Can't be Beat: Homan, Einarson and Kim Undefeated at the KIOTI National Grand Slam
Ottawa’s Team Rachel Homan kept up their dominant form at the KIOTI National Grand Slam of Curling event, remaining undefeated with a 7-3 victory over Italy’s Team Stefania Constantini on Thursday morning at the Mary Brown’s Centre. With the win, Homan improves to a perfect 3-0 record in the tournament, continuing the momentum from her recent triumph at the Co-op Canadian Open, where she claimed a record-extending 16th Grand Slam women’s title.
Constantini, who struggled in the match, was eliminated from playoff contention after dropping to 0-3.
Other Notable Wins: Einarson and Kim Stay Unbeaten
Team Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Manitoba, and Team Eun-jung Kim of South Korea also remain undefeated at 3-0, following impressive victories on Thursday.
Einarson’s team staged a dramatic comeback to defeat South Korea’s Team Seung-youn Ha 8-5. Trailing 4-1 early in the match, Einarson scored two points in the fifth end, followed by a steal in the sixth to tie the game. After Ha managed only a single in the seventh, the six-time Grand Slam champion Einarson sealed the victory with a four-point steal in the eighth end.
Meanwhile, Team Kim pulled off a thrilling 7-6 win over Winnipeg’s Team Chelsea Carey, who are now 0-3 in the tournament. Kim’s team stole a crucial point in the eighth end to claim the victory.
Christina Black Earns First Win at KIOTI National
In other action, Christina Black’s Halifax-based team earned their first win of the week, defeating Sweden’s Team Isabella Wranå 6-3. Both teams now sit at 1-2 in the standings. Black's team received an invitation to the KIOTI National after winning the HearingLife Tour Challenge Tier 2 women’s title.
With the tournament heating up, Homan, Einarson, and Kim are all vying for spots in the playoffs as the competition continues at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland.
