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Matt Dunstone is off to a winning start in his debut at the men’s world curling championship.
The Winnipeg skip opened with a 5-2 win over South Korea in the early draw before defeating Italy 9-2 in the evening on Friday in Ogden, Utah.
“Awesome day,” Dunstone said. “I mean, obviously going back to back [draws], to get off the ice early, it’s even better. Awesome, awesome start.”
Dunstone is representing Canada for the first time at the senior level after winning this year’s Montana’s Brier in St. John’s.
He put Canada up 4-2 against South Korea with a deuce in the eighth end, and sealed the win with a steal of one on the ninth.
Dunstone’s rink then stole seven points in the win over Italy, which conceded after six ends.
Canada has not won a men’s world curling title since 2017.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been here, and it’s Matt and Colton’s first time,” said lead Ryan Harnden, who’s making his third world championship appearance. “I thought we did a very good job of being patient that first game (against South Korea, when) the ice was a little bit tricky and slow and a little bit different than tonight, when it was really quick and straighter.
“Thought we did a great job of being patient and just catching onto the ice a little bit better.”
In other opening draw results,ΓÇ¿Sweden beat Scotland 6-5, China defeated Czechia 8-7, and Japan downed Norway 6-4. Germany doubled the United States 10-5, Switzerland held off Poland 11-9, and Japan edged Scotland 6-5 in evening play.
Canada continues round-robin play Saturday afternoon against Scotland.
