Smith wins Scottish Mixed

Thanks to Christine for all the blogging from Vernon, and Hugh for his pics from the Ford World Women's Championship. Well done team!

With the baton back (temporarily) in my hands for a few days, I can report that Curl Aberdeen was the venue for the Scottish Mixed Championship at the weekend, and a great event it was too. The four sections each produced two qualifiers, although a couple of tiebreakers were needed on Saturday night, and quarters, semis and final were contested yesterday. You can find all the results here.

The holders, Glen Muirhead (4th), Eve Muirhead, Gordon Muirhead (skip) and Anna Sloan, got past Tom Brewster, Kim Brewster, Duncan Ferrie and Kay Gibb in the semifinal, but only after an extra end. On the other side of the draw Alan Smith, Gillian Howard, David Mundell and Karen Strang made it to the final, after a last end measure, against Moray Combe, Sharon Stewart, Sandy Christie and Lorna Smith.

In the final Smith pulled back from 1-3 down after four, taking a single inadvertently when trying to blank the sixth and then stealing the seventh and the eighth. With last play of the game, Glen just overthrew his last draw to the four foot.

Kitzbuhel here we come! The website for the European Mixed Curling Championship, September 22-27, is here.

Above: Curl Aberdeen Chairman Edward Johnston presents the trophy to Alan Smith, Karen Strang, Gillian Howard and David Mundell. Below: Some pics from yesterday.

Gordon Muirhead and Alan Smith in the final.

Karen and David sweep an Alan Smith stone.

Gillian Howard

David Mundell

Anna Sloan

Glen Muirhead

Karen Strang. A long time supporter of the Mixed Championship, the winning team was entered under her name!

Who are these two Canadians? Eve and Glen Muirhead, sporting their trophy shirts from Ostersund in the semifinal!

Alan Smith

Pics by Bob

Ford World Women's Curling Championship final

Yes folks, this is my last blog from the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia.

Canada and China faced each other for the third time this Championship. The score so far was 2/0 to China, Canada had plenty of support, 3,004 people had jammed into the stadium including 200 standing fans.

Canada didn't want to lose in front of such a crowd, Chinese skip Bingyu Wang was forced to take a single in the first end then gave up three in the second. China were going to have to work hard to get back into the game. They got back to within one shot after five ends, Canada blanked the sixth and scored two in the seventh with a raised takeout from skip Jennifer Jones.

Canada still led by three going into the final end, they ran China out of stones to win the title 7/4.

It was a great championship for China, it's the first time a Pacific region country has got medals, the crowd loved them, watch out for China in the next few years.

Mirjam Ott from Switzerland had got the bronze medal and she won the Frances Brodie sportsmanship award.

So it's over and out from Vernon, it's been a difficult week at times but overall a great championship.

It's goodbye from Jennifer Jones.

It's goodbye from Bingyu Wang.

And it's goodbye from Vernon.

Pics by Hugh Stewart

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 19

Japan had made the final four at a World Championship for the first time, a few hours ago they lost a tight game to Canada, now they meet Switzerland in the bronze medal game. Japan had beaten Switzerland in the three/four playoff game could they do it again?

For six ends the answer was definitely no, five shots to Switzerland over ends three, four and five gave them a six shot lead, it looked as if the game was over.

But Japan had other ideas, after eight they had cut the lead to one shot. Switzerland tried to make two in the ninth but got only one, going into the final end two up without last stone.

Moe Meguro with her first stone attempted a draw, it barely touched a guard so rolled into the open, Mirjam Ott had a hit to run the Japanese out of stones, Switzerland won the bronze medal 9/7.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Coverage of the final is available on CurlTV and Eurosport.

Mirjam Ott's photo is by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 18

The Royal Caledonian Curling Club has updated its statement about the situation with the Scottish team at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in British Columbia making three points.

1. The Scottish skip was dropped for performance reasons.

2. The national coach decided to play with three players.

3. The national coach did not ask the Scottish skip to return to the ice.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 17

Canada met Japan in the semi final of the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon British Columbia. Is an all Asian final possible?

This was one of the best games I have ever seen in my life. The shot making was unbelievable from both teams. Japan grabbed the lead in the sixth end with a hit for three shots but Canada got two back in the seventh, Japan still led by one. Japan got another two in the eighth, Canada had a raised take out for two in the ninth going into the last end one down.

In the tenth Canada lay two shots, skip Moe Meguro took one out, the game was going into an extra end. Canada lay one fully on the four foot, Meguro opted to draw but was light, Canada stole a single and the game.

Canada will meet China for the third time in the final, Japan play Switzerland for the bronze medal.

They say curling fans are getting older and they could be right, one lady in today's audience proudly announced she would be 101 in June!

You can find all the linescores and statistics here. Playoff games are available on CurlTV. And Eurosport has coverage of the final games at Vernon.

Photo of Moe Meguro, and of Jennifer Jones saying a wee prayer, is by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 16

China made their first appearance at a World Championship in 2005, since then they've come on by leaps and bounds. Here in Vernon they finished top of the table giving Canada their first defeat of the Championship along the way.

In the 1 v 2 playoff the met Canada again, the winner would go straight to the final, the loser would play Japan for the second final spot.

China had the game from the opening ends, they had a four shot lead after three ends, that lead had gone to five after five ends. It was going to be an uphill struggle for Canada. They did put some shots on the board including a steal in the ninth but they went into the last end without last stone.

China kept the front of the house clear, Jennifer Jones for Canada drew with her first stone but it lay open, China hit, Canada couldn't make two to tie the game and conceded. China were in the final 7/5.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Playoff games are available on CurlTV. And Eurosport has coverage of the final games at Vernon.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 15

Switzerland took on Japan in the 3/4 playoff at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia, this is the first time Japan has made the last four in 17 World Championships.

This is a page playoff system but there's a change to the rules this year, now pay attention, in recent years the loser of the 3/4 was out, the winner guaranteed at least a bronze. But this year there will be a bronze medal game. Got that?

My money and I suspect I suspect most people's money was on Switzerland, they won the round robin tie 9/6. But the Japanese came out firing on all cylinders, Switzerland was forced to take one with last stone in the first, Japan got two in the second when Swiss skip Mirjam Ott hit and rolled too far with her last stone, Japan drew for two. And it got worse for the Swiss, Japan stole three shots over the next three ends for a five shot lead after six. They wobbled a bit in ends eight and nine giving up three shots, Japan went into the last end one up with last stone. Once again they were making mistakes, Switzerland lay one but Miriam Ott's last stone to guard didn't draw enough, Moe Meguro for Japan had a hit and stick for one shot to win the game 6/4.

Tomorrow, or perhaps today GMT they will play the loser of the China Canada game. Switzerland can only wait to find out who they play in the bronze medal game.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Playoff games are available on CurlTV. And Eurosport has coverage of the final games at Vernon.

The RCCC have a new statement on their website about the situation with the women's team. It says a full investigation about the circumstances and actions that led to three players being on the ice will be held next week. The investigation will be led by an independent lawyer who will advise the board on any action which should be taken.

You can read the full statement at here.

Scottish Mixed Championship

Scotland's representatives for the European Mixed Curling Championship will be decided this weekend at Curl Aberdeen. Twenty-two teams are involved in the Scottish Mixed Championship, playing in four sections.

Play begins at 11.00 today (Friday).

The results can be found on the Royal Club website here.

The winning team will have the opportunity of playing in the European Mixed, September 22-27. The event website can be found here.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 14

Once again Karen Addison, Lynn Cameron and Anne Laird took to the ice in Vernon, British Columbia. This was their last game of the round robin, the opposition was the Czech Republic on no wins. At stake for Scotland? Pride and Olympic qualifying points.

Once again knowing they had to win this game the team kept the game simple, made the shots, put the scores on the board and kept the opposition count as low as possible.

And once again it worked, they bided their time and took three in the fifth, the Czechs got two in the sixth but Scotland still had the lead, three in the seventh and a steal in the eighth stretched their lead to five shots. The Czechs conceded after scoring one in the ninth, final score 8/4 to Scotland.

Well done to Karen, Lynn and Anne.

Oh, you might want to know who will be in the playoffs, China, Canada and Switzerland finished the round robin on nine wins, thanks to the draw shot challenge China finished in top spot, then Canada, then Switzerland. China will play Canada in the 1/2 game, in the 3/4 game Switzerland will play the winner of a tiebreak between Japan and Denmark.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Playoff games are available on CurlTV. And Eurosport has coverage of the final games at Vernon.

Top photo: Karen Addison in the head against the Czech Republic.

Lynn Cameron

Anne Laird. Photos by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 13

Scotland fielded three players, Karen Addison, Lynn Cameron and Anne Laird for their game against Italy. Gail Munro and Lyndsay Wilson sat this one out watching from the stands.

At stake in this game and the next are Olympic qualifying points, Scotland need to win games to get more points.

It was a low scoring game with the teams scoring singles and blanking ends, Scotland stole a single in the ninth to go one ahead, but in the final end with last stone Karen pushed an Italian stone into the house, Italy drew to tie the game. But Scotland had the all important last stone, Karen drew for shot and game 5/4. The Scots are now on a record of two wins eight losses.

China, Canada and Switzerland are safe in the top four. Japan beat China and Sweden beat Denmark so there will be at least one tie break game, if Sweden beat Canada tonight there will be two.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here. The webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada is listed at: http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 12

It's Thursday afternoon at 1.30p.m here in Vernon, British Columbia and I'm not sure what to say in this blog so I'll stick with the facts.

Karen Addison, Lynn Cameron and Anne Laird are on sheet A playing Italy, third end as I write. Now you can all count, that makes just three players right? And you're wondering what is going on.

After seven games with Scotland on a record of one win and six losses the team changed, Karen Addison move up to third, Lyndsay Wilson played second stones, but the team went on to lose another game. So it was decided Gail should sit out, Karen would skip and fifth player Lynn Cameron come into the team, so far so good, Gail wasn't happy as you can understand but she was going to sit this one out. Then Lyndsay decided if Gail wasn't playing, she wasn't playing.

And there you have it, make of it what you will, that's why I'm watching three players out there.

By the way the score is 1/1 after three.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 11

Well, what can you say, in their eighth game Scotland went out on to the ice against Japan on a record of four wins and four losses to Scotland's one win.

It just wasn't working, the team may well be down after what has happened this week, who can tell? But the scoreline tells the story, Japan stole singles in ends three, six and seven, Scotland could put only two singles on the board.

Japan got two in the ninth and Scotland had had enough, they shook hands on a scoreline of 7/2 to Japan.

There's always tomorrow, Italy and the Czech Republic.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

The webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada is listed at: http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship Extra 2

Earlier in the week I told you about young Mark Munro and his appearance with the local junior pipe band in the arena. Well, Mark didn't bring his pipes to Canada for nothing.

Yesterday he took his pipes outside the arena and set up a busking stand with the pipe case open for donations. He played for 20 minutes and in that time made a remarkable £76.

So what did he do with the money? Donated it to the local junior curling club of course!

Well done Mark!

And he plays from the stands to enourage Gail and her team.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 9

Game eight at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia and Team Scotland met Canada, the home team with the crowd right behind them and on a record of seven wins and one loss.

Scotland had last stone and blanked the opening end, picking up two in end two. In the third Canada lay three, Gail Munro was heavy with her draw, Canada had a shot for a four score. The Scots stuck with it, they were unlucky in the fifth, they looked like stealing but Jennifer Jones barely scraped by a guard to get the shot. End six they had a hit and stick for two to tie the score.

One down going down the ninth they were forced to take a single to go into the final end without last stone, Canada lay two, Gail tried a very difficult hit but just rubbed off the shot stones, Canada won the game 8/6

Tonight the Scots take on Japan.

And in this afternoon's draw China suffered their first defeat at the hands of Switzerland.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here. The webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada is listed at: http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Pic of Gail Munro and Jennifer Jones is by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 8

In their seventh game Team Scotland faced Denmark and had changed the line up, Karen Addison was playing third stones, Lyndsay second stones and taking the head for Gail Munro's shots.

And for the first half of the game the new line up seemed to be working, the team were making more shots than in previous games and they led by one shot after five ends. They held on to that lead till end eight, Gail elected for a tap back on her own stone rather than hitting a Danish stone. She didn't lie shot and Denmark had a draw for two.

Scotland took a shot in the ninth to tie the game but went into the final end without last stone, Gail had to draw with her last stone it ran a couple of inches too far, Denmark won the game 7/6.

Team Scotland may have to think again.

And the Chinese wagon keeps rolling on they got their seventh win beating the USA 10/1.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

The webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada is listed at: http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php.

This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 7

This morning the alarm went off at 5.30a.m as the sound of a lonely train horn penetrated the room, it's the best alarm in the world, I just wish I could set it to my time.

But to the game, Gail, Lyndsay, Karen and Anne faced Switzerland this time. The Swiss dropped their opening game to Canada but have been winning ever since, don't forget skip Mirjam Ott has two Olympic silver medals in her trophy cabinet.

Switzerland roared into the lead with a three in end one, the Scots got one in the second and stole in the third but they were being outplayed throughout the game. Another three to Swizterland in end seven effectively ended the game but the Scots played on, running out of stones in the last end, Switzerland won the game 8/4.

In other games China gave Canada the fright of their lives. The game was tied after nine, Canada had last stone, China lay three but the front was open, Jennifer Jones overthrew her last stone China got two for the game 9/7 and are now the only unbeaten team.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

The webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada is listed at: http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php.

This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

The photo is of Bingyu Wang, skip of China, surrounded by Canadian media after her team beat Jennifer Jones' home side, the favourites! Pic by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 6

Scotland won their opening game at the Ford World Curling Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia, against Russia and the future looked bright. But after that they lost out to China, Sweden and USA. On one win and three losses things didn't look quite so bright.

In draw eight they met Germany on the same win/loss record. Now some of you might just remember Andrea Schopp and Monica Wagner winning the World Championship in the Summit Centre in 1988. Andrea has a young front end now, would experience and youth count?

The answer to that one is yes, Germany blanked the first and scored two in the second and that turned out to be the beginning of the end for the Scots, they could put only singles on the board. A steal of one in end eight let them tie the score. Germany got one in the ninth and stole one in the tenth to win the game when Gail Munro's last stone didn't draw quite enough to get shot to force an extra, the final score 6/4 to Germany.

Oh well, tomorrow is another day and that means Switzerland and Denmark.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here. Want to watch the action? Then check out the webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada at:http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 5

Got the early morning wake up call this morning as a train thundered past our hotel at 5.30 a.m.! But Scotland had an 8.30 draw against USA so I was up in time, USA had won two games from three, Scotland one win from three so it was an important game for the Scots.

And they got off to a flying start, a two in the first end and a single steal in th fourth gave them a three shot lead, but that evaporated when USA skip Debbie McCormick had a tap shot in end five to lie three to tie the game. Scotland gave up a single in end six when Gail Munro was heavy with her final draw.

The Scots struggled over the next few ends but managed to tie the game in end nine but went into the last end without last stone. USA lay two on the front eight, Gail tried a draw to the four but was heavy again, USA took the game 9-7. Tonight, tomorrow for those in Scotland, they take on Germany.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here. Want to watch the action? Then check out the webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada at:http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Debbie McCormick's pic is by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship Extra

Gail wasn't the only member of the Munro family to take to the ice in Vernon. Young Mark Munro had his five minutes of fame before the fourth draw.

Gail had told him he had to take his bagpipes to Canada, he plays with Merchiston School pipe band and has been playing for just a year.

Taking his pipes to Vernon proved a winner, Gail had heard the local junior pipe band was struggling to find people to play before draw four, so offered Mark's services. And he proudly marched down the centre walkway wearing a Munro tartan kilt as the band led the teams into the arena.

A great experience for young Mark.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 4

In their third game of the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia, Gail Munro's team came up against the team from China, unbeatean in two games.

In the second end all the Scottish stones were behind the eight foot, Gail rubbed a guard with her last stone, China got four shots. It was uphill for Scotland from there on and the Chinese weren't going to let them back into the game, they conceded on a score of 8/4 to China after nine ends.

On Monday they face USA and Germany, on a record of one win from three games, they need to win.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Want to watch the action? Then check out the webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada at:http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php. This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345.

Photo of Scotland in action is by Hugh Stewart. Lyndsay Wilson has delivered the stone, Karen Addison and Anne Laird are the sweepers.

Scottish Wheelchair Championship

It was well worth braving the snow to be at Curl Aberdeen this afternoon for one of the finest games of wheelchair curling that I've seen! The opponents in the final were the teams skipped by Angie Malone with Ian Donaldson, Gill Keith and Jim Taylor, and Aileen Neilson with Michael McCreadie, Bill Masterton and Gerald Pocock. All are members of the Braehead Wheelchair CC.

Malone counted three in the fifth to be 5-3 up coming home. She looked to have the game won, keeping the Neilson team to a single. But Aileen played a delicate takeout, squeezing past the guard to get the inside edge she wanted to wick into the four foot, for the second of the two shots she needed to force the extra end.

And when it came to the last stone of the game, Angie played a hit through a port to take out the Nielson counter for the Championship win. Who needs sweepers? Great stuff. Good ice, good curling, and it seemed that the unanimous view was that a return to Aberdeen for next season's championship would be a popular decision.

A full report in the May Scottish Curler. All the results are here.

Top: Angie delivers with Gill Keith her buddy.
Above: L-R Ian Donaldson, Angie Malone, Jim Taylor and Gill Keith. Pics by Bob.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 3

Team Scotland went into their second game at the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, British Columbia, with a good win against Russia in the bank.

Today they meet Sweden who suffered a bad loss against China yesterday, with just two games in this draw the arena is quieter but the Scottish contingent is out in force to cheer on the team.

The game started well for Scotland with a two score in the first end. But Sweden worked away over the next few ends and tied the game at four all after six. Things went horribly wrong for Team Munro in end seven, facing two Swedish counters Gail opted for a hit, her stone swung too far wrecking on a guard, they lost two. In the eighth Gail had a chance for two but her last stone draw ran too far. A two score to Sweden in the ninth killed the game, Sweden had a three shot lead going into the final end and kept the house clear. Needing three to tie the game Scotland ran out of stones, final score 9/5.

Now here's a thing, at the European Championships unfinished ends were not scored, but in this Championship they are.

Russia looked to be running away with their game against China scoring four in end two, but a burnt Russian stone in the fourth allowed China back into the game with a three score. Russia looked the stronger team but the Chinese kept working away at the game. In the final end China lay two for game, Russia had last stone, skip Liudmila Privivkova went for a tap back but the stone slipped past, China had their second win.

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Want to watch the action? Then check out the webstreaming coverage of the WWCC2008 that is available to viewers in Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada at:
http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-womens-worlds-broadcast.php

This, of course, is in addition to the TV coverage available, some of which (Eurosport and NHK Japan) is listed here: http://www.worldcurling.org/content/view/345

Photo of Lyndsay Wilson by Hugh Stewart.

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 2

It's day one of the Ford World Women's Curling Championship in Vernon, BC. For the teams that meant nearly an hour on the ice for the opening ceremony, featuring a pipe band, the Okanagan Band and a ceremonial prayer from elders Pauline Arachachan and Mary Louis, that left the teams just a short time before practice, the draw shot distance and their opening games.

For team Scotland, Gail Munro, Lyndsay Wilson, Karen Addison and Anne Laird, that meant facing the might of Russia. There was nothing between the teams for the first five ends but one bad end from Scotland in the sixth gave Russia a four score and a three shot lead. But the Scots fought their way right back into the game with a three in the seventh. From there on in it was Scotland's game, stealing two in the ninth. Russia's Ludmilla Privivkova had a chance to tie the game in the last end but her last stone hit the shot but rolled out, Russia scored one but Scotland had the game.

A great way to start the Championship and a win that delighted their support, Stranraer must be empty, all dressed in blue and white jackets.

In the other games Denmark beat USA, Japan beat Italy with a come around tap back with last stone, China beat Sweden in nine ends.

Scotland face Sweden and China tomorrow, or is it today GMT?

You can find all the linescores and statistics here.

Top: Liudmila Privivkova and Gail Munro
Above: Scotch Corner
Pics by Hugh Stewart

Ford World Women's Curling Championship 1

It's Friday 21st March 2008 so it must be Vernon, BC and the Ford World Women's Curling Championship. That means 12 women's teams from all over the world competing for the glory of the title World Champions and of course the all important Olympic Qualifying points.

The team line up looks a bit different this year, there are a number of well known teams but some of the usual suspects are missing, I'll start with the home team, Canada, skipped by Jennifer Jones. You may remember Jennifer, third Cathy Overton-Clapham and second Jill Officer from Paisley in 2005, they didn't feature in the medals so are determined to do better this year. Lead Dawn Askin is a recent addition to this team.

Switzerland must be in with the favourites for the title, the Swiss team is skipped by Miriam Ott, she's played in everything and has two Olympic silver medals in her trophy cupboard, on her game she's difficult to beat. The rest of the team Carmen Schafer, Valeria Spalty, Janine Greiner all have their share of medals too and plenty of experience on the world stage.

Denmark's Angelina Jensen, Madeleine Dupont, Denise Dupont and Camilla Jensen got the World silver medal in Japan last year, the team's best result so far. The Dupont sisters played in 2005 in Paisley, and between them this team has experience of Juniors, Worlds, Europeans and the Continental Cup.

Germany, what can you say about Andrea Schopp? Including this year she's played in 15 World Championships winning in Glasgow in 1988. With third player Monica Wagner she got a gold medal at the demonstration Olympics in 1992, the two of them have travelled the world representing Germany. Second Anna Hartelt and lead Marie-Therese Rotter are just 20, this is their third year in the team.

Debbie McCormick skipped the USA team which won the World title in 2003, this is her fifth World Championship and that's not counting the World Juniors, including Glasgow in 1991, she's played in. Third Allison Pottinger has six world appearances to her name, second Nicole Joraanstad has played three Worlds, lead Natalie Nicholson has the experience of five. They were disappointing last year in Japan but don't write them off.

Ludmilla Privivkova, the Russian skip is just 21, she's been curling for nine years, but in that short time she's won a World Junior Gold and a European Gold, that's quite a record. The rest of her team have lots of international experience, third Olga Jarkova has played in everything in just about every position from alternate to skip. Nkeiruka Ezekh at second has much the same record, lead Ekaterina Galinka has been in the team since 2005, they could cause an upset.

There was a bit of an upset in Sweden this year, everyone assumed Anette Norberg would make it to the Wold Championships, she was right back on form in December winning the Europeans, but it wasn't to be. It's a new team skipped by Stina Viktorsson, at 22 she's just out of juniors and that's where all her experience comes from. Third Maria Prytz has played in the Norberg team and for a number of other skips. Second Maria Wennerstrom has been in the Viktorsson team for four years. At lead Margaretha Sigfridsson has played in World Juniors and World Women's but has been off the international scene for a few years.

There are two teams from the Pacific region here, China and Japan.
Curling is very young in China, all four players have been in the sport for just eight years but in that time have played three World Championships, their first in Paisley in 2005. Skip Bingyu Wang, Yin Liu, Qingshuang Yue and Yan Zhou have a solid record in their short time in the game.

Curling has a longer history in Japan, but a Japanese team has never made a big impression on World Championships. Moe Meguro, Mari Motohashi, Mayo Yamaura, Kotomi Ishizaki will hope to change that this year.

Italy, well they keep turning up at both European and World Championships, in 2006 Diana Gaspari skipped her team to silver at the Europeans but Italy has never made an impression on World Championships, with Diana this year are Giorgia Apollonio, Elettra de Col and Violetta Caldart.

The Czech Republic, Katerina Urbanova, Lenka Cernovska, Jana Safarikova and Sara Jahadova all played at the European Championships in December, qualifying the Czech Republic for the Worlds by beating off a challenge from England.

No I haven't forgotten the home team, Scotland, one of the more interesting teams in the event. Gail Munro, Lynsday Wilson, Karen Addison, Karen Addison, Anne Laird have had a great season at home, apart from Lyndsay all have been there, done it and got the Tshirt, Europeans, Worlds, Anne Laird has a gold medal from 2002, Karen's got her share of medals from Juniors and Worlds. They've been playing well, have a good attitude and should at least hold their own.

Who will be in the medal zone? Ask me again on the 30th of March.

Blog baton passing

Right, the old Editor is recovering from his travels to the World Juniors in Sweden and the World Seniors and Mixed Doubles in Finland. Interesting experiences, and if you have been following the blog, you'll know what happened to our teams out there.

Now, it's back in harness at the computer to put the April Scottish Curler magazine together!

On the ice, what's to look forward to as the season draws to a close? This weekend the Scottish Pairs Championship is at Stranraer, and you can find the results here. And the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Championship moves to the Curl Aberdeen rink for the first time. Results are here. Both events begin tomorrow.

The Ford World Women's Championship begins in Vernon, British Columbia, this weekend. First games are on Saturday. Christine Stewart takes over the blog for this. Check back here to read her reports on the event, particularly the Scottish games, once it all gets underway.

Scottish Schools Championship

This report by Robin Copland:

The final of the Scottish Schools Championship at Murrayfield between Stewart’s Melville (skipped by Colin Dick) and Fortrose Academy (skipped by Peter Macintyre) was a cat and mouse game, tight and hard fought through the first three ends. I believe the turning point in the game was the fourth end. With skips' last stones to come, Fortrose were looking good to score a three or even a four. Peter attempted a promote, but his stone held wide and ended up pushing his shot into the open.

Colin’s attempted run-back double failed but crucially he nosed, forcing Pete to try the out-turn draw for his two. His draw caught a guard. A score of one went up on the scoreboard when a three had looked more likely.

The momentum swung in Stewart’s Melville’s favour. The team capitalised on this turn in the all-important sixth end, when a wrecked guard left Colin with a draw for three and, effectively, the game.

Fortrose Academy’s Peter McIntyre, Scott Fraser, Jamie Fraser and Neil Paul just failed in their quest to win the title for the first time in the school’s history. The winners were Colin Dick, Struan Wood, Douglas Burns, Jonathan Irwin and Neil Anderson (fifth).

World Junior Champion Kerry Barr presented the prizes to the winners and runners-up in front of a large and appreciative gallery.

An expanded report will be in the April Scottish Curler.

Photo above by Robin Copland. Back row: Tommy Hinnigan (RCCC President), Colin Dick (skip), Kerry Barr, Struan Wood (third), Front: Douglas Burns (second), Jonathan Irwin (lead) and Neil Anderson (fifth).

World Mixed Doubles update

As promised here is the presentation pic of the winners of the first World Mixed Doubles Championship, held in Vierumaki, Finland, last week.

Switzerland's Irene Schori and Toni Mueller. A well deserved victory too! They played like champions all week.

Anne Malmi is in the head, and the Swiss behind. Is that not Alan Stephen in the pic too?

Jussi Uusipaavalniemi sweeping. Where will the banner be raised next? We will hear officially after the WCF meeting next week.

So, who are Katja's friends watching the Mixed Doubles Final?

World Seniors: The final games

Kirsty Letton, Judy Mackenzie, Pat Orr and Anne MacDougall faced Diane Foster, Shirley McPherson, Shirley Kohuch and Chris Wilson in the Gold Medal game in the World Seniors Curling Championship in Vierumaki this afternoon.

No need really for details, and you can find the linescore here, but the Canadians always looked the stronger and are the champions. It's Silver Scotland! Well done to our girls.

Switzerland won the bronze in the women's event, by an inch in the last end against Finland.

In the men's final, it was Canada all the way and Sweden did not get on the scoreboard! Per Lindeman had the chance of a three in the fifth, but in going for it he gave the Canadians the shot, and that was the game. Pat Ryan, Marv Wirth, Ken McLean and Millard Evans are the champions.

But what about Graeme Adam, Ken Horton, Stuart Naismith and Alan MacLennan in the Bronze medal game? They fought all the game, after losing a three at the third, to be 5-4 down playing the last without the hammer. They lay the two shots needed for a win, but Graeme's final stone had to curl a little more than it did to make Bill Rhyme's last stone more difficult.

Still, Bill had to hit and stay, and this the US skip did. The USA had the bronze.

To have curled so hard and so well to reach the semis, but to be going home without a medal of any colour, must be so disappointing for the team. Me too, I have to add.

Top: The Scottish women march in to receive their silver medals. Above: The Gold Champions from Canada. Pics by Bob.

World Mixed Doubles: Swiss win Gold

Switzerland took on Finland in the final of the inaugural Mixed Doubles Curling Championship at Vierumaki today.

Toni Mueller and Irene Schori had been impressive all week. Against the home side of Jussi Uusipaavalniemi and Anne Malmi, the Swiss began well, making a two and stealing a single. That was the difference in an entertaining game. Mueller and Schori were two up coming home with the last stone. Switzerland was the first winner of the World Mixed Doubles.

I'M SHOUTING THIS. MIXED DOUBLES IS THE BEST THING TO HIT CURLING THIS CENTURY!

The event website is here with the link to all the results.

Presentation pics later.

Saturday WSCC08 and wscc08: Semifinals day

Kirsty Letton, Judy Mackenzie, Pat Orr and Anne MacDougall are in the final of the World Senior Curling Championships here in Vierumaki, Finland. In the semi they were up against Helena Timonen's Finland, a team they had beaten 10-4 when they met in the round robin. This time around it was a closely fought match. Tied in the eighth the Scots had last stone. Finnish fourth Mimmi Koivula put her last in the four foot behind cover.

Kirsty had a difficult final stone. She played it perfectly, nudging off the Scottish second stone, on to the button for the win. It will be a Scotland-Canada final!

Canada beat Switzerland in the other semi, the Swiss having got past the USA in a tiebreaker for the fourth semifinal place.

This is Kirsty's last stone being looked after by Judy, Pat and Anne. It flopped off the Scottish stone in the four foot on to the tee.

On the men's side, Graeme Adam, Ken Horton, Stuart Naismith and Alan MacLennan faced the might of the Ryan team from Canada. Ryan with Marv Wirth, Ken McLean and Millard Evans had finished top of their section, undefeated.

The boys kept it close for a while, but in the fifth end, despite an amazing shot from Ken Horton which left the Scots lying two behind cover, Ryan had a hit to count a big five and the game was as good as over.

The USA team has two friends from my days at the Madison Curling Club, Dave Russell and Bill Rhyme, and they faced Per Lindeman's Swedish side. The US forced an extra end, but the Sedish skip drew for his place in the final. So Scotland will play USA for the bronze medals!

The event website is here, with all the links to results.

Pics by Bob.

Friday Mixed Doubles: The Semifinals

There was jubilation for the home nation today in World Mixed Doubles curling as Anne Malmi and Jussi Uusipaavalniemi eliminated the Canadians in the second qualifying round in Vierumaki.

Perhaps a quick explanation is in order about how the event was organised. There were three sections with eight teams in each. The top qualifiers in each section went into the semis, and the idea was that the three second placed teams in each section would fight it out for the fourth semifinal spot. In two of the sections there was no problem. Norway and Switzerland were the top teams, with Finland and the Czech Republic in second place. In the third section, three teams were tied. Sweden went through on ranking using the Draw Shot Challenge.

Canada's Dean Ross and Susan O'Connor, neither of whom had played this discipline before coming to Vierumaki, survived a tiebreaker against Hungary, to be placed second in the group. It was now three teams fighting for the reamining semifinal place. The two with the worse DSC distances played off first, and Canada won this against the Czech Republic.

But the second game against the Finns was a thriller which went to an extra end, with Malmi and Uusipaavalniemi stealing the win.

So Norway's pair of Tormod Andreassen and Linn Githmark, a father-daughter combo known to many Scots fans of the sport, lined up against Toni Mueller and Irene Schori, who had looked really good all week. It was no contest. After two ends the Norwegians were 6-0 down. In Mixed Doubles large deficits can be overcome, but in this case the Swiss pair were too strong and ran out well ahead.

Sweden's Goran Carlsson and Marie Persson faced the Finns. The local favourites ran out to a 5-0 lead by the break, and although the teams played out the full eight ends in front of an excited crowd, it is a Finland v Switzerland match for the Gold tomorrow.

You can find all the linescores here, and also the WCF reports here.

Jussi Uusipaavalniemi

Tormod Andreassen and Linn Githmark

Irene Schori

Anne Malmi, with Goran Carlsson and Marie Persson behind, and a raft of Swedish supporters.

Pics by Bob.

Friday WSCC08: Scotland v Finland tiebreaker

Never mind the preamble, all you need to know is that Grame Adam drew the four foot in an extra end to beat Finland in a tiebreaker!

This means that Scotland's men are in the semifinal of the World Seniors here in Vierumaki (as are the girls, see previous post) and will play Canada tomorrow morning. USA will play Sweden in the other semi.

How did it happen? The Scots fought back after losing two against the head and going down 3-1 in the fifth. They got their two back in the sixth and then were gifted an extra shot when the Finnish fourth, Mauno Nummila, pushed a Scottish stone forward in the seventh. Two up playing the eighth, the Finns got their tying pair, after Graeme's first takeout failed to come enough and the teams traded hits on a second counter.

Extra end. The Scots lay two. Nummila played a delicate hit and roll behing the cover. But the four foot was clear, and without any fuss, the Scottish skip put it on the button with some great sweeping by the team.

Photo is of the Scottish team in action. Stuart Naismith has delivered and Alan MacLennan and Ken Horton are ready to sweep. Graeme Adam is in the head. By Bob.

Friday wscc08: Scotland v Ireland

With four teams tied on 5-3 win-loss records, Scotland needed to win this one.

In the fourth end, Kirsty was short with her tap back, a dreadful shot it must be said. But when Fiona Turnbull failed to guard, the Scottish skip made up for her first with a cracker of a takeout, through the port, to count three shots and go ahead.

The Irish countered with a three of their own in the next end, the Scots a tying single in the sixth. The seventh was when the game was won and lost. Scotland lay three, bunched in the four foot. Fiona Turnbull's last stone caught a guard and Kirsty, Judy, Pat and Anne stole three.

It almost went wrong in the final end! Up 9-6 in the eighth without the hammer, the Scots were soon facing three. Kirsty switched to the draw game, played two match winning shots herself, and the game was won.

You can find the linescores and standings here.

So what happens now? Well, Canada topped the round robin with seven wins. Scotland, Switzerland, Finland and USA were all on six wins. The holders, Sweden, were out of the hunt this year, finishing on five wins.

Scotland was ranked second because the girls had beaten Finland, Switzerland and the USA, and is in the semifinal! The Draw Shot Challenge was used to rank the other three teams. Finland had the best DSC and is ranked third. USA has to play Switzerland in a tiebreaker to find the fourth semifinalist.

In tomorrow morning's semis, Canada plays the winner of the tiebreak, Scotland will face Finland.

Photo is of the final end, by Bob.

Thursday WSCC08: Scotland v England

It was the Scottish men's turn to face England in this evening's last round robin game. USA, Finland and Scotland were all on one loss going into this round.

Graeme Adam and John Brown, who plays last stones for Michael Sutherland's English side, were together as Scottish Schools Champions, a looooooooooooooooong time ago. Here they were against each other now, in the World Seniors.

It was the Adam team which appeared to pick up on the swingy ice the better and in the third end engineered a good three shots. Another three at the fifth saw them safely on their way, and three more at the sixth meant that Scotland was still in the hunt for a semifinal place.

Now, what follows has not been confirmed yet, but this is the way I see it. USA and Finland also won their games, so that has meant a three way tie for the top spot in the section. All had beaten each other (if you know what I mean) so the team with the best Draw Shot Challenge (USA) goes through as top qualifier, and Scotland has to play Finland in a tiebreaker tomorrow. The winner of that one will play Canada in the semi.

The red section is already completed. Canada were undefeated in eight games - Pat Ryan's side look strong. Sweden lost only one game, to the Canadians.

All the results and standings are here.

The pic of John and Graeme is by Bob.

March Scottish Curler magazine

The March Scottish Curler was published at the end of last week and I would hope that all subscribers have received their copy, and have enjoyed what's inside.

That's David Kelly on the front cover, competing in the House of Bruar Scottish Senior Championship at Hamilton. This was Richard Gray's pic of course, and there's lots more of Richard's pics from the Seniors, the Juniors, the Scottish and the Gold League in the magazine. Plus all the usual features.

If you are not a subscriber, then we need you! Go here.

I'm still in Finland of course, but I hear news from home that Rhona Martin has been appointed to take over from Nancy Murdoch as the RCCC's Performance Development Coach. Nancy is moving on to become one of British Curling's Olympic coaches. Rhona's appointment is for two years.

Rhona is currently employed as West Area Institute Curling Coach. Her new role will see her take on lead responsibility for both the National and Regional Academy programmes as well as the role of National Junior Coach. Rhona will take up her new post on April 1, on her return from the Ford World Women's Championships in Vernon where she is coaching Gail Munro’s Scottish team.

Rhona says, “I am delighted to get the chance to lead these already successful programmes and work with a great group of talented curlers to help them reach the highest levels in the sport.”

Thanks to Copey for the cover scan! The pic of Rhona is courtesy of the RCCC.

Thursday wscc08: Scotland v Japan

Scotland played Japan this afternoon with a good chance of reaching the semifinals by finishing in the top four.

Kirsty, Judy, Pat and Anne took a fine three at the second to go ahead 3-2, Kirsty hitting and staying with her last stone of the end.

It was tied in the sixth, but the Japanese got a well hidden counter in the penultimate end, and Kirsty was inches heavy with her draw. Down 7-6 in the eighth, Kirsty was too light with her first attempted draw, and then when Eriko Igarashi drew in to lie shot, the Scottish skip was tight with her last takeout and wrecked. Japan stole the end and the game.

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here. There are also WCF reports here.

Pic of Kirsty by Bob.

Mixed Doubles: Thursday review

Dillan Perras and Judith Carr finished their World Mixed Doubles campaign on three wins and four losses. This morning's last round robin game was not one to be remembered. They were grannied by the Czech Republic! But such is the nature of this new competition. Anything can happen. It needs new skills. But make no mistake, it is great fun to play and very interesting to watch. Mixed Doubles is here to stay.

The teams have been invited to a meeting with WCF representatives tomorrow to discuss the way ahead for this championship and if there needs to be any tweaking of the rules.

So where are we in the event? There were three sections with eight teams in each. The top qualifiers in two of the sections were Norway (yet to lose a game) and Switzerland. In the third section three teams were tied with 5-2 records: Sweden, Hungary and Canada. Sweden went through on ranking - the Draw Shot Challenge distance was used as they all beaten each other. A tiebreaker is now necessary between Canada and Hungary to decide the second placed team in this section.

The winner of the Canada-Hungary game then has to play off with the other two second placed teams (Finland and Czech Republic) to get one more team for the playoffs. These three teams will be ranked with the Draw Shot Challenge. The two with the worse DSC will play and the winner of that game goes forward to play the team with the best DSC.

The way that the semis are lined up are:
Norway v Switzerland
Sweden v the qualifier

I hope that is clear? My head does hurt a little from trying to work it all out. I may be wrong. Perhaps you might like to keep up with it all on the results page here.

Wednesday wscc08: Scotland v England

Well, the battle against the 'Auld Enemy' saw Kirsty, Judy, Pat and Anne take two at the first. Kirsty played an excellent draw to the front of the house to lie three at the second, blocking the way to the button. That resulted in a stolen three and a 5-0 lead. And the game was over in six ends, the Scots well ahead.

With Japan and Ireland still to play in the nine game round robin, Scotland have won five games. The girls have a share of top spot in the rankings with Finland, Switzerland and Canada! Can they make the playoffs?

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here. There are also WCF reports here.

The photo is of the team out of uniform in their Braehead kit. Must admit the colour does it for me! Nice. L-R: Margaret Gibb, Anne MacDougall, Pat Orr, Judy Mackenzie and Kirsty Letton. Pic by Bob.

Wednesday WSCC08: Scotland v Iceland

Graeme, Ken, Stuart and Alan faced Iceland in their seventh round robin game. For this one, it was simply a case of patience, and waiting for the chance. That came in the fifth. The Scots took a five, and that was the game!

One more game now, against England. And with Finland losing tonight, there could even be tiebreakers necessary for the qualifying places!

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here.

The pic above is of the Icelandic team's unusual sweeping style. By Bob.

Wednesday wscc08: Scotland v USA

Kirsty, Judy, Pat and Anne were up against the USA in this afternoon's game. The Scots counted three in the second, and then another four in the fourth, and that even when Kirsty was short with her last stone of the end! They went into the break 7-2 in front, and the handshakes were offered with the Scots 13-2 ahead.

So, that's four wins and two losses for the Scottish women, with three more games still to play against England, Japan and Ireland.

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here.

Pic by Bob.

Mixed Doubles Wednesday: Scotland v Latvia

This was the game that Dillan and Judith had to win to be in with any shout of making the playoffs.

Down 3-1 in the third end, there was a slim chance of a big end after the Latvians played a great last stone to lie shot with three Scottish second counters. But Judith's last stone clipped the guard, Latvia stole a single, and there was no coming back.

Scotland has three wins from six games, with one more still to play against the Czech Republic.

Wednesday WSCC08: Scotland v Ireland

It would have been nice to stay in my bed this morning! All these long days are taking their toll on the old body. But there was an 08.00 draw, so I struggled out of my pit, had a lovely breakfast (did I say that the food here at this Finnish National Sports Centre is absolutely first class?) and made it to the first end.

Alan MacLennan was on the ice for Scotland, looking much fitter than yesterday and (almost) back to his normal colour, on his way to recovery from the bug that has swept through the Seniors teams, as well as the those competing in the Mixed Doubles. Stuart Naismith, Ken Horton and Graeme Adam looked to be in top form too.

Certainly they were in the first! Cashing in on Irish errors, Graeme had a free draw for five with his last stone, and he made this. Up 5-0 in only the first end, it was going to be a short game.

The organisers are concerned about the spread of this sickness/diarrhoea that is prevalent at the events. The Norwegian team had to abandon their game against the USA this morning, and all teams have been issued with an antiseptic handwash, and the advice to consider not shaking hands!

So, if Curling Today disappears for a while, you'll know I've been struck down!

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here.

Ken Horton whips the front end! Alan MacLennan and Stuart Naismith are the sweepers. Pic by Bob.

Tuesday wscc08: Scotland v Finland

It helps if you can steal three shots in the seventh end, when you are in a tight game! That left Anne, Pat, Judy and Kirsty 7-4 ahead coming home. Kirsty cleared a Finnish counter with her first and the Finns were out of stones.

Our women have four wins having played five games of a total of nine, second equal in the standing! There are ten countries entered in the event.

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here.

Kirsty's final takeout, the red stone, removing the Finnish stone. Pic by Bob.

World Mixed Doubles Tuesday: Scotland v Spain

The first raising of this banner! I am thrilled to say that the new Mixed Doubles is proving to be a real success. The players love it, and there is just so much to see in every match.

And it's very special that a fifteen year-old and a thirteen year old from Spain can give the Scottish team a hard time. Sergio Vez Labrador and Irantzu Garcia were 5-0 up on Dillan Perras and Judith Carr before the Scots fought back to win in the last end!

The handshakes at the end of the game.

Dillan Perras

Judith Carr

And this member of the team could not travel to Finland to support his Dad and Gran (this time)! Luke Morgan Perras was born just a week before the Championship began! Claire Perras is doing OK is the word from home. And for those who like such details, the new curler made first appearance on Sunday March 2, weighing in at 7 lb 1 oz, in Aberdeen Maternity.
Congratulations to parents and grandparents!

Tuesday WSCC08: Scotland v New Zealand

Scotland bounced back from last night's defeat against Finland to beat New Zealand in their fifth round game. They are set to play eight round robin games in total - there are two sections with nine countries in each. Scotland is sitting on four wins and one loss.

Against the New Zealanders, Graeme Adam and his team got off to a great start with a three at the first. A big four at the fourth saw them 8-2 ahead and the result was never in doubt.

That's Ken Horton in the head, with Richard Morgan and Peter Becker behind. Pic by Bob.

Our teams at the World Seniors

Anne MacDougall

Pat Orr

Judy Mackenzie

Kirsty Letton

Alan MacLennan - back on the ice today, but still suffering! Bravely done Alan.

Stuart Naismith

Ken Horton

Graeme Adam

Pics by Bob.

Tuesday wscc08: Scotland v Sweden

Kirtsy Letton, Judy Mackenzie, Pat Orr and Anne MacDougall faced Sweden in this morning's game. They gave up a couple against the head in the third to go 4-1 down when Kirsty was just too light with her takeout attempt. (Actually, Kirsty says it should have been swept harder!)

But the Scots fought back and forced the Swedish skip to draw the four foot to win, and she did this.

Find all the Seniors' results and standings here.

Kirsty with Ann-Catrin Kjerr, who skipped the Swedish team this morning. Pic by Bob.

Hello Vierumaki

Made it. It's Monday evening. Dillan Perras and Judith Carr just lost their game against France in the Mixed Doubles.

Graeme Adam and his team faced the home country Finland without Alan MacLennan, a victim of the sickness and diarrhoea bug that seems to have struck down a number of players. Jim Jamieson stepped into the breech.

Tied 6-6 coming home, Adam needed to thread a port to remove the Finnish counter, but it didn't curl, and the Finns stole the game. It was Scotland's first loss.

Our senior women lost today to Canada. You can find all the results from the two Championships here and here.

Seniors action. Pic by Bob.

World Champions welcomed home!

A goodly crowd of friends, family, supporters and onlookers – some of whom had travelled down from Blair Atholl – met the two Scottish teams on their arrival back on Scottish soil after the World Junior Curling Championships in Ostersund.

First to appear through the international arrivals gate were the support staff followed by the men’s team. The boys were obviously disappointed but upbeat. They are a talented group of curlers and all will doubtless be back on the world stage in the future.

Then came the moment that we had all been waiting for, the return of the World Champion Junior Ladies team! Flags were waved and songs were sung – indeed the odd tear was shed as the girls stepped rather sheepishly into the well-deserved limelight.

STV were there to cover their arrival and Annette Holmes of the RCCC had also organised for the Daily Mail to be there to interview the team. All were tired after a long early-morning flight home from Ostersund via Copenhagen, but all were in good spirits and put up with the inevitable press and photographer interest to the manor born, before splitting up and heading to their respective homes.

Thanks to Robin Copland for this report and the pics!

Top: A professional at work 'Show me the medals!' Above: Kay Adams, Sarah Macintyre, Vicki Adams, Kerry Barr and Eve Muirhead. Photographs by Robin Copland.

Goodbye to Ostersund

Don't they brush up well! The World Junior Champions look good at the final banquet. Stars indeed, all five of them! L-R: Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr, Kay Adams, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre.

Chris Plys and Oskar Eriksson, the Professor, in the Junior Men's final.

Kristian Rolvsfjord and William Dion in the Bronze Medal game.

The Swedes may have been beaten on the day, but I think we will see more of these young men in the years ahead. Did I mention they won the Globe Trophy at Dumfries last season?

The winners of the Sportsmanship awards were Anneline Skarsmoen of Norway and Matt Hamilton of the USA.

Cissi Ostlund waves goodbye. Her team beat the Scots twice, but they came up short in the final. Such is curling. Good team though, disappointed I would guess, but pleased that they have kept Sweden in the top ten without the need to qualify for next season's World Juniors which will be the test event in the Olympic venue in Vancouver.

Liudmila Privivkova (right), Curling Today's featured curler of the year, is off to Vernon now for the World Women's Championship. Yulia Svetova was the alternate on the Russian team at Ostersund. They would be disappointed to miss out on the bronze medals.

So that's it from the World Juniors. All the results and standings from the event can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se. You can find the WCF news reports and more photos here. And Jim Law's reports are on the RCCC website here.

Now for me it's on to the World Seniors and the World Mixed Doubles in Vierumaki, Finland. Play there has already started, and by Sunday evening Graeme Adam and his team had won two straight, as had Kirsty Letton's side. In the MDs, Dillan Perras and Judith Carr had won one and lost one.

Tomorrow (make that today, Monday) is spent travelling. I'll try pick up here on Tuesday. I wonder if there are mooses in Finland?

Pics above are by Bob. Tom Andrews kindly took the one below! The moose is on the left.

Top of the World

The winning teams in the World Junior Curling Championship: USA (men), Scotland (women).

Pic by Bob

USA wins World Junior Men's title

Chris Plys and his US team won the World Junior Men's Curling Championship in Ostersund this afternoon. The Americans defeated Oskar Eriksson's local heroes, who had been spectacular all week, in the final game.

Key end was the third when the US picked up three and a 5-2 lead. The Swedes stole two singles late in the game to keep it close at 7-5. They lay three shots when Plys went to play his first and the flamboyant skip (he's the one with the earrings and the hats) made the triple takeout for victory!

Canada beat Norway for the bronze medals.

Pics later!

Second Sunday Selection

Eve Muirhead with Cissi Ostlund and Lotta Lennartsson


Eve and Kerry practise their meditation techniques in the final. Lotta again is calling line.

Kay and Kerry with Cissi. Kay has been sleeping on that blue pillow again.

Anna Domeij

Six up!

The anti-doping squad awaited the completion of the final game.

Gently swaying. Full marks to all the fans!

Grimacing Lucy

What do we do now? Pics by Bob.

Gold Women in Sweden

The World Championship Junior Women's Final

With Vicki Adams not fully recovered after damaging her ankle in a fall on Friday, her sister Kay was in the Scottish team again with Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr and Sarah Macintyre.

The question was if Cissi Ostlund would play as well as she did yesterday in the Page 1-2? That was answered in the second end, when she was heavy with two freeze attempts and Eve drew coolly to the four foot for a two, to go 2-1.

The game was effectively won and lost in the third end. Ostlund missed a double takeout, one that she would have made yesterday. Eve bunged another into the house, forcing the Swedish skip to attempt a draw to the one inch. She was woefully short and Scotland stole two shots and took a 4-1 lead.

Great draws from both skips in the fourth and fifth ends saw these go with the hammer. But Eve, Kerry, Kay and Sarah played the sixth well. Cissi Ostlund faced a house full of yellow stones when she went to play her last.

It was short! After a measure, a big six shots went on the board. The teams were forced to play out eight ends, but there was no point. Scotland are the World Champions ... again!

In the bronze medal game, Liudmila Privivkova's side stole a three against the Canadians in the third end for a 5-0 lead, and the result should not have been in doubt. But the Canadians then brought out the best curling they have played all week. Lucy and her team let it slip.

Russia was one up playing the tenth, without the hammer. When Privivkova hit and rolled too far with her last, Kaitkyn Lawes and her team were celebrating consolation bronze medals.

Linescores are here. Pics to follow.

Saturday off-ice: Mission accomplished!

These moose have been orphaned or have been born at the Moose Garden, near Ostersund.

Making friends. "I'm a bit bashful, but tickle my ear and I'll follow you anywhere!"

This moose prefers blondes!

Check out the Moose Garden website here. There's even a webcam! And you can buy moose paper, made from moose droppings. See the things you learn on Curling Today!

Middle pic by Jim Law, the others by Bob.

Saturday's on-ice selection

Oskar Eriksson skipped his team to the final of the World Junior Championship, beating Canada in the Page 1-2 game.

This was the Men's Page 3-4. USA beat Norway.

Chris Plys again. Now the US are against Canada in the semifinal.

Not a good day at the office as William Dion realises his side has lost to the USA in the semifinal!

Against Sweden in the Page 1-2. Kay Adams in the team!

Kerry sporting the colours!

It was indeed an uphill task for Eve in the Women's Page 1-2.

Canadian third Jenna Loder looks to see if a measure is needed in the Page 3-4 against Russia.

Timeout against Russia in the semifinal. Coach Isobel Hannen gives her tuppence worth!

Liudmila Privivkova beat Canada in the Women's Page 3-4, but lost to Scotland in the semifinal.

Eve in full voice in the semifinal!

The Scottish bench looks somewhat apprehensive in the final end of the semifinal! L-R: Isobel Hannen, Nancy Murdoch and Vicki Adams.

Sarah Macintyre makes a super tick shot in the final end!

Pics by Bob.

Second Page in Ostersund: Scotland in Final

Eve versus Lucy! The winner goes to the final (and is guaranteed at least a silver medal) and the loser goes to the bronze medal game. The stage was set for the semifinal of the World Junior Curling Championship at Ostersund. Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr and Sarah Macintyre had Kay Adams in again at second for this game.

There was nothing between the teams for the first half of the game and they went into the break with Scotland 3-2 ahead.

Everything went wrong in the sixth. The Russians lay four. Eve could only remove one with her first and was facing four again when she had to play her last stone of the end. There were no easy options. She opted for the raise takeout, and made the shot. But Liudmila Privivkova had a possibility to score big, but she jammed the Scottish stone on to backing, and we all breathed a sigh of relief! Scotland could have lost four, but instead the Muirhead side stole a single and were 4-2 up.

The Scots came out firing in the seventh and Privivkova had to draw to the button for a single. Our girls were just perfect in the eighth and Eve finished it off with a tap back for a three, and a 7-3 lead. The Russians took a single in the ninth and we were three up coming home with the hammer. Still, Eve had to play her last stone. But she had a big target and halfway down the ice, with the front end just keeping it clean, Eve knew that she and her team would be bringing home a medal.

What colour will it be? Silver or Gold? The final tomorrow will be Scotland v Sweden!

In the men's semifinal, USA were one up coming home without the hammer. They chose the option of trying to steal. Chris Plys' guard with his last stone left the narrowest of ports, but William Dion's takeout failed to get through the hole. USA was in the final against Sweden, Canada was in the bronze medal game against Norway.

You can find the linescores at www.curlingkanalen.se. The WCF reports are here.

Apologies for the lack of pics. I had technical problems earlier with uploading them. Hopefully you will be able to see them later!

Page games in Ostersund

Scotland played Sweden in the Page 1-2 game at the World Junior Curling Championships today. Kay Adams, the fifth player, stepped in to the team in place of her younger sister Vicki, who had hurt herself in a fall yesterday.

What a game it was! Swedish skip Cissi Ostlund had the game of her life! She played an angled-raise for two in the fourth, and double takeouts of Scottish stones seemed to be her speciality. The Swedes were 3-2 ahead at the break.

Eve faced three Swedish counters in the seventh. She slipped by the shot stone and that was a steal for Sweden.

Playing the eighth, 5-2 down, the Scots were trying all they could to get something going. But on the day the Swedes were too strong, and when Eve came up just short and conceded the three shots, they decided enough was enough and offered the handshakes.

The girls will now play Russia who beat Canada in the Page 3-4 game. The winner of that, tonight, will be in the final against Sweden tomorrow. A second chance, if the girls can regroup quickly enough.

In the men's event Sweden beat Canada in the Page 1-2 to go into the final. USA beat Norway in the 3-4 match, and will go up against the Canadians tonight in the 'semifinal'.

Pics later. All the results, linescores and standings from the event can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se. And you might find the WCF reports interesting to read too. Go here.

Friday in Ostersund

It's a moose! (Sorry Sheila!)

Whose front is this?

I've been bowled over by the stamina and strength of the Scottish support this week. Gold medals for all. Yesterday another batch (above) arrived! Two gold medallists from last year included. Can you pick them out?

Obligatory Lucy pic for her fan club. Did I tell you how her coach Olga saved me from a nasty accident this evening, when I slipped on the ice getting out of the mini bus? She thinks that the new junior teams she has coming along behind Liudmila will be even better than she is. Actually, if Eve and her team have a poor day tomorrow, I can see the Russians winning this thing. (There, that's put the Scottish Curler kiss of death on them!)

Did I mention the Scottish Curler? All being well the March magazine is now out, and in the post shortly to subscribers.

Girls' coach Isobel Hannen tries to raise spirits during the boys' game with a 'flag' run. Either that or she's acting the hare as Sarah Macintyre does her morning five mile workout!

He has a collection of headgear. See, curling can be a colourful game!! The US junior men haven't won a medal in a while. They could certainly do so this week.

Remember yesterday's pic of the 'undercover' webcast of the US games? The WCF moved quickly and asked for it to be shut down. Interesting precedent, of course. It seems that one of the reasons for doing the webcast was to provide coverage for one of the parents of the US team who was too ill to travel. I am still gobsmacked that this can be done so easily, as indeed David Edwards and the Mitchell brothers have shown in Scotland. Anyway, the site (here) is still running as I write this, showing previously recorded footage, and a banner explaining that live coverage has been shut down.

Picnic at half time!

Swiss socks. Please don't ask me the next question!

Two guests at the excellent VIP dinner hosted by the Local Organising Committee were Anette Norberg and Peja Lindholm. They took turns in asking each other questions. Very funny. "Peja, why have you stopped curling," asked Anette.

Now, a bit of respect, please. This is the nearest I've got to my moose. Yes, served at tonight's dinner were MOOSE PATTIES. Actually they tasted rather nice, as did all the other things on offer. But I wonder if I'm ever going to find my real moose, to go cuddling with. Time is running out. Pics by Bob.

Tiebreakers at Ostersund

Norway and Switzerland faced each other in a tiebreaker for the remaining playoff spot. The teams swapped twos and threes and went in to the sixth end all square at 5-5. Kristian Rolvsfjord masterminded a great sixth end when he had last stone, working with centre guards. Manuel Ruch tried to hide, unsuccessfully, and Rolvsfjord had a tap back for a three.

Up 9-6 in the tenth, the Norwegians ran the Swiss out of stones. They will play USA in the Page 3-4 game.

The women's tiebreaker between Canada and Denmark was not a high quality game. Kaitlyn Lawes tossed her draw through the back to lose a three at the third and go down 5-1. Still the Canadians got back into the game and were just one behind at the ninth. Lawes with her last stone of the end was short of the house, when she could have counted two, or even three.

Denmark then was tied playing the tenth with last stone advantage. What a category of errors then developed. You had to see it to believe it. Three stones to come, Denmark has shot, guarded by two partially checked Canadian counters. Dupont spreads these - she would have been better not even playing her shot. Lawes removes the Denmark counter.

Dupont goes to play her last facing three opposition stones in line across. There is a hole, barely small enough for a stone to go through. So what happens? Her attempted double threads the port perfectly, Canada gets three and a place in the Page 3-4 game against Russia.

All the results, linescores and standings from the event can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Top: The Norwegians in action.
Above: The Canadians try to regroup after going 5-1 down.

Pics by Bob.

Men's Ranking at World Juniors

Right, the last round of men's play has just finished. Three teams finished on a record of 7 wins and two losses: Canada, Sweden and the USA. They are ranked in this order on the basis of who had beaten who. Canada had beaten both Sweden and the US. Sweden had beaten the US. The Draw Shot Challenge was not needed to decide the ranking.

Canada will play Sweden in the Page 1-2.

Switzerland and Norway finished on 5-4, and will play a tiebreaker this afternoon. The USA awaits the winner of this game for the Page 3-4.

Sadly the two teams at the bottom of the table are the Czech Republic on 1-8, and Scotland on 2-7. Both are relegated. There is a big 'losers party' (trust the Swedes to be direct) tonight.

Just to clarify the relegation issue. Two teams go down this year. There will be opportunity to get back into the Worlds by doing well in the European Junior Challenge which will be in January 3-7, 2009, at the Taarnby club in Denmark. TWO places will be available from there for next year's World Juniors in Vancouver in the Olympic venue. For that event, top ten in the world are made up from the host nation (Canada, one place), Americas (one place), the Pacific Region (one place) and seven from Europe - the top five best European countries from here in Ostersund, plus two qualifiers from Taarnby. It's all set out in the WCF rulebook (page 33) which is available to download here.

I think confusion arises because if the host country is in the Pacific zone only a total of six European countries take part. If it is in Europe, six plus the host country take part. But if the host country is Canada, as it is next year, seven Euro countries can compete in total.

Friday 1 WJCC08: Scotland v Sweden

It was the Scots last game in the round robin, against Sweden who were already guaranteed a place in the playoffs. But the win would put them into the Page 1-2 game. It was to be the original team lineup that took to the ice (Glen Muirhhead, Scott Macleod, Scott Andrews and Gordon McDougall) but these four plus David Reid and coach Gordon Muirhead looked somewhat subdued as the team were presented before the game and 'Flower of Scotland' was played.

The game for the Scottish team was for pride. Regardless of the result we would be playing at the European Junior Challenge in Taarnby next January.

Oskar 'the Professor' Eriksson had a chance to get a three in the third, with his final stone tap back of an imperfect Muirhead freeze, but let the Scots off the hook and only got a single. The teams were tied 3-3 after six ends. But then the roof fell in. The Swedes took four in the seventh and the Scots offered the handshakes.

Top pic by Bob. More pics later. And I'll sort out the tiebreaker situation then.

All the results, linescores and standings can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Anyway, the bottom line this morning is that Scotland's junior men will have to play in the European Junior Challenge at Taarnby, near Copenhagen, January 3-7, 2009. Just who our representatives will be in that will be decided in due course.

No moose today

Now consider. Daniela here (who is one of the drivers - and indeed a junior rally champion, to judge from my trip to the rink this morning - the transport arrangements have been great BTW) was in the Swedish junior ladies' team which tried unsuccesfully to qualify for the Worlds, after Scotland beat Sweden in the relegation game two years ago. Sweden are in this year's event because they are the host nation, and Cissi Ostlund's team are top of the standings. Go figure. Is it too late for Scotland to bid for the 2010 World Juniors, just in case?

Yes, there was a measure in the Scotland v Russia game today, after yesterday's fiasco! Two umpires carried it out, one acting as an observer. Charlie Kapp here was very careful. He pushes the stone away, and then he turned to point to the red one and said clearly that it was shot.

Oops, how did this pic get here?

I'm not sure exactly who Eve is throwing kisses at, but this is Kate, the Russian third player (sometimes). "What lovely eyes you've got," said the wolf to Little Red Riding Hood.

This is Sara Carlsson on the Swedish team. If you recognise her it's because she played in a number of competitions at Braehead and at Greenacres when she was studying in Scotland last year. Her English is excellent, but she now has a definite Scottish accent!

Now, this gentleman has caused all sorts of behind the scenes activity. He is a US fan and is actively webcasting the US games with a small camera and a laptop computer. It is absolutely amazing. But is it legal? Especially with curlingkanalen doing similar, but on a somewhat larger scale, officially. This is one for discussion on the Scottish Curling Forum, which has a long thread on webcasting.

This is the website: www.mogulus.com/wjccteamusa. Pics on the left, chat room on the right. This story I predict is set to run. More to follow if I hear anything.

Cissi Ostlund has been getting lessons from Eve Muirhead but seems here to be having difficulty with her fingering on her chanter.

Nearest I could find to a moose today, (lovely lady really), but I've not given up hope. Maybe at the losers' party tomorrow!

Pics by Bob.

Women's Ranking at World Juniors

So, what's the position? Sweden and Scotland finished the round robin on 7 wins and 2 losses. Sweden is ranked one, and Scotland second, because Swe beat Sco when the two teams played.

Russia is in third place with a 6-3 record. (I can hear her fan club cheering back in Troon). Russia is in the Page 3-4 game.

Canada and Denmark finished on a 5-4 record. It doesn't matter that Canada beat Denmark in Draw 4, the two teams have to play a tiebreaker (tomorrow at 14.00). The winner plays Russia.

Kaitlyn Lawes

Madeleine Dupont

Pics by Bob.

Thursday Draw 3 wjcc08: Scotland v Norway

So, who was playing the yellow stones? Scotland? Or Norway?

I'm absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you that Scotland were in the light colours! The five in the sixth end was the game, and Anneline Skarsmoen and her team threw in the towel after eight ends, Scotland 7-3 ahead.

That gives the Scots a place in the Page 1-2 game!

More pics later.

All the results, linescores and standings can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

"We love Scotland, we do,
We love you Scotland, we do,
We love you Scotland, we do,
Scotland, we love you."

As sung by a happy band in the arena!

Don't forget the Masters

OK, so I may be here in Sweden watching the best of the World's junior curlers, but I haven't forgotten that my contemporaries are competing in the National Masters Championships at Greenacres this weekend.

Good luck to all on the ice! You can follow the results here.

Thursday Draw 2 WJCC08: Scotland v Switzerland

They say that it doesn't matter, that Scotland are relegated whatever happens in the last two games. But I'm sure this game DID matter to Glen Muirhead, Scott Macleod, David Reid (who held the brush for his skip's stones) and Scott Andrews. They faced the Swiss, in second place in the rankings, who were looking for the win to get into the playoffs.

Good game it was too. Key was the fifth. It was well set up, and when Manuel Ruch failed to clear with his last, Glen had a straightforward draw for three shots and a 4-2 lead.

They were one ahead playing the tenth. With his last stone, the Swiss skip, declining the option of a takeout, left his draw shot short, and the game was Scotland's!

All the results, linescores and standings can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Manuel Ruch and Glen Muirhead in the head. Pic by Bob.

Vierumaki: The Scots are coming

One hundred and sixty curlers from twenty-eight countries are headed for Vierumaki for the inaugural World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship AND the World Senior Curling Championships.

Do you think I should go? Are there any moose there?

L-R: Kirsty Letton, Judy Mackenzie, Pat Orr and Anne MacDougall. The team flew out this morning, with manager/coach/fifth player Margaret Gibb.

L-R: Graeme Adam, Ken Horton, Stuart Naismith and Alan MacLennan. Jim Jamieson is the Team Fixer, gopher and stand in if required!

Dillan Perras and Judith Carr. Congratulations on Dillan becoming a dad, and Judith a grandmother just recently!

Dillan's wife Claire (nee Robertson) has had a little boy. Can anyone update on details? Congratulations to all concerned! Hope all are well.

Thursday Draw 1 wjcc08: Scotland v Russia

"Whoa, niet, niet, niet, niet!"

I've had a complaint that the Curling Today blog has too many photos of Liudmila Privivkova, the attractive blonde Russian skip who seems to have found the secret of eternal life (at last as far as the juniors is concerned. She was born in 13/9/86). Anyway, as a card carrying member of the 'I Love Lucy' Fan Club (www.luidmilathrowsrocks.com), I will have to continue to post pics of Lucy (so check later).

It was obvious this morning that Scotland's Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre aren't members of Lucy's fan club. The Scots forced her to draw against two in the third. This one she made. But then Eve stole a single in the fifth, and in the sixth left the Russian skip a difficult angled raise, with two Scottish stones lying against. Lucy's stone just slipped past. Two more on the board for Scotland, and a lead of 5-1. Game over, and the teams eventually shook hands in the eighth, Scotland 8-1 in front.

Afterwards, Eve said, "We played really well that game. All of us played well. We really put pressure on them from the start. They started missing a few shots and we just took advantage of that!"

Scotland has a place in the Page playoffs. The team's last round robin game is against Norway tonight.

All the results, linescores and standings can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Pic of Eve and Liudmila by Bob.

A day in the life of a World Junior Championship

William Dion's Canadian side are qualified for the semifinals!

Today I met Birger, Nessie's nephew!

"Please miss, may I go to the little girls' room?" Kerry Barr.

What is umpire Leslie Ingram-Brown doing with this stone in the middle of a game? It's not working! Apparently they have run out of the special batteries for the Eye on the Hog handles. And they are very expensive, and don't last very long!

This futuristic tower is filled with 26 million litres of hot water - a big thermos flask to store heat from the city of Ostersund's power plant which uses biofuel to produce heat and power. When demand for electricity is high, the production of the heating plant is increased and excess heat is saved in the water tank. Clever people these Swedes. There's a super restaurant and cafe, art gallery and function centre on the top of the tower and slendid views over the city!

Curling Today is nothing if not educational!

The view from the top.

This was last night:

"The WCF are considering extending the Free Guard Zone rule to take in the first eight stones played."

"It really made me feel nostalgic for the early 80s."

"Curling used to be such an exciting game."

"One more blank end and we have to send out for more 0s."

"Moose cuddling is infinitely more exciting."

Your turn.

Scottish supporters are a big hit on the streets! The Barrs.

"One of our pussies is missing."

Wrong kind of moose. But we are ever hopeful. Still looking.

Pics by Bob.

Wednesday Draw 3 WJCC08: Scotland v Denmark

They sang, they chanted, they clapped, they cheered, they stomped their feet. But to no avail. Glen Muirhead, David Reid, Scott Andrews and Gordon McDougall lost again, this time to Denmark's Rasmus Stjerne, in the seventh round tonight. Full marks to the Scots supporters!

Two games to go, against two of the leading teams, Switzerland (tomorrow) and Sweden (on Friday). Now as you know, I'm not an optimist. I have this dreadful feeling. But, come on guys, you can do keep us out of relegation! I know you can do it.

All the results, linescores and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Pics by Bob.

Wednesday Draw 2 wjcc08: Scotland v Denmark

Splendid! One might say clinical, but Eve, Kerry, Vicki and Sarah carved out a good victory over Germany, the winners of the qualifying competition in Prague in January.

One up coming home with the hammer. That's the position to be in. And everyone played their part in the last end. Frederike Templin had a slim chance to draw fully to the four foot, with the Scots' stone sitting on the front of that circle, but the German skip was too heavy. Eve had no need to play her final stone.

Russia and Norway to come tomorrow.

All the results, linescores and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Top photo: Frederike Templin and Eve Muirhead. Above: Sarah Macintyre congratulates her skip after she played a key draw to save the fifth end! Pics by Bob.

Wednesday Draw 1 WJCC08: Scotland v Canada

David Reid was back in the team at third to Glen Muirhead this morning. Scott Macleod moved down to second, Gordon McDougall stayed at lead, and Scott Andrews sat this one out.

Canada matches are always difficult games. The Scots got away to a good start with a two at the first. The game was tied at 3-3 after seven. A mistake saw Glen jam a Canadian counter when trying to clear in the eighth and Canada stole a single. The ninth was blanked.

One up without in the tenth, Canada's skip William Dion seemed happy to try to steal, left shots in front and lay two shots when Glen came to play his last - a draw to the tee through a port. It just didn't come enough, and scraped the guard. Canada stole the end and the game.

Now. What's ahead? Scotland's men have Denmark, Switzerland and Sweden still to play. They must finish in front of two European teams if we are not to be relegated. It's going to be tough.

All the results, linescores and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Team Scotland in action! Interesting thought. These four curlers have probably never before played together in this lineup!

William Dion and Glen Muirhead

Pics by Bob.

Tuesday Draw 4 wjcc08: Scotland and Denmark

It was a bizarre incident - a rare umpiring error - and it caused upset in the Scotland v Denmark match tonight. It occurred in the fourth end. A measure had been called. The umpire appeared to indicate that the shot was Scotland's even though it was clear to many, especially those watching on Curlingkanalen's webcast, that Denmark's stone was the shot. The Danes queried the awarding of the shot to Scotland, the Chief Umpire Mats Olofsson asked the umpire who had carried out the measure, and it was agreed that a mistake had been made. Denmark threw the first stone of a new end. As Scottish Coach Isobel Hannen objected, the game was stopped. Isobel remonstrated with the umpire as the team sat and waited.

The Chief Umpire's decision was to award the shot to Denmark, giving them a 4-1 lead.

Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre hit back immediately with a fine two shots, and battled on. They stole in the ninth to tie the game.

In the tenth, Eve played an immaculate draw to the button around a Scottish counter at the front of the house. All Madeleine Dupont could try was the run back double, and this she made.

Into the extra, and Eve's last stone, a tap up on a Scottish counter in the eight foot. Line was good, but it picked and only moved the shot an inch or two. Dupont then found the four foot circle for the win.

As joint leaders Sweden were beaten too, the Scots have some consolation that they are still top of the table.

Mats Olofsson and Isobel Hannen

Scotland on a sit down strike!

Pics by Bob.

All the results, linescores and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se

Tuesday Draw 3 WJCC08: Scotland beaten by Czech Republic

The Scottish camp is shocked with disappointment here in Ostersund. I can only imagine how the team must feel!

David Reid was substituted for Scott Macleod in an effort to revitalise the Muirhead team's fortunes in their match against the Czech Republic, who had not won a game so far. They too had made changes, sidelining their skip Krysof Chaloupek, and moving Michal Vojtus to skip with Jakub Bares playing the last stones.

The problem for the Scots was losing three shots in the first end. It took them the whole game to get back into contention, battling hard. They were just one shot behind playing the tenth. Glen set up a good end, but he left just enough of the Scottish stone (one of three lying) for the Czech to see and play a tap back for victory.

Three teams share the bottom rung of the standings on just one win, China, Czech Republic and Scotland.

Now the battle is on to stay in the top ten in World Juniors!

All the results, linescores and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Above: The team bring on Glen's last stone in the tenth end. Pic by Bob.

Moving pictures from Ostersund!

Curlingkanalen is Swedish for 'Curling Channel' It is the webcasting arm of a company called Livechannel, set up by five self styled 'curling maniacs', Mikael Hasselborg, Berth Brandell, Andreas Skoglund, Mathias Carlsson and Andreas Prytz.

The company started three years ago with one borrowed camera! Here in Ostersund Curlingkanalen is a very professional outfit, and the word from those watching the webcasts back in Scotland has been very positive.

They have had a number of 'guest commentators' this week, including WCF President Les Harrison (see that news here). Harrison said, "Curlingkanalen has done a great job with limited resources and some WCF assistance and sponsorship to get the WJCCs on the air. It might be a somewhat limited audience, but they're certainly enthusiastic. We are very pleased they are providing coverage of this world championship."

Interesting to note that the WCF has provided some financial assistance!

Logan Gray made his debut as a commentator today - could this be the beginnings of a new career for the Stirling Area Curling Development Officer? He teamed up with Cathrine Lindahl (of the Anette Norberg team) to commentate on the Denmark - USA men's game. See the pic, above! I'm listening to them as I type this!

But the BIG news today is that an agreement has been made by Eurosport, LiveChannel and the World Curling Federation to broadcast the play-offs of the event. These begin on Saturday March 8 at 14.00 and finish with the final game on Sunday at 14.00. Eurosport.se is where to find these webcasts. Currently the webcasts on Curlingkanalen are limited to around simultaneous 600 connections, because of cost considerations, but the agreement with Eurosport Sweden will open up the viewing to a much wider audience.

However, if STILL pics are OK for you, here are some recent from Bob:

The Curlingkanalen feed is being shown in the adjacent curling club which is being used to provide restaurant facilites and a recreation area.

At the controls.

A moose sighting?

This is the local museum. Hopefully I might get there later in the week!

By special request. You know who you are!

And here's another!

Tuesday Draw 2 wjcc08: Scotland v Canada

Taking on the Canadian teams is never easy. Kaitlyn Lawes' side had begun the event hesitantly, but they snatched a fourth round win against Denmark last night, and started confidently against the Scots in today's matchup.

Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre were well up to take them on. They took two at the first, forced the Canadians to take a single at the second, and then gave up two singles against the head. Eve drew against three in the sixth and the score was 3-3.

The Scots stole in the seventh, and Canada tied up the game in the eighth. Eve had the Canadians in all sorts of trouble in the ninth. She forced Lawes to try a freeze on one of two Scottish counters, and when the Canadian skip left it open, she hit perfectly for three, and a 7-4 lead into the last end.

Keeping things clear was all the girls had to do in the tenth, and it was mission accomplished! Scotland share top place in the standings with Sweden!

Eve and Kerry watch as Canadian third Jenna Loder encourages her sweepers. Pic by Bob.

All the results and standings are at www.curlingkanalen.se

Tuesday Draw 1 WJCC08: Scotland v Norway

Pickups, pickups... I hate them. This was an important game for Glen Muirhead, Scott Macleod, Scott Andrews and Gordon McDougall. It was an early morning start for the boys (and for your intrepid Editor) in what will be/was a long four-draw day!

Against Norway, it was an attacking game right from end one. The Scots gave up three at the second, but came right back with a good two. The fourth and fifth? A tale of two ends. Glen played a great plant to lie two, and the Norwegian skip had to play a perfect draw to the button to save the fourth. The same position faced the Scots with Glen's last stone in the fifth. His draw looked good coming in to the house. Scott called the sweeping off, and the stone promptly picked, and just stopped! The Scots were 6-3 down.

But not out. They took a single in the sixth, and stole perfectly in the seventh. They had a chance to steal again in the eighth, an end where they called two timeouts. But, on a measure, Kristian Rolvsjord's team counted the shot. Nothing went right for the Scots in the ninth, and the game was over.

Pickups... I hate them.

Top photo: Glen and Scott watch as Norway gets excited in the third end.
Above: Gordon and Scott. Pics by Bob.

All the results and standings are at www.curlingkanalen.se

Monday Draw 3 wjcc08: Scotland v Japan

It was another good performance from Eve Muirhead and her team of Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre. Playing with the confidence that comes with having a couple of good wins already in the bag (would that they could lend the boys some of that) they stole an excellent two in the fourth for a 5-1 lead, and never looked as if they would be caught thereafter. The final score: 8-4.

All the results and standings are at www.curlingkanalen.se.

Eve with Japanese skip Satsuki Fujisawa. Bob's pic.

Monday's Mission: Through the lens

Now, if I have the family tree correct, Storsie (the Ostersund monster) is Nessie's sister, and Birger here is Storsie's son, that means that Birger is Nessie's nephew?

You just cannot take these fans anywhere!

Help ma Boab, it's a moose!

Great to see the girls supporting the boys last night. Smart earwarmers too!

They are using the Curltime system here at Ostersund. I like it.

Volunteer timekeeper

Chinese timeout

Here the clocks superimpose on the game times, the countdown of the seconds remaining on the timeout. Clever, eh?

USA skip Chris Plys. Bling bling!

Jim Law is forwarding reports to the Royal Club website here.

Monday Draw 2 WJCC08: Scotland v Germany

Glen Muirhead and his team had a rough time against Daniel Neuner's Germans in their third round game of the World Junior Championships in Ostersund. The German placement of stones was good, and they took two twos in the first half of the game to lead 4-2 at the break. The game slipped away when the Scots lost a three against the head in the sixth.

No stats at the event, but if there was I think they might show that we were outplayed. Tomorrow is another day, I think is the call here.

Glen Muirhead

The two Scotts (Andrews and Macleod) sweep Gordon McDougall's stone.

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se, who are streaming selected games throughout the week. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

Monday Draw 1 wjcc08: Scotland v Switzerland

Monday's first game for Scotland's girls was against Switzerland. No Monday morning blues for the Scots. They played well. Former World Junior Champion from 2005, Michele Jaggi, was facing five Scottish stones in the sixth end, and had to try for a freeze. She was a little heavy and bumped the backing. Eve was deadly accurate. Six shots were on the board and the game won!

Eve Muirhead

Vicki Adams. "Oh hurry HAAAARD."

Muscle. Sarah Macintyre and Kerry Barr

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se, who are streaming selected games throughout the week. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

Sunday 4 WJCC08: Scotland v USA

Glen Muirhead, Scott Macleod, Scott Andrews and Gordon McDougall took on the US team whose skip, Chris Plys, has played at the World Juniors before, in 2006 (finishing ninth) and last year (finishing fifth).

Sometimes when I'm down on the ice taking photos of the action, I'm not really aware of the situation in the head. Not tonight. It was the fourth end. And you could tell easily from the players' faces what was happening, even though I was facing away from the house!

The end began well. Then the US second made a triple takeout. The Scots could not place their stones in the right spot thereafter, try as they might, and Glen had to attempt a big clearance with his last. It didn't work out, and Plys drew for four!

The Scots battled on, but despite the welcome vocal support from the fans, they were 7-3 down after six ends, and the writing was on the wall. The Americans made one mistake with a wrong call in the seventh and the Scots got three back. But it was to no avail. Plys decided to take a single in the ninth to be 8-6 up coming home, and that's how it finished.

Just to add that the Scottish Draw Shot Challenge distance is recorded as 200.6 cm, behind Denmark, USA, Germany and Canada, but ahead of China, Suitzerland, Norway, Sweden and the Czech Republic.

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se, who are streaming selected games throughout the week. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

Sunday 3 wjcc08: Scotland v USA

Just how well the Scottish girls did in the Draw Shot Challenge yesterday has been revealed. They were the second best team, behind Germany, and ahead of all the others on 117.1 cm.

In today's second game, Eve Murhead, Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams and Sarah Macintyre were up against the USA, skipped by Nina Spatola. They came out firing on all cylinders and took a four in the first end, cashing in on opposition errors. That really was the game. Pickups marred an interesting ninth end, but the Scots stole a single and went into the final end four shots ahead. They ran the US out of stones.

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

Sunday Selection: Photos from the World Junior Curling Championships

Yes, it is winter here in Ostersund! That's the curling club on the left, the arena in the background.

You don't have to go far to see mountains! These piles of snow are in the car park of the arena. No moose yet, though!

The Danish junior women's team provide some colour!

On a more serious note, Leif Ohman takes pride in his ice.

Olga and Liudmila, especially for all their fans at the Braehead rink!

"GLADIATORS READY!" The curling rink has been turned into a recreation area where the young curlers can relax. All sorts of amusements are on offer! The above took the Editor's fancy. Not sure that the teams will be rushing to try this - here being demonstrated by a couple of members of the Swedish Curling Academy. Actually, the gladiator on the left is the owner of the Warwick Smith top, mentioned yesterday. Now, the owner's face can be revealed!

And also the story of the Scotland top. It seems that at the Men's World Championship in Lowell a couple of years back, the youngsters from the Swedish Curling Academy became known for their enthusiastic support of their Swedish team. When Scotland got to the final, the group were 'persuaded' to switch their allegiance to the Murdoch team, which, of course, won. And Agnes Knochenhauer, well known for her own persuasiveness (according to her friends), became the proud owner of Warwick's top. And I'm sure Warwick will be pleased to learn that his old Scottish strip is still treasured so much. (Ed note: Not sure I believe a word of this, but it's a good story!)

Pics by Bob.

Sunday 2 WJCC08: Scotland v China

Well, this one is easy to talk about. Glen Muirhead, Scott Macleod, Scott Andrews and Gordon McDougall ran out to a 7-1 lead after five ends against Jialiang Zang's China, and the result was never in doubt. The teams shook hands after seven ends.

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

Sunday 1 wjcc08: Scotland v Sweden

It's 08.00 on Sunday morning and Scotland's first game in the World Junior Curling Championship. They faced the host nation, Sweden. It was never going to be easy. The Scots got into trouble in the fifth end. Eve Muirhead had to try an angled plant with her last stone on to two Swedish stones in the house. She moved both of them, but did not clear them from the circles. Cissi Ostlund drew for three, and a 5-2 lead.

The Scots got one in the sixth and stole a single at the seventh. But Team Muirhead never looked like stealing in the eighth and the Swedish skip drew perfectly for another three shots. That should have been the game. Eve and the girls did not think so. They played on and recovered three in the ninth. Then they stole in the tenth. Fighting spirit!

The game went into an extra. Again the Scots established a front guard and forced Ostlund to play a delicate tap back around it for the win. She made it! Sweden 9, Scotland 8 was the final score.

All the results and standings from the championship can be found at www.curlingkanalen.se. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.

The photo is of the team presentation: L-R Sarah Macintyre (lead), Vicki Adams (2nd), Kerry Barr (3rd), Eve Muirhead (skip), Kay Adams (5th) and Isobel Hannen (coach). Pic by Bob.

Saturday's Selection: Monster sighting at Ostersund

WCF President Les Harrison presents the 2008 World Curling Freytag Award to Leslie Ingram-Brown.

Peja Lindholm was persuaded back on to the ice to throw the opening stone of the World Junior Curling Championship 2008.

Now, whose fingernails are these?

Chief Umpire Mats Olofsson takes the salute at the Team Meeting.

The teams listen attentively!

MONSTER SIGHTING! Here's a pic of Birger, the event mascot. He's the one on the left.

Ostersund Saturday: Our women in Sweden

Eve Muirhead, Kerry Barr, Vicki Adams, Sarah Macintyre, Kay Adams. In front Isobel Hannen and Nancy Murdoch.

Sarah Macintyre

Vicki Adams

Kerry Barr

Kay Adams with Nancy Murdoch timing the stone.

Eve Muirhead

It's draw shot challenge time for the girls. Here a Scottish train hauls the skip's stone into the house. Where did it finish? See below.

Almost covering the poppy! Worth the effort.

Pics by Bob. Another batch later. No moose sightings yet.

Ostersund Saturday: Our men at the World Juniors

Our men in Ostersund: L-R Glen Muirhead, Scott Macleod, Scott Andrews, Gordon McDougall and David Reid. In front is Gordon Muirhead.

Gordon McDougall

Glen Muirhead

Scott Andrews

Scott Macleod

Gordon Muirhead and Nancy Murdoch

Today was the opportunity for the teams to practise for fifteen minutes on every sheet. The Draw shot challenge (Team Draw Shot Distance) was also carried out. Each member of the team throws one stone, with sweeping as necessary, and the distances each is away from the tee are added together. We liked Scott Macleod's effort, above!

The ice looked good, keen, and there was a good draw. All looks promising for some great curling this week. Real-time results from the World juniors will be available at www.curlingkanalen.se. The event host website is www.wjcc2008.org.