Switzerland’s Marco Hoesli Upsets Canada’s Brad Gushue in Extra End
Switzerland’s Team Marco Hoesli delivered a dramatic performance in the round-robin finale of the KIOTI National, defeating Canada’s Team Brad Gushue 8-6 in an extra end. Hoesli's two-point finish in the extra end was enough to secure the victory and keep his team alive in the tournament. With this win, Hoesli not only leveled his team's record but also earned a shot at a playoff spot, setting up a crucial match against Germany’s Team Marc Muskatewitz, who had also improved to a 2-2 record.
The victory was a significant turnaround for Team Hoesli, who had faced a tough start in the game. Gushue initially gained a commanding lead with a three-point score in the opening end, but Hoesli’s team quickly bounced back. A two-point second end sparked the recovery, and the Swiss side continued to battle with strategic shots, leveling the score at 4-4 by halftime. The match continued to shift back and forth, with alternating singles in the fifth and sixth ends before Hoesli stole the lead in the seventh end with a crucial point. Gushue, however, wasn’t finished, forcing an extra end with a clutch draw to tie the game.
When the game entered the extra end, it was Hoesli who held his nerve. The Swiss team executed precise shots to claim a two-point finish and secure the win, while Gushue’s team, despite the loss, advanced to the playoffs due to tiebreaker rules. Hoesli expressed his excitement after the match, describing the event as an incredible experience with a passionate crowd. He also reflected on his team’s improvement from their earlier performance at the Co-op Canadian Open, where they had been eliminated despite a 2-2 record. Hoesli’s goal moving forward is to avoid tiebreakers and achieve stronger performances in future tournaments.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Team Marc Muskatewitz, the European champion, also secured a vital 6-4 win over Switzerland’s Team Michael Brunner, improving to a 2-2 record. The result set up a pivotal game between Hoesli and Muskatewitz for the final men’s playoff spot.
In other round-robin action, Team Mike McEwen finished the group stage undefeated with a 4-0 record, earning the top seed heading into the quarterfinals. McEwen capped off his perfect round-robin campaign with an 8-1 victory over Team Reid Carruthers. McEwen’s performance was dominant, highlighted by three-point and two-point steals. Carruthers, who has undergone lineup changes this year, struggled to find his rhythm, and McEwen expressed sympathy for his friend’s challenges.
Team Yannick Schwaller rounded off their round-robin with a solid 5-3 win over Scotland’s Team Ross Whyte, further shaping the playoff picture. The matchups for the upcoming playoffs are now set, with McEwen awaiting the tiebreaker winner, while Gushue will face off against Team Brad Jacobs in the quarterfinals.
As the KIOTI National heads into its playoff stage, the stage is set for an exciting finish, with tight matches and plenty of drama expected. The tournament’s top contenders are ready to make their final push for the title.
