Not much curling.
Curling is scarce. Almost none, actually. Martin Bukovsky promised a series on the history of Czech curling, but he didn't deliver. The union's website offered nothing. Social networks also produce nothing about Czech curling. Tournaments are not played. The European Championships did not take place, the Women's World Championships being prepared in Switzerland were cancelled and we did not qualify for the Men's Championships. Wheelchair and mixed doubles are certain. Hopefully the women have some chance if the WCF makes a deal with the Canadian Curling Association and puts the women's championships on the packed calendar of the Calgary Winter Sports Centre. Let's hope that happens. After the long fast, there was a welcome refreshment in the form of delayed YouTube streams from "Curling Capital". A parade of eighteen quality Canadian women's curling teams entered the national championship tournament in late February and early March as part of the traditional so-called Tournament of Hearts or Scotties. The event was hosted by Calgary under a detailed security protocol. No spectators, only cardboard figures lined the stands and the arena, with a capacity of several thousand, was at some points almost oppressively quiet. The commentary cast was standard, and as always of high quality. A range of insights, interesting graphics including up-to-date information and behind-the-scenes gossip interspersed with jokes and banter, this is the annual verbal pinkana of Russ Howard, Vic Reuter and their three other colleagues. This year was no different. A significant rejuvenation of the starting field was evident, although old familiar faces were also on display. For example, the junior Zacharias (current junior world champion) versus the veteran Sherri Andersson (finalist 2002) formed some contrasts, but in terms of performance and especially results there were not so big differences between the young and the experienced. In this year's edition, the team of Olympic champion Jennifer Jones, with double gold medalist Keitlyn Lawes and newcomer and former number one Lisa Weagle (formerly of Team Homan), narrowly missed out on the extra time. Neither of their two advancement opportunities were taken by Edmonton's young skip Laura Walker, whose solid performance earned them a spot in the semifinals. The French-speaking team from Québec (skip St. Georges, lead St. Georges and coach St. Georges) was a refreshing and sympathetic addition, not only advancing to the Championship pool, but also fighting for a playoff spot in a very close duel with the finalists of the last three Canadian Championships, skip Rachel Homan's team. However, the prize of one hundred thousand Canadian dollars for winning the final went to Kerri Einarson's team, just like last year. Despite two losses during the tournament, this women's team from Manitoba demonstrated excellent sustained performance. Like last year, they nearly stumbled just before the finish line with a failed runback , gifting their opponent a deuce and conceding a tie. In the last end, however, the defending champions secured the win. The ceremony showed some signs of awkwardness based on very strict security measures, but it did not spoil the winners' joy. Anna Kubeskova's team was looking forward to a confrontation with this Canadian team a year ago, but it did not take place in Prince George due to the incipient Covid-19 pandemic.rn
photo: Team Einarson (Manitoba)