Homan, Gushue qualify for Challenge playoffs

THUNDER BAY, Ont. — Tracy Fleury of East St. Paul, Man., topped Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay, Ont., 5-3 on Thursday at the Tour Challenge to improve to 3-0 and clinch a playoff spot.

Ottawa’s Rachel Homan (3-0) also qualified for the playoffs by scoring four in the sixth end to defeat Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., 7-2. Einarson’s squad (3-1) wrapped up round-robin play a day early and had already secured a place in the quarterfinals.

Winnipeg’s Jennifer Jones improved to 2-1 with a 6-5 victory over American Nina Roth.

Defending men’s champion Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N.L., is 3-0 and into the playoffs with a 6-1 win over Jason Gunnlaugson.