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- calendar_today October 19, 2026
Kerri Einarson Claims Seventh Grand Slam Title
Kerri Einarson achieved her seventh Grand Slam of Curling title and her first since 2024, leading her team to a 6-3 victory over South Korea's Team Kang in the women's final at the season-opening Co-op Invitational in Victoria on Sunday.
Team Einarson's Impressive Run
Einarson's new-look rink, comprised of third Shannon Birchard, second Karlee Burgess, and lead Jocelyn Peterman, never trailed throughout the match, capturing their first Grand Slam title together. Hailing from Gimli, Manitoba, the team demonstrated strong coordination and skill across the event.
Decisive Moments in the Final
After singles in the first two ends, Einarson's team saw Team Kang, skipped by Kim Kyeong-ae, tie the game at 2-2 in the third. Einarson responded with a pivotal fourth end, executing a runback shot to drive her own stone into a Kim rock, scoring two points. Adding another two points in the sixth end, Einarson secured the win after maintaining control and limiting her opponents.
Team Changes and Strategic Adjustments
Following a loss at the world championships in March, Einarson made adjustments to her rink, adding Jocelyn Peterman at lead and shifting Shannon Birchard to third. This new lineup found success quickly, leading to the Grand Slam victory at the Co-op Invitational, their first major title as a unit.
Reaction from the Champions
"It feels amazing. I've got such great teammates and they've played so well all week. I had to make some big ones when they counted, but they made it easy for me," Einarson told CBC Sports following the win. She praised her team's hard work, noting their dedication to sweeping and execution under pressure throughout the match.
Path to the Final
Einarson reached the final after a notable 8-4 comeback win over South Korea's Gim Eun-ji in the semifinals, where she stole four points over three ends. The quarterfinal saw a narrow 6-5 victory against Japan's Miyu Ueno. Team Kang earned their spot in the final by edging Switzerland's Xenia Schwaller with a 7-6 win.
Overview of the Co-op Invitational
The Co-op Invitational marks the start of a condensed Grand Slam of Curling season, with five stops scheduled to conclude before Christmas. The next event, the Masters, will be held in Medicine Hat, Alberta, from November 3-8.
Men's Competition Highlights
On the men's side, top-ranked Yannick Schwaller of Switzerland won his second Grand Slam title, defeating Norway's Magnus Ramsfjell 7-3. Schwaller's strong performance rounded out a week of intense competition at the season's first Grand Slam event.
Source: cbc.ca.
