Jamaica’s men’s and women’s curling teams are in strong playoff contention at the Pan Continental Curling Championship in Lacombe, Alberta, each battling formidable undefeated teams in upcoming games.
The Jamaican men, currently with a 6-1, win-loss record, are preparing to face the unbeaten Philippines team Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. (Jamaica time) and will meet Qatar later Wednesday night. The Philippines, led by former Swiss skip Marc Pfister, hold an impressive 6-0 record and have outscored opponents 74-8. With one remaining round-robin game against Nigeria on Thursday, a win will be essential for Jamaica to secure a play-off spot, with only the top four advancing.
In men’s results on Monday, Jamaica fell to India 11-5 despite an early lead, conceding after a late six-point play by India. In their game against Saudi Arabia, Jamaica rebounded from a 3-0 deficit to win 11-3, scoring 11 unanswered points.
On Tuesday, Jamaica achieved a historic 7-4 win against Puerto Rico in the first Caribbean head-to-head matchup in World Curling history. Jamaica extended their lead in the final ends, sealing victory.
Sits fourth with a 3-2 win-loss record
The Jamaican women’s team, composed of Madeleine Spurgeon, Stephanie Chen, Margot Shepherd-Spurgeon, and Alexandra Marriott, sits fourth with a 3-2 win-loss record. Facing the undefeated Philippines team at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, the women must finish in the top four to secure their playoff spot, closing out round-robin play against Kenya on Thursday.
In women’s results on Monday, Jamaica narrowly lost 5-4 to Australia after taking a lead in the ninth end. Australia clinched victory with two points in the final end.
On Tuesday, Kazakhstan defeated Jamaica 7-4, though Jamaica initially led 3-2. Later Jamaica dominated Nigeria 15-4, capitalizing on Nigeria’s three-player line-up and sealing the win by the seventh end.
With the pressure mounting and just two games remaining, Jamaica’s teams are fighting for their playoff spots, eager to represent their nation and the Caribbean at the highest level.
