TEAM USA REGAIN WINNING RECORD AT WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
WCF / Steve Seixeiro 2022
After opening the World Men’s Curling Championship 2022 with a commanding 8-2 victory over Denmark, Team USA (Korey Dropkin, Joe Polo, Mark Fenner, Tom Howell, and Alex Fenson) carried the winning momentum into their second game of the tournament.
Despite not having last stone advantage to start the game against Czech Republic in Sunday afternoon’s matchup, the United States was first on the scoreboard with a steal of one in the opening end.
The Czech and United States played an evenly matched first half as the U.S. trailed by one with hammer entering the final five ends of play.
In the second half of the game, the United States strung together three perfect ends on the scoreboard, scoring two with hammer and forcing Czech Republic to only a single, resulting in a 7-5 victory for the U.S.
“Ice conditions were quite nice,” reflected Korey Dropkin after the Team’s second victory. “We were able to get used to it pretty quick, made a lot of draws, and were able to come out on top, thankfully.”
In the third game of the event, the United States faced Germany.
Scoring one point with hammer in the second end to start the end, Germany answered with a three-point third end that could not be returned.
Despite the United States’ best efforts, the Americans went on to score only two more points the entire game before conceding 8-3.
Unfortunately for the Dropkin-skipped rink, challenges with rock placement carried into Monday afternoon’s matchup against Korea.
After Korea scored three with hammer in the second end, the United States put together a well-executed end to return the favor and even the score.
However, Korea was quick to pick up on ice conditions and created a four-point deficit to close the first half.
In the second half, the U.S. opened with a deuce, but Korea remained in control, resulting in a 9-7 victory over the United States.
With an even 2-2 record after four games, the United States rallied in Monday night’s session against the Norwegians.
The United States established a two-point lead after the first five ends of play and then set the tone for the second half by stealing three.
Norway quickly answered with a score of three, before the U.S. scored three more in the eighth and Norway again returned the favor in the ninth.
Ultimately, the two-point lead that the United States established in the first half proved to be pivotal as the United States defeated Norway 10-8.
The win against the Norwegians regained the United States’ winning record before the Americans face Scotland at 4:00pm CDT on Tuesday.
The U.S. will aim to carry the winning momentum forward as they draw on being the home team in their World Men’s Curling Championship debut.
“I don’t think it adds pressure at all,” Dropkin said about being the home team. “It’s in a way settling and relaxing. It’s nice to play in front of your own crowd. It’s nice to see your friends and your family and all the fans here. It’s actually quite comforting.”
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
