So, I am beat this morning. What a
day yesterday was in the World of wheelchair curling. Not only did Jim
Armstrong have to head home but oh yea we had the start of the World Wheelchair
Curling Championships in Korea.
The day started off like any other
day, looking for news on the sport and then it hit, a simple phone call turned
in to an avalanche of information, speculation and even a few conspiracy theories
as to why Jim Armstrong (Canadian Skip) left Korea. Well, one more and last
time until I speak with Jim on the matter; Jim was in Korea and has had to
return to Canada to extreme and pressing personal matters which required
immediate attention. That is all ANY one knows including the government so stop
sending me emails on your theories people.
Now truly back to what matters! The
Championships.....
The opening ceremonies where held in
the ample area which, I am told is a little cold at times.
The athletes where marched in with a
few intros and then the throwing of the opening stone.
This year saw Pyeongchang 2018 OC President -Jin Sun Kim does
the honours.
Standings (Round Robin) after Day 1
Rank
|
Team
|
Games
Played
|
Wins
|
Loses
|
Points For
|
Points Against
|
1
|
Slovakia
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
19
|
9
|
2
|
Russia
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
13
|
4
|
3
|
USA
|
2
|
2
|
0
|
11
|
9
|
4
|
Korea
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
13
|
8
|
5
|
Scotland
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
13
|
12
|
6
|
Canada
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
8
|
11
|
7
|
China
|
2
|
1
|
1
|
7
|
9
|
8
|
Norway
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
14
|
17
|
9
|
Sweden
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
6
|
13
|
10
|
Italy
|
2
|
0
|
2
|
5
|
17
|
 |
| Team Slovakia |
So the team of the day has to be Slovakia. A virtual unknown
on the wheelchair curling scene this team and made short work of 2 time World champions
Norway in draw 1, 9-8 and then pounded Italy in draw 2, 10-1. This has shown
the world at this early stage that this team is a real contender to the title.
 |
| Team Canada |
Canada had to show that the Armstrong factor had little to do with their ability to win and the did so against Italy in the morning draw. A close game in the beginning turned Canada's way in the later ends to a 7-4 victory. However, in the next game they would face Korea; a team looking to even the score after coming back, then just losing by 1 in Vanacouver just 2 years ago capturing the Paralympic Silver medal. Korea seemd to control the game from the onset then put the nail in the back of Canada in ends 5 & 6 to end the game in 6 ends 7 -1 in favour of Korea. Canada finished the day with a 1-1 record. The goal now for the coaching staff is to keep the heads high and rebound as they now face the surprising team of Slovakia and the Scotland on day 2.
 |
| Team USA |
The other bit of a surprise on day 1 was the USA team. After a major rebuild and loss of 3 players including skip Goose the question arose as to the USA ability to show this time out. Well, lay your questions to rest as Pat and the gang have shown us what they can do with a BIG win over Korea in draw 1 and another win over Sweden in draw 2.
 |
| Team Scotland |
We could say that Scotland has the hardest
route on the way to the title but as we now review the teams I am not sure that
is a fact. Each team in this tournament is able to win and play has increased
to a new level never seen before. Maybe Scotland Coach Tony Zummack was right
when he said the team needed to throw at 70%. Seems every other team
was listening as well. Scotland could not get it going this morning as China
downed those 6-5 and in draw 2 they pulled together to had Norway their second
loss of the day 8-6
 |
| Team Russia |
The only team in the tournament with a guarantee of a place in Sochi in 2014 is making a mark and showing they are ready to win on home turf. Russia beat down Sweden in draw 1, 9-3, ending early and then captured a second win over China in draw 2, 4-1 in a close match. An Interesting point of observation is the 2 back to back blank ends in the China game. Wheelchair curling has seen the strategic use of the blank end more and more as the game evolves.
 |
| Jalle (Sweden) & Rune (Norway) |
Norway as former 2 time World Champions lost the morning game against Slovakia after battling back by taking a big 5 ender in the 6th only to lose by 1. Then in the second draw the seemed to be unable to recover and lost 8-6 to Scotland. Both teams now sit at the bottom of the pack in 7 and 8 ranking which means we could see one of these teams move into a "have to qualify" for worlds next year. Something neither teams has ever had to do before.
What surprises will Day 2 bring? Will Canada be able to put Slovakia's surprise start to an end? Can Norway or Sweden post a much need win?
As they use to say on the TV show SOAP...Stay tune for the next episode ....Today starting at 9:30am
3 comments:
Great coverage Chris!
Nice to see this type of thing, was wondering something.
Seem like Mr. Eales is a little jealous of you. He is giving his comments and thought on Worlds as well. No so open as you are to the comments and what not and seems all of a sudden his attitude on covering has changed as well.
I think jealously has shown it's face here and he now need to jump back in.
I for 1 am following this blog as t is much more open to the input without putting or moreover not posting views which may not agree with yours.
And I will add, how great I think it is for you to post comments which are not so great about you. I think it really show what you have been saying. YOU HAVE CHANGED!
Now, let's see you jump back into playing and let the CCA give you a chance. Maybe you can work with Jim to get back into the game.
Who is going to believe that Jim, the most prolific and impact player simply left Korea for personal reasons, WITHOUT the CCA or anyone else knowing the reason?
No one can respond like that without the consent of the CCA.
The CCA knows the reason for Jim leaving and approved it.
Just read the last couple of articles on the blog and was a wee bit surprised as is probably the case for others as well.
The developments certainly can lead to speculation and that is natural for many. I want to wish our team the best in what must be a diffult time for them all. They are our team.
As for Jim, this appears to be a long line of personal issues and it is hoped that his troubling life can soon meet with less turmoil. Let us trust that the preparation of our coaches and our team will continue the success of the program in recent years. We have put our faith in them and must wish them all the best.
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