Martin, Schenider post win at mixed curling trials

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE, Man. — Nancy Martin and Catlin Schneider scored three in the eighth and final end to post a 7-6 win over Emilie and Robert Desjardins in Wednesday’s early draw at the Canadian mixed curling trials.

Team Desjardins took a two-point lead into the final end after scoring one in the seventh, but Martin drew for three in the eighth to improve her team’s record to 3-1.

Martin and Schneider entered Wednesday’s later draws in second place in Pool A. Pool leaders Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman improved to 3-0 with a 7-6 win over Shannon Birchard and Jason Gunnlaugson (1-3).

The Desjardins (2-2) fell into a tie for fifth in the pool.

In other Draw 7 action, Sherry Just and Tyrel Griffith (1-3) picked up their first victory, coming back from a 3-0 deficit en route to a 7-4 victory against Kim and Wayne Tuck (0-3). And Dawn and Mike Mcewen (2-2) posted an 8-7 win over Reid Carruthers and Jill Officer (2-1).

The winner of the tournament will represent Canada when mixed curling doubles makes its debut at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games.

Djokovic has been dealing with pain in his right elbow. A statement posted Wednesday on his website says he will travel to Australia to participate in two exhibition events next week.

After that, the statement says, “the decision will be made about his participation at the first Grand Slam of the season.” Djokovic, who is right-handed, cited the elbow problem on Dec. 30, when he withdrew from this week’s Qatar Open, a hardcourt tuneup tournament for the Australian Open.

That was supposed to be the 30-year-old Serb’s final competitive preparation before play begins in Melbourne on Jan. 15.