Beijing, China – Team Dropkin’s unbeaten streak came to an end at the Curling World Cup, as they suffered a 7-5 loss to Canada’s Team Gushue. The defeat dropped the American rink to second place in the standings, setting up a thrilling finale to the round-robin stage.
Tournament Recap
The Curling World Cup, featuring eight top-ranked teams from around the globe, has reached its midpoint. Team Dropkin, comprising skip Korey Dropkin, third Mark Fenner, second Tom Howell, and lead Alex Fenson, had dominated the early stages, winning their first four matches.
Canada Clash
The highly anticipated matchup against Canada’s Team Gushue lived up to expectations. The teams traded points throughout, with Dropkin’s precision drawing and Gushue’s strategic shot-making on full display.
Key Moments
1. Gushue’s Clutch Shot: In the eighth end, Gushue landed a perfectly placed draw to score two points and take a 6-4 lead.
2. Dropkin’s Missed Opportunity: In the ninth end, Dropkin’s attempted takeout shot overcurled, allowing Canada to steal a crucial point.
3. Final End Drama: Dropkin’s last-ditch effort to force an extra end fell short, as Gushue’s team secured the 7-5 victory.
Post-Match Reaction
“We knew Canada would be tough, but we’re disappointed with the loss,” said Korey Dropkin. “We’ll regroup and focus on the next match.”
“Team Gushue played exceptional curling,” added Mark Fenner. “We’ll learn from our mistakes and move forward.”
Standings and Implications
The loss drops Team Dropkin to second place, one point behind new leaders Canada.
| Rank | Team | W-L |
| — | — | — |
| 1 | Canada (Gushue) | 5-1 |
| 2 | USA (Dropkin) | 4-1 |
| 3 | Sweden (Edin) | 3-2 |
The top two teams advance to the championship final, while the third- and fourth-place teams compete in the bronze medal match.
Upcoming Schedule
Team Dropkin faces:
1. Sweden (Edin) – Thursday, 14:00 CST
2. Scotland (Mouat) – Friday, 10:00 CST
“These matches will determine our fate,” said Tom Howell. “We’re ready to respond.”
Team Dropkin’s Resilience
Despite the setback, Team Dropkin remains confident:
1. Past Success: Dropkin’s team has overcome adversity before, winning the 2022 US Curling Nationals.
2. Team Dynamics: The rink’s chemistry and communication have been key factors in their success.
3. Adaptability: Dropkin’s ability to adjust strategies mid-game will be crucial in the remaining matches.
Curling World Cup History
The Curling World Cup has witnessed dramatic turnarounds before:
1. 2019: Team Sweden overcame a 1-3 start to win the title.
2. 2020: Team Canada rallied from a 2-2 record to claim the championship.
Team Dropkin’s loss to Canada serves as a wake-up call, but their resilience and determination will be crucial in the remaining matches. With the top two spots still up for grabs, the Curling World Cup is poised for an thrilling conclusion.
Stay tuned for:
1. Team Dropkin’s pursuit of the Curling World Cup title.
2. Insights into their strategy and team dynamics.
3. Exclusive interviews with Korey Dropkin and teammates.
