News Masters

OKOTOKS, Alta. — Toronto’s John Epping capped a late rally stealing points in the final two ends to top Peter de Cruz of Switzerland 5-4 Thursday morning in the WFG Masters.

Both teams now hold 1-1 records in the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling major tournament.

Edmonton’s Brendan Bottcher also drew level to a 1-1 record with a 7-3 victory over Glenn Howard of Penetanguishene, Ont. Howard, who has won a record six Masters titles, fell to a 0-2 record.

Scotland’s David Murdoch moved up to a 2-0 record beating John Morris of Vernon, B.C., 5-4. Morris dropped to 0-3 and has been eliminated from the playoff picture.

Switzerland’s Binia Feltscher completed a late comeback to defeat Allison Flaxey of Caledon, Ont., 8-6. Flaxey (1-1) took two in the fifth end and stole a pair in six to lead 6-3. The reigning world champion Feltscher (1-1) made it through the port of her own stones to take out Flaxey’s counter and score four points in the seventh to pull ahead. Flaxey hit and rolled too far with her last in eight as Feltscher added a stolen point in the final frame.

NOTES: The WFG Masters is the first of seven events on the 2016-17 Pinty’s GSOC schedule. … The event is also the first of four majors in the series alongside the Boost National, Meridian Canadian Open and WestJet Players’ Championship. … The WFG Masters runs through to Sunday at Pason Centennial Arena with action continuing Thursday at 12:30 p.m. MT on Sportsnet and Sportsnet NOW.