draw for 3. Right on the pin. ON takes 3 and the score is tied at 6.
Scores
NO 8 - NL 1 after 5
AB 7 - SK 2 after 5
MB 8 - QC 0 after 5
NS 6 - BC HOST 3 after 5
End 7
Ontario sitting 2 on the tee line and attempt to guard with their last stone. The guard overcurls, and Gerry throws an upweight shot that hits and sticks for one.
BC7 - ON6. Ontario is down one with the hammer coming home.
Other scores
AB 8 - SK 2 after 6
NS 7 - HOST 3 after 6
MB beat QC, it's at least 10 - 6, we're waiting for it to be posted.
NO defeated NL 10 -1
End 8
At skip stones ON are sitting 3 behind 3 guards. BC have no obvious way in and have called a time out. Their options are a long runback or a deflection off a wide Ontario stone in the 12 ft.
It looks like they're going to runback the guard or at least clear the guard off so they have a shot with their last stone. And that's what they do, the shot opens up a small port.
Bruce will try to close that off --- he has to score 2. He was a little too heavy, wicks off the guard and opens the port a little more.
BC has a shot through that port. Gerry's shot it perfect, removing the ON shot stone and sticking. Bruce has the same shot for 3.
He's short, and BC wins.
USA tied at top of table as Canada crash to Sweden
It too an extra end after USA surrendered 3 in the 8th against Great Britain (1-4), but USA (4-1) pulled out an 8-7 win to tie Canada at the top of te table at the end of Day 3 at the Paralympic Games.
Canada (4-1) surrendered their unbeaten record in an 8-4 loss to Sweden. Read match report HERE. Norway stopped Korea's momentum, winning 9-6 and Germany lost to Switzerland 9-3.
Michael McCreadie said after the team's 4th loss (to USA) "It can be a cruel game at times. Although we are losing the team dynamics remain strong. Aileen is an excellent last rock thrower. There's such a small margin between winning and losing, but we are still thinking playoffs if we can win the rest of the way. The ice was very swingy today, but we just have to adapt to the conditions."
Heavy ice was also on Swedish skip Jalle Jungnell;s mind,though he pulled off wins over two favoured sides today (Norway and Canada). "We tried to play our normal game, "he said, "but we've been struggling with the ice. It's so heavy."
That was a sentiment echoed by Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen. “It’s tricky ice. I don’t know the feel of the rocks. We do the same things as other teams but our rocks don’t behave the same. It makes us a little unsure. [Against Sweden] we always play crappy matches. No good play and we were very nervous.”
Table leaders Canada and USA each play a single game tomorrow; Canada against Switzerland in the morning and USA against Sweden in the evening.
Canada (4-1) surrendered their unbeaten record in an 8-4 loss to Sweden. Read match report HERE. Norway stopped Korea's momentum, winning 9-6 and Germany lost to Switzerland 9-3.
Michael McCreadie said after the team's 4th loss (to USA) "It can be a cruel game at times. Although we are losing the team dynamics remain strong. Aileen is an excellent last rock thrower. There's such a small margin between winning and losing, but we are still thinking playoffs if we can win the rest of the way. The ice was very swingy today, but we just have to adapt to the conditions."
Michael McCreadie
Read article on McCreadie by Lyndon Little HERE Heavy ice was also on Swedish skip Jalle Jungnell;s mind,though he pulled off wins over two favoured sides today (Norway and Canada). "We tried to play our normal game, "he said, "but we've been struggling with the ice. It's so heavy."
That was a sentiment echoed by Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen. “It’s tricky ice. I don’t know the feel of the rocks. We do the same things as other teams but our rocks don’t behave the same. It makes us a little unsure. [Against Sweden] we always play crappy matches. No good play and we were very nervous.”
Table leaders Canada and USA each play a single game tomorrow; Canada against Switzerland in the morning and USA against Sweden in the evening.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day 1 - Nationals - BC and Manitoba play an extra end
[photo - Dave O'Byrne]
The extra end saw an empty house as every stone fell short until Austgarden managed to get the last rock of the game through the pile and get it to stop just touching the rings back 12 to score the winning point.
The BC Host team skipped by Gary Cormack swapped singles with Alberta until a steal in ends 7 and 8 saw them pull ahead 6-3.
Saskatchewan landed a 5 on N. Ontario in the 6th en route to a 10-5 win. Newfoundland took 5 in the 1st against Nova Scotia and never looked back, winning 13-3, the same score Ontario, the one totally rookie squad posted against Quebec.
******************************************
End 9
Manitoba put up two front stones. The BC lead was through the house. MB came around to the back of the 4ft. Takeouts ensued.
MB's takeout also rolled out. Warren's first stone is in front of the house, in a cluster with the two red stones.
Thiessen's comearound is short, landing in front of the house. Three red and a yellow around centre line just in front of the empty house.
LaBounty is even with the other yellow stone just in front of the house. Still nothing in there.
Thiessen's attempt is out front. LaBounty runs his own back but it's too strong and out the back.
Everybody else is short except for BC's last rock - biting the back. BC wins 7-6.
Goodnight all.
-------------
End 8
MB takes 1 to tie the score at 6, and they're headed to an extra end.
-----------
End 7
BC steals one to pull ahead 6-5.
Handshakes on Sheet C: NL 9 - NS 2.
SK leads NO 10-3 --- handshakes.
AB trails HOST 4-3 after 7.
QC is finally on the board, trailing ON 9-2.
------
End 6
All the play was in the 4ft. MB doubled out two BC stones when BC was sitting 3. BC failed to hit and stick for their second point, taking 1 to tie it up 5-5 after 6.
In other news, Canada suffered their first loss tonight to bottom of the table Sweden, 8-4, while USA, despite giving up 3 in the 8th, scored one in the extra to hand GB their 4th loss. Final score USA 8 - GB 7.
Back here, SK now lead NO 9-3 after taking 2 in the 6th. ON are 9-1 up over QC through 6 ends. BC HOST and AB are tied up 3-3 after 6. NS and NL are still playing the 6th end.
------
End 5
After the break, it took until the 3rds' last stone before a rock made it into the rings, as the ice has tightened significantly.
BC attempt a double with their last stone. They get 1, but leave one MB stone buried on the button. MB attempted a wide comearound to touch the 8 ft for a second point. They make it.
MB take 2 and go ahead 5-4 after 5.
---
End 4
BC has one on the pin, buried. MB is sitting second shot, protected. Rather than guard and hold BC to 1, MB attempted a takeout and picked their own stone out. BC is lying 2.
MB's last stone came up short of the button. BC got greedy with their last stone, attempted to put a 3rd stone in the rings, and picked their own stone out. They score 1 instead of 2.
BC 4 - MB 3 after 4.
In other games, NO has pulled ahead of SK, 3-2 after 4 ends. ON now lead QC 7-0 after 4 ends. AB and HOST are tied at 2 after 4. NS and NL are just starting the 4th end, with NL 6-2.
-------
End 3
First few rocks all came up short of the rings. MB, without hammer, took a chance by clearing one side of the house. BC failed to capitalize by coming in.
MB did come in to sit one, in the 4 ft. BC were not able to remove it. Steal of 1 for MB.
Tied up at 3 after 3 ends.
Other scores:
NO came through 11 rocks in front of the house to score 1 against SK. SK 2 - NO 1 after 3. ON is up 6 - 0 over QC after 3. We don't know the other scores yet.
-----
End 2:
BC came into the 4ft, guarded.
MB peeled the guard and then a BC guard attempt came too deep, allowing access to the shot stones in the 4ft.
MB cleared the shot stones and ended up taking 2.
BC 3 - MB 2 after 2 ends.
SK 2 - NO 0 after 2
ON 4 - QC 0 after 2
BC HOST 1 - AB 1 after 2 ends
-------------
BC has the hammer.
Lead stones ended up short of the rings blocking the center. BC drew to the button. MB's draw attempts were heavy.
BC got a second stone in the 8 foot and guarded. Gerry Austgarden's last rock drew into the 8ft for a third point.
BC 3 - MB 0.
SK took one over NO.
ON took 1 playing QC.
BC HOST 1 - AB 0
NL 5 - NS 0
----
Good evening from the Kelowna Curling Club where we're sitting above Sheet D and waiting for the start of the defending champions opening match. We'll be updating this post during the game.
Canada cruise, Norway give another big end, Sweden finally win - Draw 5 Paralympics
Canada (4-0) cruised to a 13-2 win over Japan (1-3), a 5 in the 7th bringing the game to an early finish.
Sweden (1-3) finally found a way to win, beating Norway (1-3) with 4 in the 6th of a game otherwise limited to singles. This is Norway's second loss of a game they looked like winning before giving up a big end.
USA (3-1) kept the momentum going, beating Italy (2-2) 8-2 while Great Britain (1-3) suffered another loss, this time to Korea (3-1) on very low shooting by their back end. Korea took the game's first 7 points.
Table and line scores HERE
Sweden (1-3) finally found a way to win, beating Norway (1-3) with 4 in the 6th of a game otherwise limited to singles. This is Norway's second loss of a game they looked like winning before giving up a big end.
USA (3-1) kept the momentum going, beating Italy (2-2) 8-2 while Great Britain (1-3) suffered another loss, this time to Korea (3-1) on very low shooting by their back end. Korea took the game's first 7 points.
Table and line scores HERE
BC vs Manitoba marquee matchup on Day 1 of Canadian Nationals
Last year's BC skip, Jim Armstrong, is playing for his country in Vancouver so Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden will be throwing last rocks for the BC provincial champions. Frank LaBounty throws third with skip Whitney Warren at second and rookie Alison Duddy replacing Jackie Roy at lead. Austgarden is holding the broom the first two ends with Warren holding for 3rd and 4th stones.
"Everyone knows what they're doing, what their role is," LaBounty assured me at the players' reception last night.
Manitoba will be looking for the breakthrough that get's them into a final game. They have Chris Sobkowicz at skip, who made Team Canada at last year's Worlds at the expense of Austgarden and BC Host skip Gary Cormack. George Horning comes in at second replacing Michael Alberg.
Other machups: BC Host vs Alberta, Quebec vs Ontario, Newfoundland vs Nova Scotia, and N. Ontario vs Saskatchewan.
Tonight draw begins at 7.30 after the opening ceremonies. There will be two draws a day tomorrow through Friday at 9.30 and 2 pm.
Student reporter tells Team Canada stories
Lisa Odland, a Students Live reporter, has posted the back stories of the Team Canada members on her West Coast Kid blog, including a short video interview with Sonja Gaudet. Read and watch it HERE.
Inside the head of Team USA skip Goose Perez
Augusto 'Goose' Perez and Patrick McDonald
[photo - Richard Lam]
Last season the rap on the American skip was that he was a talented thrower who was perhaps too much of a prima donna for the good of the team.[photo - Richard Lam]
That seems to have changed this year as he has grown into his role and learned more about the game. The increasing role of no-nonsense Army vet Patrick McDonald in the team may also have had an influence.
It's certainly a more humble Perez who appears in this interview, which gives a good insight into what goes through his mind as he skips his team. Read it HERE.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Canada not distracted by Norway's pants
[photo - Gavin Day]
Norway have traditionally had Canada's number and were my pick to be the team no one will want to meet in the playoffs. Against Canada, who they beat in round robin play lasy year, they took singles in the first three ends and were ahead 5-4 with hammer in the eighth.Jim Armstrong threw a perfect guard with his first stone and then came around with his last stone to sit two. Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen crashed on the guard to give Canada a 6-4 win. Match report HERE
Lindon Little's report in the Vancouver Sun suggests that Canada needed every bit of Jim's ice-reading experience to counter difficult ice conditions; heavy with huge late swing. Norway protested the result of a measurement, a protest that was denied after video review.
USA played Germany, the team that robbed them of a medal at last year's Worlds. Germany stole the first 4 points, but USA playyed patiently and scored singles in the last three ends to take the game 6-5. Match report HERE
USA skip said: "I have nothing but praise for our team. In the second end we made some mistakes and missed an easy draw. But I said to the guys that we have to believe we can still make it, even though we were four points down. If we get steals of one or two, we'll be fine."
A disappointed Jens Jager bemoaned his last shot: "On my last takeout I was too slow. It was a good match and we had control. I was just too slow on the last one."
Korea beat Japan 7-5 and Italy brutalised Switzerland 13-4 in six ends.
Switzerland didn't fare any better in the evening against Great Britain who finally posted a win, staying close through the break before stealing a key four points in the fifth end and winning 10-2.
Italy posted their second win of the day, 9-1 over a hapless Swedish side struggling to find their first win and the form that won silver against the same teams a year ago.
Canada play Japan at 12.30 and Sweden at 6pm tomorrow.
For full results and line scores visit our Vancouver Paralympic page.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals - who's going to win?
Bookmark the 2010 Canadian Nationals page.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals begin tomorrow with nine provincial and one host team making up the field.
Defending champions BC do not have Jim Armstrong or Jackie Roy, but have added Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden at 4th stones. BC's host team also figures to be stronger than previous hosts with another Torino Paralympian, Gary Cormack, at skip.
Ontario are the rookie team but went through the most challenging qualifying championship, and have also made an effort to travel as a team to gain competition experience. Skip Bruce Cameron has worked as hard as anyone to further the cause of wheelchair curling and beat tough opposition to get to Kelowna, but is untested in a long event
Alberta is also a team that traveled this season, competing in the Richmond Cashspiel. Anne Hibberd returns to the side after being unable to travel to last year's event. She replaces Bruno Yizek who is watching Team Canada from the bench.
Kenoran Wayne Ficek again defeated his Thunder Bay rivals and has had a year to build experience. Manitoba have one change this year, with George Horning replacing Michael Alberg.
Newfound and Labrador's Joanne MacDonald is the one female skip, moving from 3rd to take the place of Chris Daw, now commentating on Paralympic TV. Saskatchewan make one change, at alternate, and Nova Scotia have a new lead, Debbie Earle. Quebec brings two females in the squad that welcomes Ben Lessard back from injury.
So who will win? There has only ever been two winners of the Canadian National Championships; Team Canada through 2006 and then Team BC. Is this the year to see Manitoba step up? They looked unhappy at times last year and have a new coach this year. Alberta have the experience but Anne Hibberd has to show she can play third.
BC have experience despite their rookie lead. If they can work out whose team it is and what role each player has, they'll do well. And Northern Ontario have the fire to improve on the disappointment of last year's playoff loss.
Comments are open for who you think will make the playoffs.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals begin tomorrow with nine provincial and one host team making up the field.
Defending champions BC do not have Jim Armstrong or Jackie Roy, but have added Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden at 4th stones. BC's host team also figures to be stronger than previous hosts with another Torino Paralympian, Gary Cormack, at skip.
Ontario are the rookie team but went through the most challenging qualifying championship, and have also made an effort to travel as a team to gain competition experience. Skip Bruce Cameron has worked as hard as anyone to further the cause of wheelchair curling and beat tough opposition to get to Kelowna, but is untested in a long event
Alberta is also a team that traveled this season, competing in the Richmond Cashspiel. Anne Hibberd returns to the side after being unable to travel to last year's event. She replaces Bruno Yizek who is watching Team Canada from the bench.
Kenoran Wayne Ficek again defeated his Thunder Bay rivals and has had a year to build experience. Manitoba have one change this year, with George Horning replacing Michael Alberg.
Newfound and Labrador's Joanne MacDonald is the one female skip, moving from 3rd to take the place of Chris Daw, now commentating on Paralympic TV. Saskatchewan make one change, at alternate, and Nova Scotia have a new lead, Debbie Earle. Quebec brings two females in the squad that welcomes Ben Lessard back from injury.
So who will win? There has only ever been two winners of the Canadian National Championships; Team Canada through 2006 and then Team BC. Is this the year to see Manitoba step up? They looked unhappy at times last year and have a new coach this year. Alberta have the experience but Anne Hibberd has to show she can play third.
BC have experience despite their rookie lead. If they can work out whose team it is and what role each player has, they'll do well. And Northern Ontario have the fire to improve on the disappointment of last year's playoff loss.
Comments are open for who you think will make the playoffs.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Paralympics Day 1 review - Canada show they mean business
Team Canada's Ina Forrest and Sonja Gaudet
photo - Martin Rose
By the end of the first day of competition, many of the questions that had invited speculation in the build-up to the Vancouver Paralympic Games seemed settled.Jim Armstrong was not only fit to play, but his team avoided the shaky start that nearly cost them at last year's Worlds. They hammered Great Britain 9-2 in the opening draw, and then ran ahead of USA in the evening 8-2 at the break before closing out a 10-5 win to post a 2-0 record.
Great Britain had something to prove; that their delivery position experiment could pay dividends a year after a disastrous Worlds, and that the combination of Michael McCreadie skipping from 3rd while Aileen Neilson threw last rocks, could produce wins.
Their decisive loss to Canada and the narrower last end loss to Norway will not help their confidence, though it will have come at a good time for Norway who in Draw 1 threw away a 6-4 lead over Germany by giving up 6 in the 7th end of a 10-6 loss.
Sweden came in with a new coach, Tomas Nordin, and it was to be seen whether he could add the missing ingredient that might convert last year's silver medal into gold. They suffered a 7-6 loss to Switzerland in the early draw, then played Korea tight through 5 ends before falling apart, and suffering a total meltdown in the final end. Down 2, they threw 5 complete misses and left looking dejected, losing 8-4. It will take all Nordin's experience to rebuild the smiles from the team who last year at least looked as though they were enjoying themselves.
USA, despite giving up two 3-enders stole a comfortable 9-6 win over Korea in the opening draw, and while it is never pleasant to give up a 4, and 4 more to consecutive steals playing Canada, who they beat in round robin play last year, they will probably feel their day was worthwhile, and their biggest hurdle behind them.
Germany played just one game and must feel, with their winning 6-spot, that their luck has carried over from their last shot at the 2009 Worlds. And in the battle of the unknowns, Japan, with 75 year old Takashi Hidai at second, beat Italy 9-6.
Full line scores and tables can be found HERE.
Canada play Norway in Draw 3 their only game on Day 2.
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