News Masters

Scott Howard in action during round-robin play at the Masters on Oct. 24, 2019, in North Bay, Ont. (Anil Mungal)

Howard edges Jacobs in extra end at Masters

NORTH BAY, Ont. — Scott Howard may not have that much skipping experience but handled the reins quite well for his team Thursday morning in the Masters.

Howard, of Penetanguishene, drew for the winning single in the extra end to clip Team Brad Jacobs of Sault Ste. Marie 5-4 in the all-Ontario battle at Memorial Gardens.

With his father Glenn away on a golfing trip this week, Scott has moved up from his regular spot at third and Adam Spencer is subbing at vice.

Both teams are now even at the midway mark of their group play with 1-1 records.

Howard never trailed, opening with the hammer and converting for a deuce in the second. The teams alternated singles in three and four and the 2014 Olympic gold medallist Jacobs potted a pair of points in five to tie it 3-3.

After Howard was forced to another single in six, Jacobs blanked seven to retain the hammer coming home but was limited to another lone point that pushed things into the extra end.

Elsewhere, Switzerland’s Team Peter de Cruz (2-0) scored three in the sixth and stole one in the seventh to come back and beat Team Kevin Koe 7-4. The reigning Brier champions and world silver medallists from Calgary are at 1-1.

Scotland’s Team Ross Paterson stole singles in seven and eight to edge Switzerland’s Team Yannick Schwaller 7-5. Paterson climbed to 2-0 while Schwaller is trending in the other direction at 0-2.

In the lone women’s game on the draw, Switzerland’s Team Elena Stern improved to a 2-1 record with a 6-3 win over Team Chelsea Carey of Calgary.

The reigning Scotties Tournament of Hearts champions dropped to a 0-2 record. Stern, who won the Tour Challenge Tier 2 title last season, is coming off of a breakout weekend capturing the Canad Inns Women’s Classic in Portage la Prairie, Man.

The Masters action continues at Noon ET with broadcast coverage on Sportsnet and streaming online at Sportsnet NOW (Canada) and Yare (international).

NOTES: The Masters is the first of six Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling events on the season and one of four majors in the series. … The total prize purse is $300,000 and is split evenly between the men’s and women’s divisions. Winners receive $35,000 plus berths towards the season-ending Humpty’s Champions Cup taking place April 29 to May 3, 2020, in Olds, Alta. … Also up for grabs at the Masters are Pinty’s Cup bonus points. The leaders following the conclusion of the Players’ Championship in April will capture the Pinty’s Cup with additional prize money awarded.

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