Breaking: Canada Defeats Sweden in Heated Curling Match; Sweden Alleges Double Touching, Canada Denies, Tensions Erupt
CURLING UDR: Canada vs. Sweden Heats Up as Accusations Fly Over “Double Touch”
Friday’s round-robin curling game between Brad Jacobs’ Canada and Niklas Edin’s Sweden sparked controversy when Sweden accused their opponents of “double touching” the stone after release. This accusation led to a tense atmosphere, heated exchanges, and a bitter loss for Sweden (6-8).
Double Trouble: The Accusation
Early in the game, Sweden alleged that Jacobs’ team was touching the stone after release, which is against the rules. They asked officials to monitor the situation. Canada retorted by requesting officials to watch Sweden’s deliveries as well.
Tempers Flare in Final Ends
After Sweden scored two in the second-last end to make it 7-6, Canada had the hammer and a glimmer of hope. But tension escalated as Marc Kennedy (Canada) and Oskar Eriksson (Sweden) exchanged words. Eriksson threatened to show Kennedy a replay of him touching the stone repeatedly, to which Kennedy responded with a dismissive “fuck off”.
Did you know? This heated exchange is rare among curling teams, known for their sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Technological Twist: The Electronic Handles
At these Games, World Curling has introduced electronic handles on the stones to detect improper touching of the stone. However, Sweden believed Kennedy was touching the stone after release, not the handle containing the sensor, thus preventing the red light from flashing.
Sweden’s Struggle and Canada’s Response
With losses to Great Britain and Italy earlier, Sweden’s defeat to Canada left them 0-3. Eriksson insisted his team believed the “double touching” occurred, but Kennedy dismissed the allegations, stating he had “a ton of respect” for Eriksson but wouldn’t tolerate accusations of cheating.
Pro Tip: Don’t look away from the action, as intense moments like these can turn a curling match into a thriller!
Umpires’ Verdict: No Violations
World Curling set umpires at the hog line to monitor deliveries for three ends following the issue. They found no hog line violations or retouches.
FAQs
- What is “double touching”? It’s when a curler touches the stone after they’ve let it go and crossed the hog line.
- Why is double touching an issue? It’s considered an unfair advantage, as it can alter the stone’s speed or line.
- What happens if someone is caught double touching? Curling rules dictate a warning for the first offense, then a penalty or disqualification for subsequent offenses.
With tensions running high and technology playing a more significant role, could this be a sign of things to come in curling? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. And while you’re here, explore more curling news and consider subscribing to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all the latest sports action!