A new elimination round in some national curling championships means some provinces could go home after just one day of play. Some P.E.I. players say that’s unfair.
This is the first year up to two teams will go home after just one day of play at next week’s senior curling championships, changes the Canadian Curling Association is also considering for the Brier and the Scotties competitions.
On the opening day, the four lowest-ranked teams will play a round-robin competition to decide who gets to stay.
P.E.I. isn’t in the relegation round this year, but senior women’s skip Shirley Berry still doesn’t think the changes are fair.
“Just because someone loses by one rock doesn’t necessarily mean that they can’t continue on in the Brier or the Seniors and win the whole thing. And now they’re sent home,” said Berry.
She said it’s not a true national competition and she isn’t thrilled with taking 10 days off work, to curl only for one.
Warren Hansen, CCA director of event operations and media, doesn’t think a relegation round is unfair. He said it was the only way to accommodate 14 teams in nine days.