Canadian women edge Finns in opener at curling worlds

SAPPORO, JAPAN — Olympic champion Jennifer Jones opened the world women’s curling championship Saturday with a 9-6 victory over Finland’s Sanna Puustinen at the Tsukisamu Gymnasium.

It was a challenging game for the Winnipeg skip, who stole a deuce in the 10th end for the win.

“Not exactly to plan, we struggled a little bit with the ice but a win’s a win and we found a way to win the game,” Jones said. “We’ll have to be sharper tomorrow.”

Jones and her team of third Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn McEwen scored two in the first end and led 5-2 at the midway point.

Finland came back with three points in the sixth end and sat two with hammer in the 10th after Lawes hogged a guard attempt.

However, Lawes responded with a hit-and-roll behind cover that set up Canada’s steal. Puustinen rubbed on a guard on her hit attempt in the 10th end.

Canada had never lost to Finland in 12 previous matchups at the world championship. Jones will have a tough challenge on Sunday with games against 2013 world champion Eve Muirhead of Scotland and four-time silver medallist Margaretha Sigfridsson of Sweden.

Jones beat Sigfridsson to win gold at the Sochi Games last year.

“We’re playing two amazing teams that we have a ton of respect for,” said Jones.