CURLING

Scottish champion Tom Brewster’s rink returns to the ice thisweekendin the Medicine Hat Charity Classic in Alberta, Canada, its first competitive outing after winning the Euro playdowns at Perth.

The Aberdonian’s team will represent Scotland in the European championships at Glasgow’s Braeheadnext month and Brewster said: “The schedule is very busy with a fair bit of transatlantic travel involved. It issuch an important year in chasing GB qualifying points for the Olympics and we can’t neglect any area of competition. We are delightedwewonthe Euro playdownsbut everyweekendis crucial for the rankings and we have to be aware of the impact of all the events.

“I have not been to the Medicine Hat club before and it is really nice going to a curling club and tournament for the first time, a fresh event, something different.

“Competing in Canada is a constant test. Even the teams we are not familiar with can be dangerous. It tends to be a more aggressive game and it is good for us to be more familiar with those tactics and style of play as it is whatwe will experience when the best curlers in Europe arrive at Braehead next month.

“There will be no easy games and that should prepare us well for the European championships.”

Tom Brewster: Practice for Euros