(by Jason Simmonds)
Eighth-seeded men’s team upsets world champion in final
SUMMERSIDE – John Epping capped a Cinderella run at the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling Sun Life Financial Players’ Championship in dramatic fashion on Sunday afternoon.
Skip John Epping yells at his sweepers Sunday during action against Glenn Howard in Summerside. Guardian photo by Brian McInnis
Epping drew to the button on the game’s final shot to give his Toronto rink a 7-6 win over Glenn Howard of Coldwater, Ont., in the championship game.
“From start to finish, the boys played so well today (Sunday),” said Epping, 29. “All we wanted was the four-foot.”
Lead David Mathers and second stone Scott Howard carefully guided the rock home while third stone Scott Bailey made the call from the house. Once Mathers raised his hand to indicate the shot was good, Epping dropped his broom and punched his fist in the air while breaking out in a big smile as the appreciative crowd roared its approval.
“I didn’t throw many draws all game, but Mark’s ice is so good you know it’s going to be close to the same,” said Epping referring to head ice-maker Mark Shurek. “A skip has to draw to the four-foot, and I have two great sweepers, so I didn’t have to worry about it too much.”