Special to Western News
Mirjam Ott’s best result in the World Women’s Curling Championship since 1997 was a bronze medal win in 2008. That changed at the 2012 showdown in Lethbridge.
A sixth shot at the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship proved to be the turning point when the Swiss skip finally struck gold and the rights to top spot in dramatic fashion. Ott delivered a pair of perfect stones in the 10th end to count a pair for a 7-6 win over Sweden’s Margaretha Sigfridsson.
The two finalists in the 2012 Ford Women’s Worlds will be back on Canadian ice Jan. 10 to 13 for the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup in Penticton. This time they will be wearing Team World uniforms, sharing the goal of defeating Team North America to take a 5-4 lead in the international curling classic.
Ott, silver medalist at both the 2002 and 2006 Olympic Games, has also appeared in nine European Curling Championships earning two gold, three silver and three bronze medals. Along with teammates Carmen Schäfer, Carmen Küng and Janine Greiner, Ott joins the Team World contingent to defend the title they captured last January in Langley.
Tickets for the Continental Cup are still available and a mini pack has been offered since early November called The Skinny. The Skinny features the final two days of high-energy action including the all-important skin matches. Fans can reserve the same seat for the final five draws and be there for the crowning of this year’s champions. All ticket options can be purchased online at curling.ca/tickets by phone at 1-877-763-2849 or 250-276-2144 or in person at the South Okanagan Events Centre box office.
“Whether its part of a package or a single draw ticket, every seat provides fans with an opportunity to see the best curlers in the world, at an exceptional value,” said host chair Kim Kirkham. “And they all come with access to a host of value-added benefits that are such a significant part of championship curling.”
Every ticket features complimentary admission to the Original 16 Patch — curling’s legendary party place where fans and competitors alike gather when the draws are done to enjoy the great selection of live bands, food and beverages.
Plus, they can sign up for free to play in the Cool Shots competition – the shuffleboard-style version of the roaring game. A new round hits the tables every day in the Patch with cash prizes for the winners and the chance to compete in the playoffs on championship weekend.