Masters get the nod of approval

Perthshire Olympian Eve Muirhead has given the nod of approval to the new-look 2020 Perth Masters.

The Fair City curling spectacle will see the men’s and women’s World Curling Tour events join forces at the Dewars Centre in January.

A record number of entries has been attracted from world class curlers from 12 countries, including a powerful contingent from the host nation.

And Blair Atholl’s Muirhead is already looking forward to playing in the new format on home ice, saying:“I think it is going to make for a much more inclusive event and great not just for competitors but also for the spectators.

“I think the organisers have taken a huge step forward in doing this and they deserve a lot of credit for it. I actually don’t know of many events on tour with high class men’s and women’s teams playing alongside each other, bar the Grand Slams and the European Championships.

“I am going to be on ice at the same time as my brothers and that is going to be quite special competing alongside them.”

Having recently returned from the European Championships with her ninth medal from that event, Muirhead is delighted the event has attracted TV coverage.

BBC ALBA will provide live coverage from Friday, January 3 at 10.45am across the weekend, culminating in coverage from the finals on Sunday, January 5 from 2pm onwards.

Muirhead added:“It is important that others are inspired by our sporting successes and BBC ALBA broadcasting live from this event is really good for the profile of the sport and as a country we need to make the most of this opportunity.

“As a player I want to support that coverage as much as possible, to drive up viewing figures so that in the future BBC ALBA want to come back and be involved in this Perth event and other curling competitions taking place in Scotland.”

Perth Masters chair Pete Loudon has been working flat-out to ensure January’s event is one to remember.

He said:“For the very first time we are holding two World Curling Tour events that feature the very best men’s and ladies’teams.

“I’m delighted that we will have such a strong international field here in Perth competing against the top Scottish teams.

“For the four days in January I am sure all curling fans will enjoy a world class spectacle that will showcase the 39 teams from many different countries playing 102 games.

“We have worked hard at securing television coverage of the event and I’m delighted to say that BBC ALBA and World Curling TV will broadcast 11 draws live on TV and Youtube.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has made the 2020 Perth Masters possible, our main supporting sponsor Mercure Perth Hotel, our presenting sponsor Perth Honda together with Live Active Leisure, Perth and Kinross Council and Earnside Coaches. And, of course, my fellow committee members and all the volunteers who help to make this a world class tournament.”

BBC ALBA’s commentary team will comprise guest analyst and 2002 world champion Jackie Lockhart alongside sport commentator Hugh Dan MacLennan.

Iseabail Mactaggart, director of strategy and partnership at BBC ALBA, said:“BBC ALBA is committed to providing distinctive coverage of high quality sport including championing Scottish women’s sport.

“Providing exclusive coverage from the new integrated Perth Masters further enhances our offering to our viewers.”