Fans of curling had a close up and personal look at some of the best players in the world, Saturday as the Fenlands rec centre hosted the Travelers All-Star Curling Skins Game.
In the first semi-final of the $100,000 event, which was aired on TSN, Manitoba’s Jeff Stoughton defeated Newfoundland’s Brad Gushue, $17,500 to $3,500.
The second semifinal is tonight (Jan. 11), pitting Alberta’s Kevin Martin against Sault Ste. Marie’s Brad Jacobs, who will represent Canada at the Sochi Olympics. TSN will broadcast the game at 7:30 p.m.
In the Saturday semifinal, Gushue and his team, which was chosen in a draft on Friday (Jan. 10), got out to a $3,500 to 0 lead by the third end. Gushue’s team, chosen from 16 players voted on through online balloting, included third John Morris, second E.J. Harnden and lead Ben Hebert.
By the fifth end, Stoughton, whose rink consisted of third Dave Nedohin, second Brent Laing and lead Ryan Harnden, had tied things up.
After a carryover of cash in the sixth end, the seventh end proved to be critical as Stoughton drew to the button for a $7,500 payday and an $11,000 to $3,500 lead, then went on to win the semi with a steal in the eighth end when $6,500 was available.
On Sunday, the final, which will be aired on TSN at 11 a.m., will feature Stoughton and the winner of the Martin/Jacobs semifinal.
After the game, Stoughton, being interviewed by TSN curling host Vic Rauter, said having his draw weight was key in the game. “My draw weight was key early and I didn’t lose it.”
After falling behind by $3,500, Stoughton said his first skin was important. “Once you get on the board, you feel more comfortable.”
