Day 3 Recap: 2024 Kioti National Grand Slam

Day 3 of the 2024 Kioti National Grand Slam delivered another round of thrilling curling action, featuring several exciting matchups and impressive performances from some of the sport's top teams. With the tournament underway at the Mary Brown's Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, fans were treated to high-level competition from both Canadian and international teams. Here’s a breakdown of the key results from the day:

Team Homan Remains Undefeated

Ottawa’s Rachel Homan continued her dominant run in the tournament, defeating Italy’s Stefania Constantini 7-3. Homan's team has been firing on all cylinders so far, and this victory ensures they remain unbeaten in the competition, a promising sign as they advance through the rounds. Homan’s consistency and strategic play were key to her team’s success against Constantini, who struggled to find momentum.

McEwen Edges Gushue in Thrilling Match

In what was one of the most electric matchups of the day, Mike McEwen managed to edge out hometown favorite Brad Gushue 4-3 in a nail-biting finish. The intense atmosphere at the Mary Brown's Centre was palpable as McEwen held on for the narrow win. Gushue, representing Newfoundland and Labrador, has a strong fanbase in the region, and this match certainly lived up to the hype, with both teams showing incredible skill and precision under pressure.

Einarson and Kim Stay Perfect

Along with Homan, two other teams remained flawless after Day 3: Kerri Einarson’s squad and EunJung Kim’s team. Both teams have been impressive so far, with Einarson’s Canadians continuing to dominate, while Kim's South Korean rink showed solid execution and sharp tactics. The competition is fierce, but Einarson and Kim’s undefeated records have solidified them as serious contenders in this year’s event.

Other Notable Results

The day also featured several other exciting games and notable performances from both familiar faces and rising stars:

• Kaitlyn Lawes (Winnipeg) defeated Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni 5-4 in a tightly contested battle. Lawes, a seasoned veteran, showcased her experience and composure in the final stages of the match.

• Anna Hasselborg (Sweden) topped South Korea’s Eun-Ji Gim 6-2 in a commanding performance. Hasselborg’s squad was in control throughout the match, and the win keeps them in the hunt as the tournament progresses.

• Momoha Tabata (Japan) emerged victorious over Switzerland’s Xenia Schwaller, winning 6-4. Tabata’s team executed their shots well, maintaining a steady rhythm and earning a hard-fought win.

• In an all-Japanese matchup, Satsuki Fujisawa defeated Sayaka Yoshimura 6-3. The game was a showcase of Japan’s growing presence in international curling, with Fujisawa proving why she’s one of the sport’s top talents.

Looking Ahead

As the 2024 Kioti National Grand Slam continues, the level of competition remains as high as ever, with both seasoned veterans and rising stars battling it out on the ice. With teams like Homan, Einarson, and Kim still undefeated, and the rest of the field not far behind, it’s clear that this tournament will be full of drama and excitement right through to the final.

The tournament is set to continue at the Mary Brown's Centre, with plenty more action to come. Fans can expect more high-caliber curling as the event progresses, with each team vying for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.