Can advance to national Scotties with one more win over Kathy O’Rourke rink today

(story by Mitch MacDonald)

Cornwall — The stage has been set for a showdown here today between pre-tourney favourites and Charlottetown clubmates.

Suzanne Birt stole two in the 10th end to shock defending champ Kathy O’Rourke 8-7 here Sunday and pull within one victory of claiming the Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincial womens curling championship.

The teams will decide today who will represent P.E.I. in the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts, being held at Charlottetown Civic Centre, Feb. 19-27.

While O’Rourke’s record falls to 4-2 following Sunday night’s stunning defeat, Birt improved to 5-1 at the end of the fourth day in the six-team triple knockout.

The rinks will meet today at 1:30 p.m. and O’Rourke must win in order to force a sudden death game tonight at 6:30 p.m.

Click to read this story in today’s Guardian.

Guardian photo by Brian McInnis

Skip Kathy O’Rourke yells at her sweepers during the Scotties at the Cornwall Curling Club Sunday night. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis