Koe's Team Wins RBC Dominion Securities Western Showdown Men's Title in Swift Current
Team Kevin Koe emerged victorious in the RBC Dominion Securities Western Showdown men's final, securing a thrilling 7-6 win over Team Brad Jacobs in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Koe's team, which finished the event with a 7-2 record, clinched the title with a crucial hit in the eighth end. Their path to the final was far from easy, having advanced through the C Event to qualify for the playoffs.
In the quarterfinals, Koe’s team defeated Team John Epping 6-3 before battling past Team Brent Pierce 3-2 in the semifinals. Despite the tough road, Koe’s squad displayed grit and resilience, culminating in their dramatic win over Jacobs in the final.
Team Jacobs, who finished with a 5-2 record, advanced through the B Event and had an impressive run to the final. They triumphed 9-3 over Team Rylan Kleiter in the quarterfinals before edging out Team Matt Dunstone 6-5 in a nail-biting semifinal. The final match between Koe and Jacobs was a high-stakes, competitive contest, with Koe’s late-game heroics ultimately securing the victory.
Matt Dunstone's Team Reshuffling and Success
In other notable news from the event, Team Matt Dunstone, now with E.J. Harnden as their new second, defeated Team Brad Gushue 7-3 in the quarterfinals. Harnden's arrival brought a reshuffle to the team, with Colton Lott moving to third and B.J. Neufeld leaving the squad. Harnden, who had previously substituted for Neufeld during the Red Deer Curling Classic, was playing in his first event with Dunstone’s team after parting ways with Team Gushue in October.
Switzerland’s Xenia Schwaller Wins Women’s Title
On the women’s side, Team Xenia Schwaller of Switzerland claimed the RBC Dominion Securities Western Showdown women’s title with a perfect 6-0 record. Schwaller triumphed in a dramatic final, edging out Team Michelle Englot from Regina 7-6. The thrilling finish included two points in the eighth end and a steal in an extra end, securing the win for Schwaller.
International Victories at the Karuizawa International
Meanwhile, at the Karuizawa International in Japan, Team Sayaka Yoshimura of Japan captured the women’s title with a narrow 5-4 victory over Team Anna Hasselborg of Sweden. On the men’s side, Germany’s Team Marc Muskatewitz triumphed 10-4 over Japan’s Team Riku Yanagisawa, taking home the men’s title.
The Western Showdown and international events provided fans with thrilling matches, showcasing high-level competition and the dramatic nature of curling across the globe.
