 Win over Scotland's Ross Whyte means two wins to start season as Schwaller (photo: Graeme Hart / PPA) prepares for Swiss Olympic Trials. Yannick Schwaller with Michael Brunner at third, Romano Meier at second and Marcel Kaeufeler defeated Whyte in the final of the Euro Super Series, hosted in Stirling, Scotland at the National Curling Academy. The tournament victory was also vital for Yannick Schwaller and his team as they prepare for Switzerland's Olympic qualifying event later this month. Having beaten their keen rivals Team De Cruz, bronze medallists at the last Winter Olympics and last season's World Championships, at the Baden Masters, their only other international event so far this season. "This gives us some confidence going into our Olympic qualifying competition in two weeks," said Schwaller. "We trained well and did a lot of things over the summer that has helped us get to another level. We've won two events in a row now, and we want to win again in two weeks. That's what we're going for." Schwaller opened scoring with a single in the second end, then after a blank, Whyte took two points in the fourth end. Schwaller responded with two points in the fifth end. For Whyte, that was the turning point in the game. "We've played well and were in control, but gave up a silly two at the fifth end, and that turned the momentum a wee bit," he said. "We had chances in the sixth end too, but unfortunately couldn't capitalise and paid the price." The youthful quartet of Whyte, Robin Brydone, Duncan MacFadzean and Euan Kyle had shone once again in elite company that had included World and Grand Slam champions. Their skip was able to reflect on that in looking ahead with confidence. "It's been a good start to the season, though, and we need to do well in Canada now and make sure we get some points to get us up the rankings, so it's all go from here," said Whyte. "Getting into the top 10 by the finish of this season would be great and we're looking to potentially do well in a couple of the Slams." "I think everyone's starting to realise that we can play curling, and we're going to get better and better." Schwaller begins their quest to play in the 2022 Winter Olympic in Beijing on September 22, taking on Peter De Cruz in Biel. |
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Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant (Photo: World Curling) are tied for second at the midway point of the competition.
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