Coronavirus won’t derail world curling championship

WINNIPEG The World Curling Federation is closely monitoring developments regarding coronavirus outbreaks around the globe, but at this time it has no plans to cancel any of its upcoming events.

And that includes the women’s world championship in Prince George, B.C.

The women’s worlds are slated to be played at the CN Centre from March 14-22 and the field includes curlers from China, South Korea, Japan and Italy, the four countries that have seen the most severe outbreaks of COVID -19, the virus that has sickened upwards of 81,000 people and caused 2,700 deaths.

“We are in regular communication with the Chinese, Italian and Korean sporting authorities, the International Olympic Committee, and other appropriate sporting bodies, as we consider all possible implications of the spread of the virus and how it may impact on curling,” the WCF said in a statement requested by Postmedia.

“Furthermore, we are reviewing the advice of the World Health Organization and have communication with local health authorities where our championships are being held.”

A total of 13 teams are scheduled to take part in the women’s world curling championship, including rinks skipped by Satsuki Fujisawa of Japan, Un-chi Gim of South Korea, Veronica Zappone of Italy and Han Yu of China.

Canada will be represented by Manitoba’s Kerri Einarson, who won the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Sunday with an 8-7 victory over three-time champion Rachel Homan of Ottawa.