Curling: Top field is assembled to play in Perth Masters

Oct 7 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

ONE of the top fields ever assembled will compete in the Ramada Perth Masters.

Five top Canadian rinks have already signed-up for January’s annual Fair City event and a sixth could join them.

Brad Gushue, Kerry Burtnyk, Wayne Middaugh, Team Jacobs – skipped by Brad Jacobs, who played in last year's Brier – will feature along with latest capture, Kevin Coe, whose rink is right up there in the money list.

Event spokesman Bill Duncan said: “We are awaiting confirmation that Team Schille from Northern Ontario will also be playing on Perth ice in January, which would make this the biggest ever influx of Canadian rinks to the tournament.

“We also have the young Japanese rink who performed well in last year’s competition, and for the first time the Hungarian national squad, will be here along with the Dutch and Norwegians, including Thomas Ulsrud.

“It looks as if all of the top Scottish rinks will be participating, including our Olympic hopefuls.

“Unfortunately we will have no Swiss or Swedish competitors this year as the date clashes with their national playdowns.

“But it’s another great field for a great competition. The draw for the first round of games will take place within the next couple of weeks.”