HAMILTON, Canada – The Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club in Hamilton, Ontario, became the epicenter of curling excellence as Curling Jamaica hosted the exhilarating 2025 Jamaica Cup Mixed Doubles Curling Cashspiel over the weekend of January 18-19.
With a prize purse of CAD $5,000, the tournament welcomed 16 elite teams from five nations, culminating in a dazzling display of strategy, precision, and sportsmanship.
Teams from Canada, the United States, Mexico, Australia, and Jamaica competed in the highly anticipated event, with round-robin matchups dividing them into four fiercely competitive groups. Among the favorites were Australia’s dynamic duo, Talhi Gill and Dean Hewitt, celebrated for their appearance at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.
The tournament’s atmosphere was electric, with fans reveling in the intense battles on the ice. The ultimate prize? Not just the monetary reward but the prestige of being crowned champions of this growing international competition.
A stunning performance by Gill and Hewitt
Gill and Hewitt solidified their reputation as curling powerhouses, storming through the tournament undefeated and clinching the championship title in spectacular fashion.
Their final challenge came against the formidable Canadian pair of Lauren Wasylkiw and Shane Konings, who had previously competed in the Canadian Mixed Doubles Championship. In the championship match, Wasylkiw and Konings seized an early 4-1 lead after three ends, seemingly poised to upset the Australians.
However, Gill and Hewitt demonstrated poise and precision, responding with a commanding run of five unanswered points. The fifth end proved decisive, as Gill delivered a jaw-dropping triple takeout, clearing three opposing stones and propelling her team to a 6-4 lead. Despite the Canadians employing a power play in the sixth end, they were held to a single point, and the Australians surged to victory with a final score of 9-5.
Local heroes show resilience
Jamaica’s hopes rested on the shoulders of Stephanie and Justin Chen, a sibling duo representing Curling Jamaica. Competing in a challenging group, the Chens showcased their talent but fell short of advancing to the play-offs.
Their sole victory came in a thrilling 7-5 triumph over Michelle and Jerry Butler of Cambridge, Ontario. Despite narrowly losing an 8-7 battle against Canadian contenders Riley Sandham and Brendan Craig, and an 8-4 defeat to Brock University alumni Sarah Bailey and Dylan Sipura, the Chens’ performance underscored their potential and determination.
The 2025 Jamaica Cup Mixed Doubles Cashspiel further solidified the event’s reputation as a premier curling competition, attracting world-class talent and fostering camaraderie among nations. As Curling Jamaica continues to grow the sport, the tournament stands as a testament to Jamaica’s commitment to curling on the global stage.
“This tournament showcases not just the incredible skill of the athletes but also the unity and passion that curling brings to our community,” said a spokesperson for Curling Jamaica. “We are proud of the Chen siblings and thrilled to see this event flourish.”
With Gill and Hewitt’s emphatic victory and the Chen siblings’ inspiring participation, the Jamaica Cup Mixed Doubles Cashspiel continues to build a legacy of excellence, uniting competitors and fans alike in their love for the sport.
