(By Larry Wood). So what’s the secret of skills-competition curling and Ontario shotmakers at the Brier? Wayne Middaugh, a 44-year-old veteran, two-time Brier and world champion as a second and a skip, and a newcomer to the current Ontario champions’ lineup, won the pre-Brier Ford Hot Shots competition at mid-day Saturday, outpointing teammate Craig Savill, a former winner, by 17-15 in the final confrontation.
Wayne Middaugh of Ontario is the winner of the Ford Hot Shots at the 2012 Tim Hortons Brier.
Middaugh wasn’t required to throw his last rock to win it after Savill miscued on his last attempt, a double takeout.
The win was the fourth straight for Ontario curlers. Savill won in 2009, Glenn Howard in 2010 and Richard Hart, the player Middaugh has replaced this season, in 2011.
“For me,” said Middaugh, “it was about the sweepers — Scott (Howard) and the guy from B.C. (Ken Maskiewich). They made a lot of shots for me. And it was great.
“You know what? I enjoyed that. And that, I think, would be a better competition for the Olympics than mixed doubles. How’s that? It’s more exciting, there’s sweeping, it gives the fans something to cheer for, and I think it’s actually more entertaining.”
The Hot Shots prize was a two-year lease on a 2012 Ford Focus Titanium, an approximate retail value of $13,000.