2009 Roar of the Rings - Olympic Qualifying

[malcolmk14]

A hot start for Calgary's Cheryl Bernard leaves her at 3-0. Five of the eight womens teams are 1-2 including favorite Jennifer Jones.

On the Men's side, Glenn Howard remains undefeated, and Kevin Martin dropped a game last night and sits at 2-1 with Stoughton, Koe and Ferbey.

I believe six of the sixteen teams are from Alberta. Some strong representation!

By Sunday we'll know who's representing Canada at the Olympics in Vancouver.

[malcolmk14]

The team breakdown

Alberta - 6
Ontario - 3
Manitoba - 3
Saskatchewan - 3
British Columbia - 1

[kipperiggy]

So from the draw schedule it looks like there will be 3 out of 8 teams that make the playoffs? 1st gets a bye to the final and 2nd and 3rd play a semi for the other spot in the final.

I'd have to pick Martin, Howard, Stoughton (or Ferbey) and then Lawton, Jones, and Bernard. I'm only watching my first game of the week right now (Lawton vs. Holland) so I'm mainly going on last year's performance at the Brier/Scott and overall past experience. Of course any team can surprise though!

I can't see Kleibrink making it again, and it's kind of a toss-up between Ferbey and Stoughton.

[dissentowner]

People actually watch curling???? Uggg!

[GirlySports]

The Kleibrink-Bernard match going on right now is pretty wild. Lots of rocks in play but skip without hammer keeps getting out of trouble.

EDIT: Nevermind, Kleibrink just choked and gave up a steal of 2 (almost 3).

[kipperiggy]

Martin, Howard, Stoughton are 1,2,3 for the men.
Bernard, Kleibrink and then Holland/McCarville/Lawton tied for 3rd.

The biggest shocker I'd say is Jones missing the tiebreakers/playoffs completely.

I'll be cheering for Martin and Lawton.

[Berger_4_]

Goddammit, after the debacle that was Torino with Martin trying the double raise takeout when he could have went for a much higher percentage draw against that goddamn Norwegian, I've cursed him. He'd better not make the bloody Olympics.

[GirlySports]

Originally Posted by Berger_4_

Goddammit, after the debacle that was Torino with Martin trying the double raise takeout when he could have went for a much higher percentage draw against that goddamn Norwegian, I've cursed him. He'd better not make the bloody Olympics.

That was Salt Lake

But I agree with you, Martin sucks on the International Stage. He's 1 for 6.
1 for 4 in Worlds and 0 for 2 in Olympics.

Howard would win Olympic Gold for sure.. he just can't beat Martin.

[gordo67]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

That was Salt Lake

But I agree with you, Martin sucks on the International Stage. He's 1 for 6.
1 for 4 in Worlds and 0 for 2 in Olympics.

Howard would win Olympic Gold for sure.. he just can't beat Martin.

Shouldn't Howard worry about beating Stoughton first!

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by gordo67

Shouldn't Howard worry about beating Stoughton first!

definitely. stoughton is no pushover.

[Flickered Flame]

Howard beat Stoughton this afternoon to advance to the final vs Martin.

The Women's final is on now and Kleinbrink is up 5-4 on Bernard in 8th, neither skip has been very good in the game.

[ricoFlame]

women's curling always seems to come down to who has the least of the big missed shots.

[flames_fan_down_under]

Can someone explain to me why Brad Gushue is not at this competition. I'm a big fan of his team.

[ricoFlame]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

Can someone explain to me why Brad Gushue is not at this competition. I'm a big fan of his team.

because he failed to qualify.

[Chump]

Originally Posted by flames_fan_down_under

Can someone explain to me why Brad Gushue is not at this competition. I'm a big fan of his team.

He lost in the pre trials qualifying tournament.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Ca...Curling_Trials

[Berger_4_]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

That was Salt Lake

But I agree with you, Martin sucks on the International Stage. He's 1 for 6.
1 for 4 in Worlds and 0 for 2 in Olympics.

Howard would win Olympic Gold for sure.. he just can't beat Martin.

Ah! I thought I'd screwed that up, and I meant to come edit it. Either way, my point still stands I think. He can't get it done internationally. Here's hoping Howard lays a beating on that arrogant knob today.

I've gotta agree that it's too bad Gushue didn't qualify. He's a lot of fun to watch, plus his name is a blast to say.

One thing I've really noticed watching the curling this week is how much more exciting the men's games are. There just seems to be such a higher chance of big shots during skip stones. Like that double raise takeout (at least I think that's what it was, my memory is kinda foggy...it was in the earlier to early middle ends anyways)Howard pulled off today. You sure don't see that as much in women's curling.

[GirlySports]

Yes the men's game is miles ahead because they can throw the big weight accurately. The women's game until a few years ago was absolutely unwatchable. It's improved alot.

Add to the fact this is the Olympic trials and playing for a berth that's only available every 4 years will test anyone's nerves. Wouldn't be surprised even if Howard and Martin struggle a bit too today. It's a HUGE stage.

Bernard's team must have been horrified on that last draw, sliding and sliding, seeing your Olympic dreams evaporate in front of your eyes. I don't how that stone stopped :P

[flames_fan_down_under]

Originally Posted by ricoFlame

because he failed to qualify.

Thanks.

I guess Curling in Canada is so competitive that whoever we send to the olympics will be a favourite for gold.

[Berger_4_]

Poor Howard...little too deep on his last shot in the 8th, then two picks/hitting dead ice in the ninth...seems like everything that could have gone wrong did. Martin has been playing unbelievably well though.

[hayduke's dad]

well i guess i get to cheer for Scotland in the Olympics now.