A feather in the cap for curling fans in North Bay and area.

The early attendance figures are in from the 2018 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship and one of the event’s vice chairs, Mark Brown, says everyone from the organizers, Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation, are pleased.

“To this point in time, our attendance numbers are higher than the Scotties Tournament of Hearts at this point in the draw, and that’s the first time that’s ever happened,” he says.

Brown points out even the athletes are commenting on the crowds.

“I remember Jennifer (Jones) saying in one of her interviews that this is one of the loudest arenas she’s ever played in so that just gives you so much pride in how people attending the event really appreciate the efforts and abilities of these teams,” he says.

Brown also says there’s no doubt the championship weekend will be sold out.

Canada’s Jennifer Jones rink is 4-0 after a 9-5 win over China yesterday.

Third Kaitlyn Lawes says they knew they’d have to play well in the game.

“China came out firing in the first half of the game, so we just kept saying ‘let’s be patient’ and wait for opportunities.  Fortunately we had a couple that went our way and we hung in there,” she says.

Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg leads the standings at 5-0.

Canada plays Denmark this morning (9 am) then Scotland tonight (7 pm) at Memorial Gardens.

 

PHOTO: Canada skip Jennifer Jones, lead Dawn McEwen and third Kaitlyn Lawes, left to right, celebrate their victory over China at the World Women’s Curling Championship in North Bay, Ont., Monday, March 19, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson