Euro curling family affair for Muirheads

Dec 2 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

RUSSIA’S European Curling Championships, which begin tomorrow, will be something of a Highland Perthshire family affair.

Blair Atholl’s GB Olympian Eve Muirhead has travelled to Moscow for the event with dad Gordon, who coaches the Scottish ladies’ team, and brother Glen, who will compete in the men’s category.

And Eve, who led her rink to eight straight wins in the competition’s qualifiers, believes Scotland’s women have an excellent chance of success.

Speaking to PA Sport yesterday, the 21-year-old said: “So far we’ve had a pretty good season.

“We won a big event out in Canada, came through the European qualifiers unbeaten and practice hard every day.

“Russia is a different kind of venue than we are used to, so we don’t know what to expect.

“But I think we are going into the competition in the best shape we can.

“Sweden and Switzerland are going to be tough and the home nation won’t be easy either.”

In last year’s final Eve and her team suffered a massive blow in the final, losing narrowly to the Swedes, but insists the experience was a learning curve for the side.

She continued: “We had a shot to win the championship last year. It was one of these do or die shots and unfortunately it didn’t come off.

“We learned a lot, and yeah, coming away with a silver medal was gutting but looking at the bigger picture, it was a good achievement.”

Admitting nerves won’t get the better of her on the ice, Eve insisted watching her 22-year-old brother’s game will prove a far tougher experience.

She added: “It’s harder watching than playing.

“I remember watching him [Glen] play here in the Euro play-offs and I was definitely more nervous then.”

Eve will skip her father’s side, which also comprises Anna Sloan, Vicki Adams, Claire Hamilton, and Kay Adams.

And Glen, who will line-up alongside skip David Murdoch, Ross Paterson, Richard Woods, and David Edwards, is relishing his first senior Scottish appearance.

He said: “I was competing in mens and juniors latterly, so, when I left the juniors, it wasn’t a big shock to me.

“It will be the first time I’ve represented Scotland at a senior level. I’m privileged and looking forward to it.”

Proud dad Gordon, who will leave wife Lynn and 16-year-old son Thomas at home to man the family farm, hopes to see both Glen and Eve lift gold.

He said: “If they play to their potential there is every chance we’ll be in the medals.”

Scottish mens’ coach David Ramsay, who lives in Perth, added: “I think our chances are good.”

Eve’s rink start with a match against Norway, while Glen kicks off against Italy.