‘So excited and happy’: Swiss sweep Grand Slam of Curling in Saskatoon

Switzerland's Team Tirinzoni and Team Schwaller won the Grand Slam of Curling's HearingLife Canadian Open in Saskatoon.

It was a week to remember for Switzerland’s top curlers at the Grand Slam of Curling (GSOC) HearingLife Canadian Open in Saskatoon.

Championship Sunday kicked off with Sylvana Tirinzoni’s Swiss team defeating Japan’s Team Fujisawa in the women’s final at Merlis Belsher Place.

This was the fourth GSOC final this season for Team Tirinzoni. They’d lost the previous three to Team Homan, who were shockingly eliminated in the quarterfinals in Saskatoon.

Team Tirinzoni wins $38,000 for their victory in the Bridge City.

The event was about more than curling for Tirinzoni’s second, Carole Howald. Several family members made the trip from Switzerland to watch her curl, and meet the family of her partner, Saskatchewan curling star Kirk Muyres.

“A very exciting week, so much going on,” Howald told CTV News following the championship victory. “I’m just so excited and happy, lots of family here for both sides. Very excited for the holidays.”

Muyres, who has represented Saskatchewan in seven Briers and won a Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship with Laura Walker, couldn’t contain his excitement at the rink.

“It’ll be a full house at the farm,” he laughed, when discussing Howald’s family staying with his family over the holidays. “Both families get along great, two chill groups, and a big win for Carole, so lots to celebrate.”

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On the men’s side, Switzerland’s Team Yannick Schwaller defeated Scotland’s Ross Whyte 7-4 in the championship final.

It’s the first GSOC title for Schwaller, who’d previously lost two finals.

Team Schwaller went undefeated through the event, claiming $42,000.

This was the first Grand Slam of Curling event not to feature a Canadian team in the semi-finals of either men’s or women’s action. The fifth and final GSOC event of the season runs Jan. 6-11 in Steinbach, Man.