Thrilling Opening Day at the KIOTI National 2024 in St. John's

Thrilling Opening Day at the KIOTI National 2024 in St. John's
Photo: Anil Mungal /Grand Slam of Curling

The highly anticipated KIOTI National 2024 curling tournament kicked off in spectacular fashion on opening day, showcasing top-tier performances and intense competition at the Mary Brown’s Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. With 16 elite men’s teams and 16 women’s teams from across the globe vying for supremacy, the day was filled with gripping matches and standout moments.

Swedish Team Anna Hasselborg Leads the Way

The day began with a strong performance from Sweden's Team Anna Hasselborg, who secured a convincing 7-3 victory over Winnipeg's Team Kaitlyn Lawes in Draw 2. Hasselborg’s rink, known for their consistent and strategic play, wasted no time in asserting their dominance, setting the tone for the tournament.

Hometown Hero Brad Gushue Shines

In what was undoubtedly one of the most emotional moments of the day, Brad Gushue, the hometown favorite from St. John's, made a triumphant return to the competitive curling scene with a dominant 6-2 win over Team Marc Muskatewitz from Germany in Draw 3. Gushue, a multi-time world champion and Olympic gold medalist, received an overwhelming reception from the local crowd, who were excited to see their hero perform on home ice. The win was a cathartic moment for Gushue, who is always a fan favorite in his home city.

Dominant Victory for Team Kerri Einarson

The women’s draw also featured a powerful performance from Team Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Manitoba, who routed Team Christina Black from Halifax 11-3 in Draw 4. Einarson, known for her fierce competitiveness, showed why she is considered one of the best in the world with a dominant display that sent a message to the rest of the field.

Other Key Results from Opening Day

While the opening day featured plenty of action, several other teams delivered notable performances:

  • Team Brad Jacobs from Calgary, a perennial powerhouse on the men’s side, earned a dominant 7-1 victory over Sweden’s Team Edin, one of the tournament favorites. Jacobs’ squad showed their strength with an overwhelming performance that left little room for their opponents to rally.
  • Italy’s Team Retornaz defeated the U.S.'s Team John Shuster 5-1, highlighting the growing strength of European curling on the international stage.
  • Winnipeg’s Team Matt Dunstone edged out Team Magnus Ramsfjell from Norway 4-1 in another solid win for the Canadian squad, which continues to build momentum as one of the rising teams in men’s curling.
  • Team Rachel Homan, the defending champion from Ottawa, battled back from a deficit to claim an 8-3 victory over Team Chelsea Carey of Winnipeg in a match that demonstrated Homan’s resilience and experience in high-stakes matches.

International Highlights

The KIOTI National 2024 is a truly global event, and opening day featured impressive performances from teams outside of North America:

  • Japan’s Team Satsuki Fujisawa claimed an 8-5 win over Switzerland’s Team Xenia Schwaller, continuing to prove their status as one of the most formidable teams on the world stage.
  • Switzerland’s Team Silvana Tirinzoni, another top women’s team, defeated Japan’s Team Momoha Tabata 7-2, while South Korea’s Team Eun-ji Gim triumphed 6-3 over Japan’s Team Sayaka Yoshimura. These victories highlighted the increasing depth and competitiveness of teams from Asia and Europe in the curling world.

A Packed House and Unmatched Enthusiasm

The opening day’s action took place in front of a packed house at the Mary Brown’s Centre, where the energy from the crowd was palpable. Local fans were particularly invested in the performances of Brad Gushue, who received an outpouring of support throughout his match. The high-energy atmosphere at the venue was a testament to the passion for curling in Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as the growing popularity of the sport across the country.

Looking Ahead

As the tournament continues, the field remains wide open, with numerous talented teams eager to claim the coveted KIOTI National title. With a blend of established champions like Gushue, Homan, and Jacobs, alongside up-and-coming teams from countries around the world, the rest of the tournament promises to be filled with exciting curling action and memorable moments.

Fans are sure to be treated to more incredible performances as the KIOTI National 2024 unfolds in St. John’s, a city that continues to establish itself as a major hub for the sport of curling.