Tom Brewster, Greg Drummond, Scott Andrews and Michael Goodfellow had their second game of the day, this time against the USA, at the World Men's Championship in Basel. Heath McCormick failed to score in the first three ends, and the Scots went 5-0 ahead. The US came back strongly and twice got to within a shot of the Scots. Two for Brewster in the ninth saw Scotland three up playing the last, and it was enough!Does the win puts Scotland into the Page 1-2 playoff? Norway won their game against France, at the last stone of an extra end, and finish on eight wins, the same as Scotland. Does Scotland get second place in the rankings, by dint of their win over Norway in their second game? I await confirmation.
(Added later. Leslie in Basel confirms Scotland in Page 1-2!)
But great stuff from our men! Well done to them.
Story of the day though was Pete de Boer and his New Zealand team defeating Canada, again at an extra end. The last couple of ends were shown on the Eurosport Player, and I confess I was cheering for Pete, Sean, Scott and Kenny. What a boost for curling in New Zealand! The win put the de Boer team in fourth place in the rankings with seven wins. However both Sweden and China, on six wins, have a game to play this evening. If either, or both, win, then tiebreakers would be necessary to find the fourth place team, who would then meet Norway in the Page 3-4 game.
The scores, standings, and shotmaking percentages are here.
Mike Haggerty's reports are here. General reports are here. Richard Gray's photos are here. Highlights and interview videos are on the WCF's YouTube channel here.
John Brown's Toothy Tales are here.
Top: Tom and Greg look at a difficult situation. USA are red. Photo © Leslie Ingram-Brown.
