Gushue, Hasselborg jump into Pinty’s Cup lead
If there’s a silver lining to Team Brad Gushue’s back-to-back runner-up results to start the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling season, it’s that the St. John’s, N.L., club now holds the top spot in the Pinty’s Cup standings.
The Pinty’s Cup is awarded to the season champions in the elite series following the conclusion of the Players’ Championship in April. The top four teams in both men’s and women’s divisions receive bonus paycheques including $75,000 for the winners.
Gushue lost 6-4 to Team Brad Jacobs in the KIOTI Tractor Tour Challenge Tier 1 men’s final Sunday. The two-time Pinty’s Cup champion has earned 18 points and holds a slim one-point lead over Jacobs, from Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., who captured the coveted title in 2014-15.
Regina’s Team Matt Dunstone, who beat Gushue two weeks ago for the Masters men’s title, slipped to third place (13 points) after missing the KIOTI Tractor Tour Challenge playoffs with a 1-3 round-robin record. Brendan Bottcher’s Edmonton team is currently fourth with 12 points.
Team Anna Hasselborg vaulted to the top spot in the women’s side at 19 points following the Swedish squad’s 8-5 victory over Team Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., in the KIOTI Tractor Tour Challenge Tier 1 women’s final.
Masters champions Team Tracy Fleury of East St. Paul, Man., is now in second place with 17 points, Einarson is third with 14 and Silvana Tirinzoni’s Swiss side sits in fourth place with 12 points.
For more information on the Pinty’s Cup including full standings, points/purse breakdown and a list of past champions, CLICK HERE.
The next Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling event is the BOOST National happening Dec. 10-15 at the CBS Arena in Conception Bay South, N.L.