European Curling Championships 2009

That's it folks!

2009-12-13T09:01:00.007Z

The final games of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships have been played, the medals awarded, and the teams head home, some well satisfied with the week, some to think again. I hope all have enjoyed their time in Aberdeen.

I have. It was great being involved. I am knocked out by the hard work of the ice teams at the Linx and at Curl Aberdeen - and the long hours they put in! The umpires too were on station long before the first stone had been played each day, until after the late evening practices. I saw too how hard many of the volunteers worked. Some are still at it, making sure the players get to the airport on time.

I myself learned much from watching the (extremely industrious) media, including all involved in bring you pictures on TV and computer. The local papers did the event proud with their coverage. I enjoyed studying the professional photographers at work, whilst trying not to be envious of the kit they were packing around!

Search parties have gone out to try to find some of those who attended the final banquet and party at the Star Ballroom last night. If I just reveal that not all have made it back yet, then you will realise it was a good night! The venue, the meal, Pryde, a great ceilidh band Galik Bred, colourful and enthusiastic participants, many of whom willing to create carnage on the dance floor as they learned a variety of Scottish dances, and the odd drink or two - all contributed to a great party!

The blog has no pictures to share with the world (well, just one). I'm not going to embarrass anyone today! There were some sights, I can tell you. Some teams' 'party uniforms' were outstanding - the Netherlands men made quite an entrance. The women's teams weren't half bad either! The Scottish girls brush up really well - as you can see from the pic below!

Talented girl she is, Scotland's skip Eve Muirhead was on the stage during the evening, for a short rendition with her pipes. And that went down very well.

That's it for this blog. I may have a few more photos once I go through everything when I get home. These will be on my other blog(s). If you want to follow more of Scottish curling (and perhaps even an update on how Coo is getting on), this link is where to go:
skipcottagecurling.blogspot.com
Normal service will be resumed there soon.

Aberdeen, thanks for the memories! And thanks to everyone who made the week fun for me - too many to name, but you all know who you are.

More winners

2009-12-13T08:56:00.002Z

Latvia, with B Division trophy and medals!

Netherlands with their trophy and medals!

Coo's gone

2009-12-12T16:31:00.005Z

Coo's gone. The story is this. Among the many friends she made this week was the men's team from Greece. Skip Nikolaos Zacharias has a little five year old little girl back in Germany, called Fotini.

Fotini has offered Coo a good home and a chance to explore the world as he (and she) grow old.

I wish Coo and Fotini every happiness in the years ahead. But it will be a lonely trip home to Skip for me!

But she did leave me a wee pressie!

Sweden win Euro Championship

2009-12-12T15:26:00.007Z

Sweden are the champions! A close game - Sweden one ahead in the ninth end. Nikas Edin has to make a hit on the nose in the extra end for the win. He does!

The linescore and stats are here.

Niklas Edin

Markus Eggler skips the Swiss team and plays second stones.

Ralph Stockli throws last stones for the Swiss

Sebastian Kraupp delivers with Viktor Kjall and fredrik Lindberg ready to sweep.

More photos to come.

Men's final underway

2009-12-12T14:11:00.002Z

We're into the third end. Niklas Edin's Swedes have already counted a big three end against the Swiss. Follow the linescore here.

Germany Champions of Europe

2009-12-12T12:32:00.010Z

Andrea Schopp's German team are the Champions of Europe with a 7-5 defeat of Switzerland in the final of the woman's Le Gruyere European Curling Championship at Aberdeen's Linx arena. Find the linescore and stats here.

L-R: Rainer Schopp (coach), Andrea Schopp, Monika Wagner, Melanie Robillard, Corinna Scholz and Stella Heiss (alternate)

Good shot!

Andrea Schopp and Mirjam Ott

Mirjam Ott and Andrea Schopp

It was a really close measure for umpire Maria Davidsson! Yellow was awarded the shot - a steal for Switzerland which tied the game 5-5 in the seventh end.

More photos to come

Triumph for Latvia

2009-12-12T10:54:00.004Z

Latvia's Iveta Stasa-Sarsune (above) skipped her team of Una Grava-Germane, Ieva Krusta and Zanda Bikse to a second win over Finland this morning in the World Challenge, and there will be a Latvian team at the Ford World Women's Championship in Swift Current in March!

Denmark successfully defended their place in the men's world event by defeating challenging Netherlands in straight games.

Women's final underway

2009-12-12T10:50:00.003Z

The final is underway. Andrea Schopp's Germans and Mirjam Ott's Swiss, the holders, stepped on to the ice at 10.00 this morning to contest the women's final of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen's Linx arena.

Coo's goodbye

2009-12-12T08:11:00.004Z

Coo has had a great week at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen. It has been a life changing experience for her. She's come to a decision. She's leaving me.

I don't know if I mentioned but Coo's an orphan. She's been in touch with her auntie (above) for advice, and she's been told to follow her heart and travel the world, if that's what she wants to do.

But the big question is where to go? She's had some fantastic offers. The curling community is so kind.

Should she go to Stranraer, where she's made friends with Robyn Munro?

Or to Hungary with Boglarka (Boggy) Adam? Or to Latvia with her favourite team?

This morning the blog received the following letter, from an admirer, above:

Dear Sir, I was absolutely horrified to hear the words kn.....s y..d' used in relation to the beautiful, talented Coo. Over the last few days I have quite fallen for Coo and wondered if she would like to spend her retirement with me? I live in St. Andrews but will be going to Wengen to help the curlers there plan their centenary celebrations in 2011 and Coo's media expertise would be invaluable. There will also be celebrations in Perth so she would be able to meet her Scottish fans.

I appreciate that many will be interested in the future of Coo, but hopefully my attached photo will show you (and her) what a suitable companion I would be. I would obviously be willing to pay Coo's travel (first class of course) and escort her on her journeys.

Please advise me if their are any contractual problems - as I am more than willing to negotiate. I do hope you and Coo will consider this proposal; I promise to look after and cherish her.

Yours hopefully, Angus B.

Coo thanks Angus very much, and is very touched. Also to those who signed the petition of support. She definitely won't be going to the knackers yard, and her future looks bright indeed!

I'll let you know when she makes up her mind!

Morning Call: Saturday, December 12

2009-12-12T03:08:00.001Z

Here's the man! George Esson is the chairman of the local organising committee for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen. I caught him in the photo above managing to find a few minutes of 'me time' actually watching some of the play! (I was going to make it a caption competition, but perhaps not!)

Last day today, of course. The women's final (Switzerland v Germany) begins at 10.00, and the men's final (Sweden v Switzerland) is at 13.30. The world challenge games between Latvia and Finland, and Denmark and the Netherlands continue too. Early morning starts for these.

A huge amount of work has gone into the preparations and running of the event, and George has been the general in charge. Here he is at one of many meetings this week, with Rita Esson and Rhona Thom. Well done sir, to you and all of your team. From where I've been sitting it has been an excellent event.

Stand by for some important news about Coo later today!

Germany makes it to women's final

2009-12-11T20:58:00.005Z

Denmark and Germany faced each other in the women's semifinal at the Linx Arena tonight. You will probably have been following the linescore and results here, but, to cut a long story short, it went down an extra end, just like the men's semi.

Andrea Schopp, Melanie Robillard, Monika Wagner and Corinna Scholz secured the end and the game at Andrea's last stone. Germany then will meet Switzerland in the Championship decider tomorrow morning at 10.00.

In the first rounds of the World Challenge series of matches at Curl Aberdeen, Denmark beat the Netherlands, and Latvia beat Finland.

Apologies for the lack of photographs tonight. Blogally Richard has had to retire injured - many thanks to him for his input this week, and get well soon!

On top of that, I had my own camera malfunction this afternoon. Hopefully normal service will be back tomorrow!

Swiss reach men's final

2009-12-11T18:23:00.003Z

It went to the last stone of an extra end before the Swiss team of Ralph Stoeckli (fourth), Jan Hauser, Markus Eggler (skip) and Simon Struebin overcame Thomas Ulsrud's Norwegians in this afternoon's men's semifinal of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen. The Swiss now meet Niklas Edin's Sweden in the final game tomorrow!

You will know by now where to find the linescores and all the results and standings, and to look for a report on the Royal Club website here.

Down below

2009-12-11T15:38:00.005Z

I've had a couple of questions about what's happening in the B Divisions, and how the World Challenge is organised. I must admit that it's not easy to get one's head around all that is going on here in Aberdeen, outwith the confines of the Linx Arena.

Let's start with the women's B Division. As I began writing this the two teams that have come to the top, Latvia and the Netherlands, were battling it out for the Division B title. Both these teams will play in the A Division at the next Euro event in Champery. The winner also gets the chance to try gain a place in this season's world championship. That team is Latvia, who pipped the Dutch at an extra end! You can get to all the linescores here.

The reason is that the European Championships double up as the qualification event for the Worlds. Think of it as the European Zone, which usually supplies eight teams, joining with two from the Pacific Zone and two from the Americas to make up the twelve that compete in the Worlds.

So Latvia now has to win a challenge series against the team that finished eighth in the A rankings after the round robin. Why the eighth? The ninth and tenth teams are not going to the worlds, and indeed are relegated to the B Divisions at next year's Europeans. Finland finished eighth in the women's round robin. Their place in Swift Current is open to challenge, and the challenge is a best of three games this evening and tomorrow, at both Curl Aberdeen and at the Linx. Are you following me?

Now, you would think the men would be the same, but this year it's not! Look at the teams at the bottom of the men's rankings. Denmark was ranked 7th, Czech Republic 8th, Finland 9th and Italy 10th, and it needed a tiebreaker to decide 8th and 9th when both countries finished on the same round robin record. For next year's Europeans, there's no problem. The Czech Republic and Italy are relegated, and their places taken by Russia and the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is the B Champion, and in a normal year they would challenge the eighth placed team ie the Czech Republic. But this is not a 'normal' year. Italy is the host of the upcoming World Championships in Cortina, and the host gets an automatic place at the world event. So there are this year just seven teams going forward to the worlds from the Aberdeen 'qualifier'. The bottom ranked of these is the team that finished in seventh place after the round robin, Denmark, and so this year the Danes have to face the challenge. It does seem somewhat odd, but that's the way that it has been agreed in the rules. These can be found within the WCF Rulebook which can be downloaded from here.

Promotion for Latvia and the Netherlands

2009-12-11T11:43:00.006Z

Mark Neeleman skipped his country into the top ten at next year's European Championship when the Netherlands beat Hungary in the B Division semifinal this morning.

That's Hungarian skip Lajos Belleli encouraging his team.

Gabor Riesz plays last stones for the Hungarian side.

The Netherlands team now meet Russia in the B Division final, the winner having the right to challenge Denmark for the last available place in the Capital One World Championship in Cortina, April 3-11, 2010.

Iveta Stasa-Sarsune skipped her Latvian team to a last stone victory over Austria.

It was a hard fought game, and of course disappointment for Karina Toth and her team, after back to back losses to Netherlands and Latvia this morning.

Here Ieva Krusta calls line on Iveta's stone.

The Latvian girls will now play Shari Leibbbrandt-Demmon for the B Division title, and the chance to play for a world championship place, at the Ford World Women’s Curling Championship, March 20-28, 2010, Swift Current, Canada.

(PS Coo is ecstatic!)

Coo's Morning Call on Friday

2009-12-11T08:29:00.012Z

We are in the B Divisions this morning. The women's semifinal sees Austria up against Latvia, with the winner joining the Netherlands in qualifying for next years Le Gruyere European Championships. You will find the results here.

In the men's B competition Russia is waiting the winner of a semi between Hungary and the Netherlands.

By all accounts the 'losers party' at Curl Aberdeen last night was a great success. They were calling it the 'swingers party' in some quarters this morning. Coo doesn't understand!

Coo wants to thank all the volunteers in the transport department. Here she is, hitching a ride with Roy Haites!

And cuddling up with Saskia Kruegl. Have you got your calendar yet? Having seen what's inside, (see here) Coo wants to be a model in the next Fire on Ice. I wonder if Ana Arce is listening?

She has been practising her Russian, here with teachers Olga and Lucy!

She seems determined to get a job doing commentary for Eurosport..... or Live Channel, or the BBC. She sneeked along to David Smith's seat to try it for size.

She thanks all those who sent get well cards. She received two! And is feeling much better.

Being small, it's difficult for her to see well at Curl Aberdeen. A helping hand saw her get a grandstand seat for this morning's game!

Coo is quite blatant about who is her favourite team. L-R Dace, Zanda, Una, Iveta and Ieva, ie Team Latvia!

With the prospect of the knackers yard looming once the Euros are over, here's Coo chatting up Kirsty Letton, joint chair of the Glynhill Ladies Invitation. I think she was trying to get a blogging job at that event too!

Now, this is not something you see every day. Anette Norberg was in the stands last night watching the Swedish men win their place in tomorrow's final. Exciteement, tension? A few rows of knitting, better than any pills. What is Anette making? Socks? A hat?

Coo never learned to knit. She would like to be able to do so. She joined a 'Learn to Knit' class yesterday, with some of these fine people managing the sponsor's stand at the Linx.

What she would like to be able to make is one of these. My generation wore these heavy knitted jumpers! My mum knitted mine.

Coo has discovered there is - out there somewhere - a pattern to fit Barbie. Just Coo's size... well, almost!

If anyone can source this for me, money awaits, and Coo's gratitude!

I think she would look smart in one of these, don't you?

Rick's Picks: Last men standing

2009-12-10T20:44:00.008Z

The skips in the men's Page 3-4 playoff were Markus Eggler (Switzerland) and David Murdoch (Scotland). Read Mike Haggerty's report here. It will be the Swiss, with Ralph Stockli throwing last stones for the team, who will go through to meet the losing team of the Page 1-2 in tomorrow's 'semifinal' which goes ahead at 14.00. The Swiss went 4-1 ahead after just three ends, and the Scots were always playing catchup thereafter. The handshakes came at the end of the ninth end, with the score at 7-3 in favour of Switzerland. That ended Scotland's campaign at this year's Le Gruyere European Curling Championships.

And who would the Swiss meet in the 'semifinal'? Thomas Ulsrud's Norwegians went up against Niklas Edin's Swedes in the Page 1-2. The Swedish side always looked the stronger and were ahead 6-3 after eight, thanks to single steals in ends five and six. When Ulsrud failed with a last stone tap to get his big end in the ninth, the teams shook hands.

So that means Edin is in the championship final, and Ulsrud will play Eggler in the 'semifinal'.

Liudmila Privivkova was against Andrea Schopp in the women's Page 3-4. The Russians dropped a three against the head in end seven, and trailed thereafter. The teams shook hands in the ninth with Schopp 10-4 in front.

It was Angelina Jensen (Denmark) and Mirjam Ott (Switzerland) in the women's Page 1-2. Ahead 8-5 going down the tenth end, it was Switzerland's game. Ott's side are in the championship final. Jensen's team, with Madeleine Dupont throwing last stones, now face Germany in the semi.

All photos by Richard Gray

What happened?

2009-12-10T19:32:00.005Z

Sorry folks. Coo and I were on duty at Curl Aberdeen watching the Netherlands beat Austria to qualify for the women's A Division next year. And we weren't able to put anything up on the blog when the main website went down again this afternoon.

These Aberdonians must really pay their bills! Seriously, I gather it was overload again with interest in the results.

We're back on station at the Linx now, and will try to help if there are problems again.

Reform CC friends will be interested in the fact that the Latvian girls beat the Czech Republic at the last stone, and now meet Austria - the winner qualifying for the A Division next year.

Action from Netherlands v Austria at Curl Aberdeen

Back at the Linx, the Russian women beat Sweden in the tiebreaker for fourth place, and will be up against Germany in the Page 3-4.

Lead me not into temptation!

2009-12-10T12:10:00.006Z

Lead players in big curling competitions do not usually get much recognition for all the hard work they do for their teams. Today the Blog presents a photo feature on the women's lead players at the Linx arena in Aberdeen at the European Curling Championships. These pics were taken during the eighth and ninth rounds of play. Enjoy!

That's Sweden's Anna Svard in the pic above.

Switzerland's Janine Greiner

Lorna Vevers, Scotland

Russia's Ekaterina Galkina. (We like the eyes!)

Kristin Skaslien, Norway

Italy's Elettra De Col

Giorgia De Lotto is the Italian alternate, and played lead in the ninth game.

Germany's Stella Heiss

Alternate Corinna Scholz played lead in the last round robin game for Team Germany

Elisa Alatalo, Finland

Caroline Reed, England

Camilla Jensen, Denmark

Pics by Bob

Scots women out

2009-12-10T11:27:00.003Z

Eve Muirhead's Scotland team of Jackie Lockhart, Kelly Wood and Lorna Vevers are out of the Le Gruyere European Championships, losing narrowly this morning to Denmark. Madeleine Dupont (above) plays last stones for the Danish side, who now progress to the Page 1-2 against top of the table Switzerland.

Mike Haggerty's match report and roundup is here, and all the results and standings can be found on the official website here.

Here is Coach Nancy Murdoch, in a timeout in this morning's game.

The Swiss finished the round robin on a 7-2 win-loss record. Denmark, Germany, Sweden and Russia were all on 6-3. On ranking, Denmark placed second, Germany third, and Sweden and Russia will contest a tiebreaker for the last playoff slot.

Scotland is ranked sixth, ahead of Norway, Finland, Italy and England. The last of of these are relegated to the B divisions next year.

Morning Call: Thursday, December 10

2009-12-10T00:57:00.003Z

Here's the blog team on the bench last night, Coo and me working late, getting ready for today's action. It's the last round robin game for the girls today against Denmark at 08.00.

Defending champion Mirjam Ott of Switzerland is in top place in the round-robin rankings with a 7-1 win-loss record, two ahead of the chasing pack with just one game to play. Behind her, five teams - Denmark, Eve Muirhead’s Scotland, Anette Norberg of Sweden, Liudmila Privivkova from Russia and Germany’s Andrea Schöpp – all are on 5-3. This morning's results will sort it out!

The men's tiebreaker is at noon against the French. It will be an exciting day.

Coo, meanwhile, continues to misbehave. Saskia Kruegl, the ECF Secretary, visited us on the bench. It seems she's a big Coo fan. So off they went together, and they had a look at the calendar - the one with the girls in it which can be purchased online here.

Saskia has only a few more copies to sell here at Aberdeen and these MAY be available tomorrow, perhaps at Brian Martin's stand (Ailsa Craig Jewellery), or at Zander McIlwham's stand (Curling Supplies) in the foyer, but probably not at the Ladies' Branch stand. They will have them below the counter! £25, just ask!

Coo couldn't wait to open her copy and see Katja Kiiskinen in the ice bar, with her cuddly toy! But Saskia wouldn't let her see it, and covered her eyes! If you would like to see Katja with her clothes on go here.

Men's round robin final positions

2009-12-09T21:47:00.003Z

It's all over in the men's round robin at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships. Tomas Ulsrud (that's him in the white above) and his Norwegian side finished top of the standings with eight wins. Niklas Edin's Swedes are in second place, with seven wins. Niklas is in the yellow above. So these two will meet again in the Page 1-2.

France, Scotland and Switzerland all finished on six wins. Switzerland had the best Draw Shot Challenge average - indeed they had covered the button to win the toss on six of the eight games that were considered! That put them into the third place in the rankings.

Scotland will play France in a tiebreaker game for the remaining place in the playoffs at 12 noon tomorrow.

Mike Haggerty has the official take on it all on the Royal Club website here.

Rick's Picks Wednesday

2009-12-09T20:24:00.003Z

Ewan MacDonald and Pete Smith sweeping

Swiss action

David Murdoch

The 'eye of Stockli'.

Photos by Richard Gray

Scots women still fighting

2009-12-09T17:10:00.003Z

Eve Muirhead, skip of the Scottish women's team, faces the press at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen. That's Mike Haggerty and Katie Still asking the questions.

The Scots had just played Norway. That's Linn Githmark and Eve in the head above. What happened. Read Mike Haggerty's report here. I'm a tease!

Travels with Coo

2009-12-09T12:56:00.004Z

She turned up. Coo apparently spent the night with Rita Esson, above. What they got up to I dread to think! What more can I say?

She had her coffee and a wee read at the P&J's coverage of the event, this whole page having been put together by Paul Third who was helped out by Coo on the media bench yesterday.

Fran Empay from Canada was courier to the Scottish Ladies' tour to Canada some years back. She's come over for a reunion...

And here are some of the ladies. That's Jo Pegg with the big smile.

Kate Caithness is WCF Vice-president and Mike Haggerty is Scotland's curling journalist, whose reports we have been linking to every day.

Coo ran a mile when she saw Gordon McIntyre, who is the Development Officer at Greenacres, and also, as you see, an Irish supporter!

She was to be found helping out behind the bar at Curl Aberdeen, getting in the way of Gemma and Jamie.

Coo even managed a visit to Jimmy Cheung's restaurant, along from the Linx, here with friends!

And sooking up to the VIPs again! Les Harrison on the right is WCF President, and Mike Thomson is the organisation's Secretary General. What a girl! And don't think I didn't see Mike surreptitiously plying her with drink.

It came down to the last stone

2009-12-09T12:19:00.006Z

Scotland's Team Murdoch had the chance of securing a place in the playoffs with a win over Switzerland. That's Ralph Stockli in the head with David in the tenth end.

Did they do it? You will need to read Mike Haggerty's report here.

It was exciting. There were two timeouts worth of discussion before David went to play his last stone in the tenth, with two Swiss stones lying against him. In this not-very-good Bob pic, umpire Anne Malcolm is signalling the end of the timeout.

Spain was in the stands. Yes, I didn't want to look either! And talking of glamour calendars (see here), that's Ana Arce on the right. I must send Coo to find out how she views the men's charity calendar efforts (see here).

There has been groups of schoolkids in each morning, and they certainly add atmosphere to the early draws!

Morning Call: Wednesday, December 9

2009-12-09T07:11:00.004Z

After yesterday's play in the men's Le Gruyere European Curling Championships, Norway shares the lead with Sweden, both teams with the same won six, lost one record. Scotland now is 5-2. Team Murdoch has its final two round robin games today, Switzerland at 09.00 and Italy at 19.00. The standings with just two games remaining in the round robin are:

Norway, Sweden 6-1
France, Scotland 5-2
Switzerland 4-3
Germany 3-4
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland 2-5
Italy 0-7

Defending champion Mirjam Ott of Switzerland tops the women’s table following two wins yesterday. The Swiss now have won six and lost just one game. Russia’s Liudmila Privivkova had a bad day yesterday and has dropped to 5-2. It was a better day for the Scots, and Eve and the girls are very much still in contention. They have just one game today, against Norway at 14.00.

Women’s standings after seven games:
Switzerland, 6 -1
Denmark, Russia 5-2
Germany, Norway, Scotland, Sweden 4-3
Finland 2-5
Italy 1-6
England 0-7

In the B Divisions at the Curl Aberdeen rink, Netherlands and Latvia lead the women’s B1 division, unbeaten on four wins, while Austria leads the B2 division, on three wins and no losses. Russia is on top of the men’s MB1 division on eight wins and no losses, well ahead of the field, and Hungary leads MB2 on six wins and one loss, with Austria and Wales both on six wins and two losses.

The live scoring, statistics and results can be found here: www.ecc2009.co.uk

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Linx is a sell out for Saturday's final games, and there is a waiting list for tickets. If you don't have a ticket, don't travel to Aberdeen expecting to get in on the door. If you do have a ticket, and don't plan to use it, please pass it to someone else! But there's a PS. The local organising committee is looking at the option of bringing in extra seating!

There is certainly space today, tomorrow and Friday (check the main website for draw information) if you want to experience this great event at first hand.

Have you seen Coo? She didn't come home last night. I'm worried someone has led her astray... again! Update later.

Rick's Picks on Tuesday

2009-12-09T00:02:00.005Z

Richard Gray takes great curling pics. This gets my award for the best of the championship to date. It's Katja Kiiskinen of Finland. It's the spider that does it, of course. Well done Richard!(Click on the pic to see it in larger size)

Grrrrrrr. Martin Snitil, Czech Republic

It's Lucy! Liudmila Privivkova.

(Remember, these are Richard's selection. I guess he's joined the fan club! Great pic too!)

Kirsty Balfour, England

Madeleine Dupont

Now I've seen everything!

2009-12-08T22:53:00.003Z

Good win for the Scots against Finland tonight, completing a successful day on the ice. Mike Haggerty's report is here.

The blog had an assistant tonight. Becky is studying photography at the local college. The only problem is that Coo has gone off in the huff. Apparently another redhead on the team was too much for her! See jealousy!

But seriously. There has been an outbreak of flyposting at the arena. The organising committee won't be pleased. Crowds of women curlers grouped round one of the posters on the stairwell and I had to fight my way in to see what the fuss was about! "Scandal", "disgusting", "sexist" were just some of the words I didn't hear.

"What a big curling stone", seemed to be the general opinion! In case you don't recognise him with no clothes on, it's Ewan MacDonald!

This is NOT a windup. The calendar does exist. A 'rival' to the Fire on Ice calendar being sold by the ECF, see here!

Now I've seen everything!

Scotland v Norway

2009-12-08T18:48:00.005Z

Scottish timeout in the tenth end of the game against Norway. Find out what happened by reading Mike Haggerty's report here.

Norway's Thomas Ulsrud

Ewan MacDonald and Pete Smith hard at work.

Christoffer Svae, with Euan and Ewan

The Candid Camera

2009-12-08T16:06:00.003Z

We liked this 'caption competition' pic which came up during the Germany v Norway game. "Right girls. I want you to look carefully and tell me what you see."

"Why don't the stones slide down the slope?" (From the portfolio of a very tired photographer!)

"Here, Peter, you just stick that in your mouth and let me know what it tastes of."

Round and about

2009-12-08T14:02:00.004Z

Coo, who occasionally does a bit of a runner herself, was thrilled to meet a big hero this morning, none other than Steve Cram, the 'Jarrow Arrow' himself, see here. Why is he here in Aberdeen? That's still a bit of a secret, but if you promise not to tell anyone, the clue is Olympics, BBC television, and the fact that Coo was hoping to become a commentator (as mentioned yesterday).

This is Zara, whose partner has sent her (alone) to the Le Gruyere European Championships for a week. She's a passionate curl-watcher. Welcome to Aberdeen Zara, and we hope you have a great time here.

The volunteers doing the stats this morning were hard at work when we visited earlier!

CurlingZone's Gerry Guerts is the stats supremo this week.

Coo took one look and ran away! Altogether now, "Swedish fans in the stands......"

BIG NEWS JUST IN FROM CURL ABERDEEN

Yes, it's happened. We've been reliably informed from a blogally watching the B Divisions, that.... let's say a significant event has taken place. This is the first major championship that Laura Beever, Lisa Peters, Andrea Greenwood and Jane Robbins have competed in. They are Euro virgins! And they've won a game, defeating Slovakia 8-6.

"Welsh women curlers lose virginity in Aberdeen" is the headline. And probably a first for the English language that the words 'curlers' 'Welsh' and 'virginity' have ever been used in the same sentence. And you read it here!

Caption competition. Given the information above, I'm not even going to attempt it myself. Over to you. That's Lisa Peters and Laura Beever in the pic above.

Back to top normality later. The Scottish women had a great victory in their sixth round game. Mike Haggerty's report will be/is here.

Scotland the Brave

2009-12-08T11:31:00.005Z

Scotland faced Germany in their sixth round game, with five wins already in the bag. Mike Haggerty's report on the game is here. And by now you will know where to find all the linescores and stats here.

Let's just say it was exciting! Euan, Pete, Ewan and Dave came back from four behind! A quick salute to the team follows.

Here's David Murdoch

Ewan MacDonald

Peter Smith

Euan Byers

Not the happiest of birthdays then for Andy!

Morning Call: Tuesday, December 8

2009-12-08T07:22:00.006Z

Happy birdy to you
Happy birdy to you
Happy birdy dear Andy
Happy birdy to you

Andy Kapp is 42 years old today. Looking good for it, don't you think?

There are two more games for the men's and the women's teams at the Linx arena today. These are the sixth and seventh rounds of play in the nine game round robin series.

Scotland's men are rolling along, played five, won four, with Germany and Norway next up. This is an important day, for sure.

Eve Muirhead and her team are on two wins from five games. They have Sweden and Finland today.

Meanwhile, Coo is basking in celebrity status here in Aberdeen. Next thing you know she'll be doing commentary on the games! But seriously, she's loving just being here and being involved. She's a real 'people person'!

Tansy Whitebits is still missing. Evidence is coming in that she is not who she said she was, and the photo above is of someone completely different..... More on that story later.

As for the Latvian team alternate who we think she has run off with, three team colleagues came forward with some background information on their whereabouts, on condition of anonymity. I've hidden their faces below.

Oops.

Critical observers will have noticed that the photo of Andy at the top of the blog is an old one, from the Edinburgh International Championship a week or so ago. There will be more of Andy here later today, so you'll be able to see how he's aged in the interim!

Rick's Picks on Monday

2009-12-07T22:53:00.005Z

German sweeping

Norway in action

Thomas Dufour

Scotland's Ewan MacDonald in the head against Denmark

Linn Githmark delivers

More B time

2009-12-07T22:19:00.005Z

Coos, no matter how well accredited, are not allowed on to the field of play. Quite rightly so, the European Championships are a serious business. So, like other team mascots, Coo had to settle for a space behind the glass after she persuaded me to return for another visit to Curl Aberdeen where the B Divisions of the European Championships are being played.

She wanted to meet my Latvian friends, whose team is skipped by Ritvars Gulbis, above.

We both enjoyed some of the Irish - Welsh derby. Here are the Irish in action.

Hungary was playing Estonia, and we cheered for Ilde's Angels (see here). And here I always thought the media was supposed to be unbiased!

I'm sure though the real reason that we went to Curl Aberdeen tonight is that Coo is madly in love with Boglarka Adam!

Coo showed the Croatian girls the pics we put on the blog. Here they are looking at the blog, courtesy of Curl Aberdeen manager, Tom Brewster.

And we called in at the Champery party. The Swiss resort will host the 2010 Le Gruyere European Curling Championships! Here, Coo is trying to persuade Eddy Peter (he's i/c Marketing and Communication for the Champery Organising Committee) to let her come to Switzerland next year. I think she's getting ideas above her station!

The difference a day makes

2009-12-07T21:58:00.003Z

Mirjam Ott's Swiss are the European Champions from last year in O'Vik. They were just too strong for Eve Muirhead's Scottish team in tonight's fifth round game. Mike Haggerty's report is here.

All Kelly Wood's shouting was for naught on this occasion.

As was Lindsay Wood's cheerleading!

Pics by Bob

BIG NEWS TODAY

2009-12-07T20:19:00.003Z

The World Curling Federation (WCF) has announced that Malcolm Richardson, former President of the European Curling Federation (ECF), will be awarded the 2010 World Curling Freytag Award. The announcement was made during the WCF’s semi-annual General Assembly which took place during the European Championships in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Malcolm Richardson, from Scotland, stood down as President of the European Curling Federation in December 2008. “The World Curling Federation wishes to congratulate the 2010 World Curling Freytag Award winner, Malcolm Richardson. Malcolm’s dedication over many years to curling’s administration through the Royal Caledonian Curling Club and as president of the ECF, made him an excellent choice to receive this prestigious award,” said World Curling Federation President Les Harrison.

The World Curling Freytag Award honours curlers or individuals who have distinguished themselves and or made an outstanding contribution to the development of curling internationally. “I am utterly overwhelmed,” said Malcolm Richardson. “I thought I had come here to meet old curling friends. When I look at the people who have received the World Curling Freytag Award in the past, I am honoured to be counted among them.”

The official presentation of the award will take place during the Capital One World Men’s Curling Championship 2010, in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy in April.

Photo of Malcolm sharing a joke in the stands tonight is by Bob.

Coo's back

2009-12-07T14:55:00.003Z

And here she is! Complete now with her own accreditation as 'media liason' (sic - coo cany spel but don't tell her I said so)

She was up bright and early helping Scott Henderson and Peter Stark on the ice preparation at the Linx. She even learned to drive the Ice Boss!

She was telling the volunteers what a good job they are doing (and they are). L-R: Rita Esson, Rhona Thom, David Jack and Lorraine Stevenson

She went for some retail therapy at Brian Martin's Ailsa Craig jewellery. Brian's here at Aberdeen, and has an online presence here.

She met RCCC President Bill Marshall and his wife Corona.

Here she is with three important people from British Curling. L-R Chris Hildrey (the chairman), David Gaffney and Mike Gillespie. I think she would make a good Board member, don't you?

Coo even helped to sell the Scottish Curler at a stand set up by the Ladies' Branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club. No 'Fire on Ice' calendar here though!

Foto Feature: Scotland v Russia

2009-12-07T10:41:00.020Z

It was indeed a lip-smackingly good prospect. How would Eve and her team fare against the top-of-the-standings Russians this morning at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen's Linx arena? Mike Haggerty's report is here.

Here is my photo essay of the game.

Hard working sweepers...

...on Eve's stone. This is Eve Muirhead (recent winner of the Young Sportsperson of the Year award)

Skips in the house

It's a hair thing!

Russian skip - third interaction

Russia's third player, Anna Sidorova

Here's Lucy! Russian skip Liudmila Privivkova

One for the fan club members in Troon and beyond

Scotland's 'Blue Streak' missile Kelly Wood at second stones

And here she is putting the effort in with the sweeping on Eve's stone

Jackie Lockhart plays third stones for the Scots. As seen here, she is always serious!

And sometimes loud, when it's needed!

Eyes of the Day award. Russia's lead, Ekaterina Galkina

Time to talk

Did I mention that Le Gruyere is the title sponsor of the European event?

Team Russia: L-R Olga Jarkova, Ekaterina Galkina and Anna Sidorova

Scotland's lead Lorna Vevers

Kelly and Lorna, the Scottish front end. Let's hear it for the 'front end union'!

One of these 'stone days' for Eve! Hopefully the diamonds lie ahead.

... and some applause too for those who have to suffer off the ice. L-R: Karen Addison (alternate), Derek Brown (Scotland's National Coach), Nancy Murdoch (team coach).

All pics by Bob

"Hurry HARD!!" in silence

2009-12-07T10:41:00.010Z

It looks like any other curling match, but there is something different taking place here. The skip, in the red, is Croatia's Katarina Radonic. None of Katarina's team can hear! Nor can the alternate.

Coach Jamie Boutin, an expat Canadian living in Germany, encountered the four hearing impaired girls five years ago, as they were just embarking on their first curling experiences. They've become good enough now to compete at the European Championships, under Katarina's direction.

But just think about it for a moment. Those of you who play a bit, just imagine what it would be like if you are skipping and your team cannot hear you shouting, or easily understand your instructions. But these girls have made it work, and it was an education, and a thrill, for me to watch them yesterday.

The skip is already signalling as soon as the stone is out her hand.

This is third player Melani Lusic.

And lead Marijana Bozic

They take the game very seriously.

Here is second Maja Sertic communicating from the far end. What's she trying to tell the third and skip?

I'm getting the gist!

I wish I could understand!

I'm lost now.

I think I know this one!

Thumbs up indeed to the Croatian team, and to curling!

Morning Call: Monday, December 7

2009-12-07T07:19:00.004Z

We are just two days into the event, and the volunteers and staff at the Linx and at Curl Aberdeen, not to mention the ice staff and the umpires, can be excused for being a wee bit tired! What workers! I had been worried about Coo all day yesterday and when she described seeing hundreds of Santa Clauses (Santas Claus?) running past the Linx and along the beach front, I thought she was hallucinating!

Today's a key day at both the Linx and Curl Aberdeen. It becomes clearer which teams are at the top of their game, and which are going to struggle to make it to playoffs. Too early to tell of course, there's still lots of curling to come. But in the women's competition the Russians are undefeated after three games, whereas England and Finland have still to post their first point.

Eve, Jackie, Kelly and Lorna meet Lucy's Russian side at 09.00 this morning on Sheet B. They are queuing up outside the Linx for this one!

Scotland's men are up against Denmark at 14.00, and the girls are back on at 19.00 against the Swiss, the holders.

I'm sure you know by now to find all the results and standings from the links on the main website here, and to read Mike Haggerty's reports here.

Now, lets just wind up the cheese story. It was good to see it safely at the Linx and samples being distributed by the sponsor's representatives to visitors.

I'm just finding out now that Coo played a key role in its discovery! She teamed up with some Hungarian secret agents (henceforth known as Ilde's Angels), and stormed the Cupar cricket pavilion in the dead of night to rescue all 1,650 tons!

I was impressed. Ilde's Angels are (L-R) Ildiko, Boglarka, Krisztina and Gyongyi. Doesn't Coo look happy in Boggy's embrace? I'm worried about her.

But I've now discovered the real reason why she was unwell yesterday. It was nothing to do with her adventures with Ilde's angels, she just got into some bad company on Saturday night with Lesley Arrowsmith and Bob Kelly. She had a hangover!

Now, has anyone seen Tansy Whitebits? I think she's run off with the Latvian alternate!

Rick's Picks on Sunday

2009-12-06T22:20:00.004Z

Another selection of Richard Gray's photos, picked by Richard himself. Enjoy Sunday's Rick's Picks. This one for the sponsor!

Some days are diamonds, some days are stone!

French power

Tomi Rantamaki

The rest of the Finnish team

Italy's Marco Mariani

Scottish fans in the stands

2009-12-06T17:22:00.011Z

Scottish alternate Graeme Connal was used by the Murdoch team for the second half of their fourth round game tonight. That was only for one end, as it turned out. Mike Haggerty has the report and quotes on the Royal Club website here. You can find all the results and standings on the main website here.

Marion Murdoch was leading the singing in the stands today, "That's my boy!" She's David's mum.

Recognise anyone?

They were subdued this morning, but rather louder tonight.

I spotted my 'Blond of the Day' watching the games this morning. It's Kasia Selwant. She's one of the Polish National Champions, and as a special treat, her boyfriend has brought her to Aberdeen for a long weekend. Super girl! And I'm not even going to mention that she featured in the first Fire on Ice calendar in 2007. The month of January has never been the same since!

Talking of calendars, the 2010 Fire on Ice issue is being sold by the ECF online (see here), but there's no sign of it (yet) in Aberdeen. Some of the 2010 calendar girls are on the ice here. I think I might send Coo on a misssion to seek them out over the next couple of days!

And, for those of you who have asked, and indeed sent get well wishes, Coo is feeling much better this evening!

Top photo by Bob, all the others, including that of Kasia, are courtesy Jim Law.

Back at the Linx

2009-12-06T17:22:00.001Z

Eve, Jackie, Kelly and Lorna were up against Germany's Andrea Schopp team in their third game of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships. How did they get on? Mike Haggerty's report is here.

Curl Aberdeen's secret

2009-12-06T16:44:00.008Z

There are thirty-one teams playing in the B Divisions of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships in Aberdeen this week. And the Curl Aberdeen rink has a real buzz about it. The blog got there this morning, and here are a few photos which give no more than a flavour of the event. Enjoy - I know I did, being there and being part of it all, if only for a short time!

And the secret? It doesn't cost anything to get in! There are lots of really attractive curlers to watch, and the women's teams are half bad either!

Team Poland

Spanish flair!

Estonia v Russia

Serbia v Netherlands

Lithuania's skip Tadas Vyskupaitis

Croatia v Latvia (more on these teams later)

Greek excitement! Nikolaos Zacharias

Estonia's skip Erkki Lill

Spain v Lithuania

Team England in action

A Bulgarian summit

Russia's Andrey Drozdov

Netherlands Mark Neeleman.

Apologies if any names are misspelled!

BIG NEWS

2009-12-06T16:23:00.002Z

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - The World Curling Federation (WCF) has announced that the World Men’s Curling Championship in 2012 has been awarded to the City of Basel in Switzerland. The event will be held from the 31st of March until the 8th of April in the St Jakob Halle.

The announcement was made by the World Curling Federation’s Executive Board as the European Championships were taking place in Aberdeen, Scotland. “The WCF was impressed with the quality of the host bids it received for this event,” said WCF President Les Harrison. “Basel’s submission met all the criteria – a bid fully supported by the City of Basel and the Swiss Olympic Association.”

“Since Basel hosted the European Curling Championships three years ago, we have been committed to trying to be awarded the World Men’s Championships in 2012,” said Bruno Schallberger, President of the organising committee for the event. “We’ve now harvested the fruit of our labours in the face of other very strong bids.”

The 2012 event will be staged in the St Jakob Halle which has a capacity for 5,000 spectators. The European Championships in 2006 drew big crowds to the city. The indications are that curling fans from around the world will travel to the Swiss city to watch the event.

Candid camera

2009-12-06T12:05:00.008Z

It was not the happiest morning at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championship at Aberdeen, if you were a Scottish supporter. You can read why here.

To cheer you up, here are some candid snaps from the Championships so far!

"There'll be a bus coming along soon. In fact, here it comes."

"No, it's a 45. Will the 68 never come!"

"Psst. Want to buy some curling stones?"

"Quiet. Let me count. One, three, two..."

"From Russia with love!"

"Umpire Mats Olofsson prepares to break the Scottich all-comers record in the Clean and Jerk!"

"Right, you guys. Line up! In descending order"

"Sssshhhhh", or 'Can I borrow a tissue?"

Three times world junior champion Sarah Macintyre. Make up your own caption. Something with 'horn' in it. Now, don't you dare!

Pics by Bob

Morning Call: Sunday, December 6

2009-12-06T07:39:00.003Z

Scotland's men play the Czech Republic at 09.00 this morning. The Scottish women are against Germany at 14.00, and Team Murdoch are back in action again at 20.00. Only three draws at the Linx today.

At Curl Aberdeen however, play begins at 08.00. Four draw days there, every day. I must try to get a trip up the road today to see how they are all getting on there.

Now the cheese saga. It's arrived. Not all 215 tons, but a small amount and I have a sample to try. Special stuff indeed. Gruyere Reserve! "Matured for 4-5 months longer than regula Gruyere. The resulting flavour is far nuttier and fullier than its rival," Nuttier, eh? I'm going to enjoy it.

Now, if the organising committee could just find their website.... !

Now, bad news. All the excitement yesterday was just too much for Coo and she's been confined to bed under the doctor. I'm sure a day of rest (after all it is Sunday) will do her the world of good. Please send 'get well' cards and messages to Coo, c/o the media room at the Linx.

Has anyone seen Tansy Whitebits? She was last seen in the company of the Latvian men's team, and I'm worried she may have run off with their alternate. He's not been seen either.

The blog is running out of helpers. It will soon be a case of "Help ma blog!"

Rick's Picks

2009-12-05T23:18:00.006Z

Blogally Richard Gray is here in Aberdeen as a volunteer doing stats. He's a keen curling photographer too. I challenged him to select some of his own photos that he likes the most, as a change from the regular fare you get from me! So, as a late night treat on Saturday, here are today's Rick's Picks. Enjoy.

Top: Eve Muirhead (click on each pic to see larger size)

Thomas Ulsrud

Liudmila Privivkova

Team Italy

Anette Norberg, with Melanie Robillard and Corinna Scholz behind.

These photos are © Richard Gray

Saturday night in Aberdeen

2009-12-05T22:47:00.006Z

It was an old firm encounter! Find how Scotland's girls fared against Kirsty Balfour's English by reading Mike Haggerty's report here. That's Kirsty above.

There's been some problems with the official website today, but hopefully these are solved now. Try the link on the top right if problems continue and you are looking for results.

Nailbiting at times, but that's a win on the board for the Scots.

Eve in action.

Pics by Bob

Where's Coo?

2009-12-05T20:19:00.003Z

Coo has had a really exciting day today. Too much really to go into detail. So much excitement that she's been sent to bed early! Here are today's highlights. She sat in on the BBC Radio Scotland Sports Weekly programme this morning, presented live in the arena by John Beattie and Katie Still. Go here to listen again.

Here's Katie and Coo. She's besotted, Coo that is, meeting a celebrity. Katie's biography on the BBC Radio Scotland website says, "Katie joined the BBC in 2002 and has been co-presenting Sports Weekly since 2004. She's had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing some of the biggest sports stars in the world, as well as sports people you've never heard of, providing some of the greatest stories!"

And she made Coo's day today!

And Coo got to watch some great curling today! Here she is on the bench beside Kenny More who does the video analysis for the Scottish teams, helping them in their debriefs after each game.

More Coo adventures tomorrow.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

2009-12-05T18:57:00.002Z

The 'official website for the event has crashed, because of much more than anticipated traffic to the site today.

It should be back up and running soon, but in the interim, results and standings can be accessed via CurlingZone. Click on this link for the men, and this link for the women.

Allez, allez!

2009-12-05T18:00:00.008Z

Scotland's men (David Murdoch, Ewan MacDonald, Pete Smith and Euan Byers) were up against France, skipped by Thomas Dufour (above) in their second game. Mike Haggerty has the report here.

A quick fashion aside now. This is the first time that the new Scottish (light coloured) strip has been seen. It's rather unusual and certainly gets the thumbs up from me!

A tenth end timeout with coach David Hay.

It was a workmanlike performance from the Scots. Not a lot of shouting was necessary.

More caption competition photos later, but have this as a starter. L-R: Dave Hay (team coach), Graeme Connal (alternate), Derek Brown (national coach).

'Which one brought the frankincense?' I'm sure you can do better.

Pics by Bob

Saturday's women

2009-12-05T15:22:00.008Z

Scotland's Eve Muirhead

Oops!

This is Giorgia Apollonia of Italy whose team did the damage to the Scots this afternoon. The story is here.

Switzerland's Mirjam Ott and Norway's Marianne Rorvik

A Norwegian confab!

Liudmila Privivkova of Russia...

...was up against Kirsty Balfour's English team.

Ellen Vogt, Finland

Madeleine Dupont plays the fourth stones for the Danish team

Angeline Jensen is the skip

Germany's Andrea Schopp beat Anette Norberg's Swedes in their first round encounter!

Pics by Bob

Blond of the Day

2009-12-05T14:00:00.004Z

It's back! By popular demand. Blond of the Day!

Today, Saturday, December 5, top of the poll is Norway's Linn Githmark.

More photos of the women later. You know, taking photos at a big event like this is such a hard job, but someone's got to do it!

Follow the results here, and the story of the Scottish game here.

The men at Aberdeen

2009-12-05T11:16:00.007Z

First game, and it was a tight one for the Scots. Mike Haggerty's report is here. It came down to the last stone, and here's the team discussion to decide the shot!

First round opposition was against Sweden, skipped by Niklas Edin.

The Swedes at work. Who won? Find all the results here.

An interesting end earlier in the game.

So, let's have a brief look at the other countries in men's Division A.

Norway (Thomas Ulsrud) v Switzerland (Markus Eggler)

Ralph Stockli plays the last stones for the Swiss.

Finland v the Czech Republic. That's Tomi Rantamaki in full voice, with Jiri Snitil behind.

Germany v Denmark - Ulrik Schmidt is the skip and Johnny Frederiksen plays last stone. This pic has Johnny in the head.

Germany's skip, Andy Kapp

France v Italy. Thomas Dufour calling the shot.

Italy's skip Stefano Ferronato

Morning Call: Saturday, December 5

2009-12-05T06:44:00.003Z

Fit like? 06.30 and Scott Henderson and Mark Shurek and the others on the ice crew are readying the Linx Arena for the first games of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships.

David Murdoch and his team play their first game at 08.00 against Sweden. And later, in this four-draw day, the Scots are up against the French at 16.00.

(L-R: Pete Smith, David Hay (coach), Ewan MacDonald, Graeme Connal (alternate), David Murdoch and Euan Byers)

Eve Muirhead and her women's team meet Italy at noon and England at 20.00. It's going to be a full day of curling.

(L-R: Nancy Murdoch (coach), Eve Muirhead, Jackie Lockhart, Kelly Wood, Lorna Vevers and Karen Addison (alternate). Aberdeen Asset Management is a major sponsor of the event)

You can find all the results here, and the reports on the Scottish games, by Mike Haggerty, after every draw here on the Royal Club website.

Now, time for an update on the cheese (see yesterday). There's still no sign of the missing 22 tons of Le Guyere AOC. At yesterday's opening ceremony LOC chairman George Esson put on a brave face and insisted it was 'on its way'! He did concede he has no idea what 35 tons of cheese looks like.

Some fear it has been hijacked to Canada where the Roar of the Rings begins later today. Blogally Tansy Whitebits has received a tipoff that it may actually be in Cupar, and is being sold in small parcels to raise funds for the Fife Curling Trust!

I thought it might be a good idea to issue a wanted poster. So if you see any suspicious persons carrying a large piece of cheese (see photo below) contact the blog immediately, or phone the missing cheese help line!

It must be out there somewhere, 65 tons of cheese can't just vanish without trace!

(Thanks to John Brown of the English Curling Association for carrying out this reconstruction!)

Let the games begin

2009-12-04T20:02:00.006Z

All fifty-one teams paraded into the Linx arena at a colourful opening ceremony for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships this evening.

The VIPs were there. L-R: Kay Gibb (RCCC Ladies Branch), Bill Marshall (RCCC), Phillipe Gremaut (representing sponsor Le Gruyere AOC), Andrew Ferguson-Smith (President ECF), Lord Provost Peter Stephen, George Esson (Chairman LOC).

Teams and spectators made quite a sight!

I don't have favourite teams!

The event has received a great deal of support from Aberdeen City Council, and Lord Provost Peter Stephen welcomed players, officials and fans.

Grampian Police pipe band entertained.

It wasn't quite the team that won the European Championships way back in 1980, but it was pretty close. Barton Henderson, Roy Henderson, Alastair Sinclair and Billy Henderson paraded in the event flag.

Which was raised by George Stevenson...

...to the cheers of the crowd!

Barton Henderson threw the first stone...

.... to Sandy Anderson's brush. It was ably swept by Laura Morris and Lewis Houston, but it finished up three feet short.

Actually, like many things on this blog, that was not true! It would probably have been a first. No, it finished right on the button, as always, and the competition is underway!

Coo's travels

2009-12-04T16:47:00.004Z

Coo had a great time today, meeting the great and the good, and some of the volunteers that are making the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships happen! Let's start with the highlight of the day - getting a cuddle (I least I think it was) from European Curling Federation President Andrew Ferguson Smith.

Coo also stood guard on the blog computer when Bob was out taking pictures of beautiful women on the ice. (Tough work, but someone has to do it!).

She helped Ian Flett (i/c volunteers) serve breakfast at Curl Aberdeen.

And enjoyed being shown Aberdeen trophies by Kay Gibb, President of Royal Caledonian Curling Club Ladies Branch.

Coo helped greet visitors at this information stand, manned by Anne Milne (on left) and Kendall Stanley, both members of Aberdeen Ladies CC.

Such a flirt, she fraternized with the Greek men's team. She wants to be a cheerleader!

And went for a hurl with Louise Wood, who's in charge of tonight's opening ceremony.

Coo was quite taken with Wim Neeleman, from the Netherlands. Wim is one of the European Eurosport commentators! Warm hands and a lovely voice, says Coo!

And she even had time to take in the spectacle of big waves on the beach outside of the Linx arena.

What will she get up to tomorrow. I don't dare to think!

A taste of B

2009-12-04T11:46:00.009Z

It's 05.30 and Chief Umpire Alan Stanfield parades his umpiring team prior to the start of practice at Curl Aberdeen, where the B Division teams at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships will compete for the next week.

And here are the umpires at Curl Aberdeen. Back L-R: Charlie Kapp, Christine Shaw, Alan Stanfield. Front: Glenda Barrowman, Albert Middler, Eeva Rothlisberger. And TWO Christmas trees!

Serbia is here. This is Bojan Mijatovic.

Team Iceland is here!

And Croatia was another of the countries whose practice slots were at 07.30! This is their skip Alen Cadez.

The Greeks were on the ice too. Now, I have a story about the Greek team. There are based in Germany. A couple of years back, they played at the Europeans in Garmisch and had a number of cheerleaders (yes, real ones!) supporting them. I was so disappointed this morning to find them on their own. Still they are Bob's Team of the Day!

This is the skip Nikolaos Zacharias

Alternate Efstratios Kokkinellis

Dionysios Karakostas is the second.

Lead is Athanassios Pantios

Third player is Georgios Arampatzis

Good luck to the Greek team this week!

Pics by Bob (and apologies in advance for any wrongly identified, or names misspelled!)

Morning Call: Friday, December 4

2009-12-04T07:10:00.007Z

Here is Friday's early morning news from Aberdeen, and the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships.

This is practice day for the 20 teams involved at the Linx Arena, and the 31 at Curl Aberdeen.

It will be/was (depending on when you are reading this) an early start at Curl Aberdeen, where several of the men's teams, namely Lithuania, Greece, Serbia, Belarus and Iceland, were practising at 07.30, and of course Tom and Paul had been up much much earlier to get the ice prepared. And Alan Stanfield and his umpiring team were on duty before there was any light in the east! All twenty men's teams, and all eleven women's teams have been allotted practice times during the day.

Now here's today's really important trivia. Did you know that the men's teams in the B division get ten minutes practice on each sheet and the women get fifteen minutes! No, don't say it!

The A Division teams begin their practice at the Linx at noon.

The opening ceremony for all the athletes will be at the Linx Arena at 18.30!

But now the gossip! Apparently three tons of cheese has gone missing! The sponsor Le Gruyere AOC always has plenty of its product on hand at the Europeans. Where is this year's? Has it gone missing in transit? Delayed at Customs? Lost in Space? Surely no-one has pinched it.

I asked President Andrew Ferguson Smith, the 'big cheese' (sorry) of the European Curling Federation, for a comment. "I am confident it will turn up," was his response.

George Esson, chair of the local organising committee, said, "There's been no sight, sound or smell of it so far. No, wait, there was a strange aroma in the media room last night."

I remembered I had changed into my curling shoes there." It was my turn to apologise... again.

"We have a contingency plan," said George. "I have twenty volunteers ready to rush to all the local supermarkets to buy up all the Gruyere they have in stock. It's not a disaster. We'll still have the midnight fondue party on the beach, by hook or by crook, don't you worry."

Tansy Whitebits is on the case. Coo is beside herself with worry.

Memorable curling

2009-12-03T18:57:00.006Z

The Curl Aberdeen rink is the venue for the B Divisions at the Le Gruyere European Championships. I went for a wee look this evening. The ECF President and the Board have hung out their welcome!

Alan Stanfield was having a training session for the on-ice volunteers.

A competition such as the Euros could not run without volunteers, and here are just a few of the many that are involved this week at Aberdeen.

Tom Brewster is the Curl Aberdeen manager, and of course this week he is in charge of the ice at this venue (as well as having been instrumental in getting the ice in at the Linx!). Here he is doing a final flood at Curl Aberdeen, assisted by Paul Martin.

The rink has installed more lighting - and it is just fabulous. No excuse for not getting good photos!

We're actually back at the Linx. This is umpire Dor Borthwick. She is about to give me very privileged access. Behind the door is.......

...... the umpires' room. I thought the Christmas tree was a rather nice touch. It just makes it home from home for the umpires.

Now, I know the blog is not the place for private messages, but can I just quickly inform Lucy's fan club president (he's based in Troon), that the Russians are safely here. (That's Liudmila Privivkova is on the right, in case anyone would like to join)

Welcome to Aberdeen

2009-12-03T15:24:00.009Z

It was a rainy welcome to Aberdeen today, but the Linx arena is looking great, and ready to go for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships.

Last minute work was ongoing. Here, many hands make light work as a camera gantry is readied to be lifted into place.

Kays of Scotland have found a new source of curling stone granite (above), but it is not likely to be in production for a little while yet!

Ice is nice.

This addition to the Linx is to provide extra changing room accommodation for the twenty teams which will play at the arena in the A Divisions.

A smile awaits the visitors! I caught these key members of the local organising committee relaxing, while awaiting the arrival of teams and others looking for their accreditation. L-R: Rona Thom, Rita Esson, George Esson (the chairman of the loc) and Norma Pert.

She usually stays shy of the camera, but this is Joanna Kelly, the World Curling Federation's media relations officer. (If there are no further blog posts, that's because she's revoked my media privileges after seeing this pic online!)

Here are the A Division umpires, out of uniform, looking forward to a long week, with some very long days for the officials. L-R: Dor Borthwick, Mats Olafsson, Anne Malcolm, Leslie Ingram Brown (the chief), Maria Davidsson and Harold Forrester. There's one more to come for the A, that's Michael Schlatter.

Pics by Bob

Blog team take up station

2009-12-03T00:04:00.004Z

One day to go, and the team which will bring you 'the blog' for the next ten days or so, is heading for Aberdeen.

Most people will have heard of me, Bob the Blogger, but I could not contemplate any of what lies ahead without the help of members of the event blog team.

For one, there's Richard Gray. His big lens has the job of bringing you closeup and personal photos of curlers from both A and B divisions. With any luck we may even have a POTD (photo of the day), along the lines of what we attempted all these years ago (well, two) from Fussen. Here's an example. I suspect that Richard may well have clocked the fact that the Hungarian girls are competing at Curl Aberdeen, so a pic or two of Boglarka Adam may well be his first assignment.

Or it may not. I've no idea what's going to happen this week.

I do know that I've got a couple of other helpers. Coo (aka Dilseacht of An Teallach, Born 11/04/06, Sheffield Highland Fling 2009 1st - Three Year Old Heifer, Female Champion) is really looking forward to meeting and having her photo taken with lots of curlers, fans, coaches, media types and mascots from all over Europe. That's her in the photo on the panel on the right.

I'm very happy to be working again with Tansy Whitebits. That's her on the left. Her job is to cover for me when I am unable to be everywhere, or anywhere, for that matter. She's rather fond of Curl Aberdeen, and wants desperately to watch the Welsh men, or so she tells me.

She likes going to meetings too and as there will be significant action off the ice during the Championships week, with both the European Curling Federation and the World Curling Federation holding key governance and strategic meetings that will determine the future organisation, administration and rules of the game, Tansy will be in her element! Look out for her!

She's threatened to bring along some of her friends to help, such as Sally Forth, Sabina Pleasure and Phyllis Ophical. It should be fun.

Who's taking part?

2009-12-02T10:41:00.007Z

I've had a couple of emails asking if the team names are online. They have just gone on the official website here.

There may well be last minute changes in the lineups of course. We'll see when the teams are practising and when they take to the ice for their first games on Saturday.

I'm polishing the camera!

International curling returns to Scotland

2009-12-02T09:34:00.004Z

The Le Gruyere European Curling Championships will be held in Aberdeen's Linx Arena and at Curl Aberdeen. Play begins on Saturday.

Ticket information and the draws are here.

Read a preview of the event.

Aberdeen's curling history

2009-12-01T19:44:00.005Z

David B Smith, Scotland's foremost curling historian, has been researching the history of the sport in Aberdeen and the north east of Scotland. He has put up an article on the Curling History Blog today.

Surprisingly, although golf is well documented from the end of the sixteenth century, it was not until the middle of the nineteenth that the first reference to a game of curling being played in the city is found. You can read about this in an extract from The Aberdeen Journal of January 10, 1849, in the full text of David's article here.

The photo of David in after dinner speaking mode is by Bob.

On the box and on your computer

2009-12-01T17:58:00.003Z

The TV and webcast schedule for the Championships is online here.

Two days to go

2009-12-01T10:07:00.004Z

Aberdeen's Linx Arena has been turned into a championship curling pad for the A Division teams at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships. Two days to go, and teams are beginning to arrive in the granite city.

Practice sessions are scheduled for Friday afternoon, and the first games will be underway at 08.00 on Saturday morning.

Nearly ready! The foam dividers are in.

Photos courtesy of George Esson

Supporters ready for the Euros

2009-11-30T21:01:00.008Z

Fans throughout Europe are busy packing their cases in preparation for travelling to Aberdeen for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships, where the first games get underway on Saturday. Swedish supporters (such as those above) are always colourful and passionate.

And always have a tasteful choice of headgear.

Those who know Isobel may wonder why she has become a Swedish supporter!

Hats are an important part of any curling fan's equipment. It keeps one's head warm, for one thing.

And identifies who you are supporting. Hungarian fans have a much more subdued taste in headgear.

But sometimes, when things are not going well........ No doubt the Swiss will have their cow bells with them too!

Did I say subtle? Go for it, Ali!

Anyway, the blog's roving reporter, Tansy Whitebits, will be looking intently at millinery fashion worn by the 2009 curling fan next week!

And will the home fans be in Aberdeen in numbers? The local organising committee certainly hopes so!

And they are always so well behaved!

Which fans will be the most colourful at Aberdeen?

Pics from Bob's archives, with apologies if I've omitted an attribution.

Sunday update

2009-11-29T21:43:00.003Z

The circles are in, and logos are being laid.

It really is beginning to take shape!

Teams will be practising on the ice above on Friday, prior to the start of the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships on Saturday, December 5.

A spot of paint

2009-11-28T20:18:00.005Z

Wow! Scott and Mark have finished painting the ice at Aberdeen's Linx arena as preparations continue for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships. If I have it right this is looking towards the end where the television cameras and commentators will be situated.

Look closely and you will see that the hacks are in place, and the hogline is marked out!

And this view of the rink is towards the coaches' and other media benches at the far end.

Pics courtesy of George Esson.

More progress at the Linx

2009-11-28T08:47:00.005Z

Progress. The photo shows Scott Henderson and Mark Schurek doing a flood of the ice pad at the Linx yesterday (Fri, November 27). The next job was the paint job!

How are you at identifying the flags?

Pic courtesy of George Esson

On the beach

2009-11-27T08:50:00.003Z

Perhaps some of those coming to play in the Linx Arena at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships, or indeed to watch the play, may be unaware that the venue is situated right on Aberdeen's beach front.

Bracing walks? Or just lots of opportunities for a quick game of beach volleyball between sessions?

Pic courtesy of George Esson

Curl Aberdeen

2009-11-26T00:55:00.002Z

The six-sheet Curl Aberdeen rink will be the venue for the B divisions at the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships.

The modern rink played host to the first rounds of the Columba Cream Scottish Ladies Curling Championship recently (see here and here). The rink itself will look pretty much as the photo above, except that it will be even better illuminated for the European competition next week.

Yesterday, work began to install additional lights above the heads at both ends of the rink, see below.

Photos by Bob Cowan and George Esson

Construction continues at the Linx

2009-11-25T08:52:00.005Z

Construction work continues apace at Aberdeen's Linx Arena in the run up to the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships which begin December 5.

Here, the staging for the television and commentators takes shape.

Pic courtesy of George Esson

Preview spotlight on Jackie

2009-11-24T11:30:00.004Z

The Press and Journal had a preview of the event today, by Mike Haggerty. For the first time in more than twenty international appearances, Jackie Lockhart will be competing on home ice! The link to the article is here.

Work starts at Linx arena

2009-11-23T20:00:00.000Z

Seven o'clock this morning, and Aberdeen's Linx arena is handed over to the local organising committee to be readied for the Le Gruyere European Curling Championships, the twenty teams in the A Divisions set to practise here on December 4.

Over the next ten days, the arena will be transformed from a skating rink to a championship curling pad.

And one of the first jobs was to hang all the flags of the competing nations. "Which way up?"

The main event website is here for the draws and ticket information.

The Organising Committee

2009-11-22T20:52:00.000Z

Here they are, the Local Organising Committee for this year's Le Gruyere European Curling Championships, in Aberdeen, December 4-12.

Front row L-R: Rhona Thom (Accreditation), George Stevenson, George Esson (Chairman) and Norma Pert (Media/communications)
Back row: David Jack (Facilities), Ian Flett (Volunteers), Tim Stevenson (Finance), David Cormack (Transport) and Alan Sainsbury (Marketing)
(Dave Peters (Accomodation) is missing from the photo)

Click on the photo to see larger size.