Mike McEwen, Jason Gunnlaugson open championship pool with losses at Tim Hortons Brier

Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher defeated Saskatchewan’s Matt Dunstone 9-5 on Thursday afternoon to remain unbeaten at the Tim Hortons Brier.

Bottcher scored a deuce in the ninth end and added another in the 10th for his eighth straight victory at the Canadian men’s curling championship.

Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador (7-1) moved into second place in the eight-team standings with a 7-4 win over Team Canada’s Kevin Koe.

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Saskatchewan and Team Wild Card’s Mike McEwen were next at 6-2. McEwen dropped a 6-4 decision to Northern Ontario’s Brad Jacobs.

Ontario’s John Epping beat Manitoba’s Jason Gunnlaugson 9-5 in the other afternoon game. Both teams were in a four-way tie at 5-3 with Koe and Jacobs.

Another draw was scheduled for Thursday evening at the Leon’s Centre.

5:30 A preview of the 2020 Kingston Tim Hortons Brier