Scottish rinks prepare for Grand Slam tests

Team Muirhead and Team Murdoch compete in the Grand Slam of Curling Masters in Okotoks, Alberta, this week, an elite level event featuring the world’s top women’s and men’s teams.

For skip Eve Muirhead, following her team’s success at the playdowns, this event will help keep them on track for next month’s European Championships.

“Grand Slam events are key in our competitive schedule. You get fantastic ice conditions, hard competition, massive crowds and it’s ideal preparation for major events in the arena environment,” said the Courier columnist.

“Getting back to competitive games after our win in the European qualifiers is good to keep the momentum going.

“Pressure is off knowing we have the spot in the Europeans but there’s never a lack of pressure competing in Canada.

“Points are crucial to keep our ranking high in the order of merit so keeping our good form on tour is always important.”

Anna Sloan returns to the fold after an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the end of last season.

“Having Anna back after missing eight competitions now is so exciting,” added Eve.

“She’s put in the hard work to get herself physically ready to hit the ice again.

“Having this Grand Slam in Okotoks, followed by Wetzikon in Switzerland, will allow her to get back on track with some quality fields to compete against.

“During these couple of events, the majority of the teams competing in the European championships are going to be there so it’s important we put down a marker.

“Having the Europeans in Glasgow is something extra special to me. To have the chance to represent your country, in your country doesn’t happen often.”

For Olympic silver medallists Team Murdoch their focus is now firmly set on chasing points after missing out at the European qualifier.

Men’s skip David Murdoch said, “For us it was disappointing not to win the Euro play-downs.

“However, it is now about getting back to the Tour and the slams are where you play the best of the best.”