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New curling stars are born.

photo: team Tardi.

rn

They might be named Rumiantseva or Tardi or Whyte. It's somewhat unfair that skips are usually mentioned and curling is a team sport. Nor should the names of other players who achieved medal placings at the last World Junior Championships be forgotten. It is more than likely that we will meet them in adult competitions, just as we do with the likes of Edin, Gushu or Muirhead or Ezekh. It was evident in the Under-21 matches that the curling world has once again moved a step forward. The gold of the Russian and Canadian curlers is based on good technical and tactical performances, excellent coaching and visible dedication to their sport. The women's final was very evenly matched and the Canadians' loss was probably decided by a little nervousness in the final phase of the match. Canada's win in the men's was clear-cut and the Swiss just watched the Maple Leaf representatives perform. On top of that, it's not just Liverpool (Canadian) that's playing, but Sydney (Canadian) as well. The Tournament of Hearts is a wonderful showcase of top women's curling and the winner will once again be the favourite for the 2019 World Championships in Denmark. In a few days, the Canadian Men's Brier Finals will begin and we will again be breathlessly watching not only the performances of the top Canadian teams, but also the great work of TSN and its commentators Russ, Vic, Linda (formerly), Cheryl and Bryan. Tremendous material for self-study. Highly recommended.