Scotland’s participation in the BKT Tires & OK Tire World Women’s Curling Championship in Prince George came to an end Sunday.
The Scottish team was forced to withdraw when two additional members of the team tested positive for COVID.
The team was already without skip Rebecca Morrison and alternate Fay Henderson after they tested positive for COVID on Friday, the day before the 13-team event was to begin.
Scotland played two games with just three team members (third Gina Aitken, second Sophie Sinclair and lead Sophie Jackson) on the ice. They lost their opening game Saturday night 12-1 to Switzerland and dropped a 10-9 decision Sunday morning to Czech Republic.
Further testing Sunday confirmed the two other team members tested positive. The team has located a replacement player – Beth Farmer – who travelled to Canada Saturday from her home in Glenross, Scotland, but her plans to compete in the event were scuttled.
“It has been agreed with the organizers that Team Scotland will not take part in any further matches in order to protect the safety of our athletes, our staff, all other competitors and those involved in the event, as well as to maintain the integrity of the 2022 World Championship,” said Scottish Curling, in a statement released late Sunday afternoon
“All team members are being fully supported at this time and we would like to extend our particular thanks to Beth Farmer, who due to unforeseen circumstances will now not be able to take part in the Championships, having travelled to Canada at short notice while the event was already underway in a bid to help Scotland compete. Arrangements are currently underway to organize the team’s return to Scotland as soon as it is safe and possible for them to do so.”
Scotland was due to play host Canada Wednesday at 7 p.m.. A new schedule will be released as soon as possible by the event organizers.
