Einarson in early form in win over Zimmerman at Pointsbet Invitational

Reigning Canadian women’s champion Kerri Einarson cruised to a 15-3 win over Josie Zimmerman on Wednesday in the opening draw of the Pointsbet Invitational curling tournament.

Einarson’s team from Gimli, Man., went up 5-0 after a steal of four in the second end, and put the game out of reach with six in the sixth end.

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The team curled 91 per cent, with Einarson leading the way at 98 per cent.

In other scores from the opening draw, Kaitlyn Lawes thumped Abby Marks 11-5, Kayla Skrlik edged Danielle Inglis 7-6 and Clancy Grandy beat Hollie Duncan 6-5 in an extra end.

The Pointsbet Invitational is the first Season of Champions event of the season. The March Madness-style single-elimination format has 16-team draws featuring many of Canada’s top men’s and women’s rinks.

Top-ranked Einarson will play Skrlik in the next round, while Grandy will face Lawes.

The opening draw of the men’s event was scheduled for later Wednesday.