Jacobs, Shuster stay perfect as Pan Continental field hits midpoint
October 23, 2025
Men’s A-Division — four of seven draws complete
Canada and host USA share top spot at 4–0 after Wednesday’s sessions at the US Steel Pan Continental Curling Championships.
Canada (4–0)
Canada backed up a 14–6 morning win over Korea with a 7–1 evening victory against New Zealand. The Korea game was knotted 5–5 at the break before skip Brad Jacobs drew for four in the sixth to seize a 9–5 lead and control the finish.
“There was some real patience from our team in that game, especially when Korea got three back on us,” said Jacobs.
United States (4–0)
Team USA also posted a perfect day, beating the Philippines 9–2 and Australia 13–2. Against Australia, the Americans blew it open with a six in the fifth end after building a strong house and converting a clean takeout.
“Our team is playing some very good curling… We’ve really had an incredible season coming in here,” said skip John Shuster.
China & Japan (3–1, T-3rd)
China doubled up with wins over Australia (9–3) and Korea (10–3). Versus Australia, skip Xu Xiaoming tapped for two in the seventh to make it 7–3 en route to closing it out.
“We’re prepared for some tough games ahead now,” Xu said.
Japan matched China’s 2–0 day, defeating New Zealand 7–3 and the Philippines 7–4. In the ninth against New Zealand, a measured draw yielded one for a 7–3 advantage and the handshake.
Skip Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi:
“We read the ice well… Sometimes we didn’t play a good shot, but we recovered well and stayed focused.”
Chasing pack
Korea and the Philippines sit at 1–3, while Australia and New Zealand remain searching for their first wins.
Women’s A-Division — early leaders emerge
United States and China are the early pace-setters at 3–0.
United States (3–0)
Following Tuesday’s 8–5 win over Korea, the hosts rolled past New Zealand 7–1 on Wednesday, building a 7–0 cushion by the seventh. NZ skip Bridget Becker had a draw for two but slid through, taking a single before conceding.
China (3–0)
China edged Japan 5–4 in a tight battle. Trailing 4–3 in the 10th, skip Wang Rui drew to the four-foot for two and the win.
“We’re very, very happy with that [three wins]. I’m pleased with how we’re playing together as a team,” said Wang.
Canada & Japan (2–1)
Defending champions Canada rebounded from an opening loss to Japan with a 9–3 win over Mexico. Up 4–2 after four, skip Rachel Homan hit a precise draw for three in the fifth to make it 7–2, and Canada closed it out in the eighth.
“That was our first time on that sheet, so we were trying to learn the rocks and the ice… The conditions were surprising us a couple of times,” Homan noted.
Korea back on track
Korea handled Australia 11–2 in six ends, piling on threes in the fifth and sixth.
Skip Gim Eunji:
“We’ve always been slow starters, but I think we will come on now.”
