News Canadian Open

Greg Balsdon and Jacqueline Harrison are rejoining the elite ranks.

Balsdon and Harrison won the Tour Challenge Tier 2 titles Sunday in Cranbrook, B.C., to qualify for the 2017 Meridian Canadian Open, running Jan. 3-8 in North Battleford, Sask., taking on the top teams from around the world.

Both Tier 2 finals featured all-Ontario matchups with Balsdon’s team from Kingston outduelling Glenn Howard of Penetanguishene 5-4 while Harrison of Mississauga needed an extra-end to solve Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay by an identical score.

The second annual Tour Challenge Tier 2 featured the top 10 men’s and top 10 women’s teams ranked on the World Curling Tour’s Order of Merit (OOM) after the Tier 1 field had been completed, plus five men’s and five women’s regional selections.

Tickets are available for the Meridian Canadian Open, click here to purchase your pass today. Watch on Sportsnet and online/mobile on Sportsnet NOW.

The qualification process for the Meridian Canadian Open was altered for the 2016-17 season with 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams invited to participate.

The field for both the men’s and women’s divisions will feature:

• The top seven teams based on the World Curling Tour’s Order of Merit ranking, as of Dec. 5, will receive an invitation.

• The top seven teams based on the World Curling Tour’s year-to-date ranking, as of Dec. 5, will also be invited.

• One berth reserved for the winner of the Tour Challenge Tier 2 event.

• One berth is available for a sponsor’s exemption. The Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling reserves the right to implement a sponsor’s exemption in both the men’s and women’s divisions in which one spot could be filled at their discretion.