Canadian Stars Confront Early Challenges in CO-OP Tour Challenge Day 2

During the second day of the CO-OP Tour Challenge in Nisku, Alberta, Canadian curling witnessed significant upsets. Notably, renowned teams led by Rachel Homan and Brad Gushue faced defeats against international competitors. Italian Team Stefania Constantini and Canadian Team Rylan Kleiter stood out with impressive performances, signaling the emergence of future curling stars.

Key Upsets and Match Highlights

On Wednesday, seasoned teams struggled to maintain their winning streaks. Homan fell to Constantini with a final score of 8-4, experiencing her first Slam loss of the season. The match was closely contested until the eighth end, where Constantini’s squad elevated their game, leaving Homan with a challenging angle shot that fell short.

Gushue’s Team was also unable to secure a victory, losing 6-5 against Kleiter. Kleiter showed resilience and skill, particularly during the sixth end, where a well-timed shot supported by lead Trevor Johnson allowed him to score crucial points. This victory marked a significant Tier 1 win for Kleiter’s team.

Performance by Other Teams

• Women’s Side: The undefeated teams include:
  • Switzerland’s Team Silvana Tirinzoni
  • Japan’s Team Satsuki Fujisawa
  • Sweden’s Team Anna Hasselborg
  • Italy’s Team Stefania Constantini
• Men’s Side: Undefeated teams are:
  • Scotland’s Team Bruce Mouat
  • Canada’s Team John Epping
  • Sweden’s Team Niklas Edin
  • Canada’s Team Matt Dunstone

John Epping displayed his skills against Scotland’s Ross Whyte, initially aiming for two points but ultimately earning one in a successful draw. Despite a challenging start, Epping’s team overcame obstacles to secure a 6-1 victory after five ends.

Upcoming Matches

As the tournament progresses, fans can look forward to even more competition. Matches scheduled for Thursday include:

These upcoming matches promise to showcase top talent and thrilling maneuvers, reinforcing the excitement of the CO-OP Tour Challenge.