Curling: Euro gold run for curling star

Dec 19 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Euro gold run for curling star

BIG County curler Pete Smith secured a golden European hat-trick.

An integral part of David Murdoch’s successful Scotland rink and a member of the Olympic squad scrapping for slots at Vancouver in 2010, Smith was involved in a 7-6 extra end final thriller which saw the Scots retain their Euro title.

Norway skip Thomas Ulsrud, runner-up last year, was devastated after losing an early three shot advantage, and failing to make his final stone advantage count at the extra end.

The Scots bounced back after a sluggish start in Sweden to post eight successive victories.

Smith said: “It was one of our toughest ever Euro ties.

“But it’s bizarre to think there was a 19-year gap between my first and second European gold and just 12 months separating the second and third.

“The Norwegians were stunned. Thomas clearly thought he’d won but the celebrations proved premature.

“He thought the title was in the bag but then had to re-focus as David put pressure on him with a fantastic double.

“Thomas had to draw to the button to win and that’s no easy task in the circumstances.

“There’s so much pressure. It’s not a routine shot.”

Smith, who also has two gold and five silvers in a remarkable career medal haul, said: “We lost the toss in the final and when you’re three behind early in the game it can be a long way back. But David produced some superb shots at crucial stages.

“Momentum built over the week. We were slow starters last year at the worlds so that is something we have to address.”

While several of the Euro winners are off to Canada for pe-Christmas games after their win in Ornskoldsvik, Smith has opted for quality time with the family.

The Ramada Perth Masters is looming large and in January the district play-downs pave the way to the Scottish championships and ultimately the worlds being held in Moncton, New Brunswick, in April.

Perth player Graeme Connal also featured during the course of the week and David Hay handled the coaching duties in Sweden.