Assad undefeated at provincial curling qualifier

The Mike Assad foursome is off to a fast start in its bid for a return trip to the Northern Ontario men's provincial curling championship.

Assad won both of his matches Friday at the Men's West Qualifier being held this weekend at the Fort William Curling Club, his 2-0 record placing him alone atop the four-team standings.

Assad, lead Jamie Childs, second Kory Carr and third Al Hackner made easy work of Jeff Currie in his opening game, needing just five ends to win 8-1. In the evening draw he edged Art Lappalainen 7-5.

The loss evened Lappalainen's record at 1-1, following a 10-4 win over Bryan Burgess in the other afternoon match.

Burgess went on to lose a second straight on the day in the evening draw, falling 7-3 to Currie. The Burgess foursome takes on Assad in the morning draw, while Lappalainen will play Currie.

The teams will play a total of six games over the weekend, two against each opponent. The top two teams advance to the provincials next month in Sault Ste. Marie, playing for the right to represent Northern Ontario at the Brier.