(Schaffhausen) Canadian Brad Gushue started the world men’s curling championship by winning his two matches on Saturday.
Gushue first beat Czech Lukas Klima 9-8 in the extra end. He then defeated German Marc Muskatewitz 8-5.
Originally from St. John’s, Gushue teams up with Mark Nichols, EJ Harnden and Geoff Walker.
The defending champion, Scotland’s Bruce Mouat, dominated 10-3 against South Korea’s Jongduk Park.
The American John Shuster defeated the Swiss Yannick Schwaller 5-3, while the Swede Niklas Edin won 8-1 at the expense of the Dutchman Wouter Goesgens.
The top six of the 13 competing nations will advance to the playoffs next weekend.
Canada has not won gold since Gushue’s triumph in 2017 in Edmonton.