0
0
The Princess Auto Players’ Championship Preview
The highly anticipated conclusion of the Grand Slam of Curling season is upon us this week, with the esteemed Princess Auto Players’ Championship set to take place in Toronto. Commencing on Tuesday at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, the event will be broadcast live on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ starting Thursday. Let’s delve into the event details and explore some key storylines that are bound to captivate fans and enthusiasts alike.
First End: What’s At Stake?
The Princess Auto Players’ Championship stands as a pinnacle in the world of curling, renowned for its rigorous competition and prestigious status. Only the top 12 men’s and women’s teams from various corners of the globe earn coveted invitations to this illustrious event. Competitors vie for crucial ranking points that pave the way for future Grand Slam entries, all while contending for a substantial combined purse of $480,000, evenly distributed between the men’s and women’s divisions.
Besides the tangible rewards, the championship’s rich history adds an extra layer of significance. The 31st edition for the men and the 18th for the women, past victors include luminaries such as Kevin Martin, Wayne Middaugh, Jennifer Jones, and more. The event comprises two pools with six teams each, engaging in riveting round-robin matches. The top six overall contenders will advance to Saturday’s playoffs, with the top two earning coveted byes to the evening semifinals.
Second End: End of An Era
One of the most compelling narratives surrounding the upcoming championship is the farewell of the iconic skip Jennifer Jones. Having announced her retirement from women’s curling earlier this year, Jones marks her final Grand Slam appearance at the Princess Auto Players’ Championship. A decorated champion with numerous accolades under her belt, including Olympic gold and multiple Grand Slam victories, Jones’s swan song promises to be a poignant moment in the realm of curling.
Third End: Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Meanwhile, Rachel Homan’s dominant run throughout the season has been nothing short of exceptional, boasting an exceptional 62-6 record. As the reigning Canadian and world champion, Homan aims to clinch a third consecutive Grand Slam title at the Princess Auto Players’ Championship, following triumphs at the WFG Masters and Co-op Canadian Open. Standing on the cusp of history, Homan eyes a record-breaking 15th Grand Slam women’s title, with the elusive Players’ Championship being the final missing piece in her illustrious collection.
Fourth End: No Rest for the World’s Best
The championship is set to witness a showdown of top-tier talent, including teams led by Niklas Edin, Brad Gushue, Bruce Mouat, Joel Retornaz, and Yannick Schwaller fresh off the world men’s curling championship. For these elite competitors, transitioning from a global stage to a grassroots tournament presents both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase their prowess. The drive to excel in the face of fatigue underscores the unyielding spirit that characterizes the world’s best curlers.
Fifth End: Four Score for Retornaz?
While Joel Retornaz’s recent loss halted his bid for a record-breaking streak of championships, the Italian skip remains determined to etch his name in curling lore at the Princess Auto Players’ Championship. With the opportunity to secure a fourth title in a single season, Retornaz’s quest for glory adds an intriguing dimension to the championship’s competitive landscape.
Sixth End: CTRS Points Chase
As the season finale unfolds, Canadian teams in the hunt for pre-qualifying berths to next season’s marquee events will engage in a spirited points chase. With the standings reflecting the cream of the crop in Canadian curling, the Princess Auto Players’ Championship serves as a pivotal battleground where aspirations and ambitions collide, drawing the curtains on a season filled with trials and triumphs.
Seventh End: A Grand Debut
Introducing a fresh face to the Grand Slam series, the Players’ Championship heralds the arrival of Xenia Schwaller, a rising star in the curling firmament. Seeded 11th in the women’s division, Xenia carries the legacy of her stalwart lineage, poised to make her mark on the coveted championship stage. With a string of victories and a burgeoning reputation, Xenia embodies the next generation of curling excellence.
Eighth End: How to Watch the Princess Auto Players’ Championship
For enthusiasts unable to attend the event in person, the broadcast coverage of the Princess Auto Players’ Championship kicks off on Thursday, offering a front-row seat to the exhilarating curling action. Tune in to Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ for comprehensive coverage, starting at 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT. Stay informed with the broadcast schedule available on sportsnet.ca/schedule.
Image/Photo credit: source url
