PEI’s Suzanne Birt rink was eliminated from further play in Saturday night’s 8 pm draw at the 2008 John Shea Insurance Women’s Canada Cup Qualifier being played in Ottawa. They lost a close 7-6 decision to Renée Sonnenberg of Alberta, and did not advance to the money round. Qualified  for the championship round so far are Shannon Kleibrink, Jennifer Jones, and Haligonian Mary-Anne Arsenault.

Birt won her opener on Thursday 8-7 in an extra end to Crissy Cadorin, but fell 9-5 to world champ Jennifer Jones in her second game. She then beat Alison Ross 8-5, but lost to Cindy Street of Saskatchewan 9-5 to drop to the winner-out game against Sonnenberg.

The four semi-finalists from this event will advance directly to the Canada Cup of Curling (March 18-22, 2009 in Yorkton, SK) joining the winner of the 2008 Tournament of Hearts – Jennifer Jones, the defending Canada Cup champion – Stefanie Lawton and the 2008 Player’s Champion – Amber Holland.