PERFECT START FOR TEAM USA AT WORLD MEN’S CURLING CHAMPIONSHIP 2022
WCF / Alina Pavlyuchik 2022
On Saturday evening, Team USA (Korey Dropkin, Joe Polo, Mark Fenner, Tom Howell, and Alex Fenson) took the ice in the opening draw of the World Men’s Curling Championship 2022 at The Orleans in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In front of the home crowd, the Dropkin-skipped rink faced Denmark in the first of 12 round robin games.
Despite starting the game with hammer due to a precise last stone draw, Denmark was first on the scoreboard, stealing a single point in the second end.
“Ice conditions were a little tough,” said second Mark Fenner. “We struggled to get ahold of the speed and took a little while to get set into the curl.”
After the third end, Team USA seemed to be settled, scoring a single point in the third end and stealing another in the fourth to take a 2-1 lead.
Denmark evened the score at 2-2 to close the first half and the American’s remained patient for their opportunities to jump ahead.
In the second half of the game, the U.S. dominated the scoreboard, scoring six points to Denmark’s zero.
“Joe and Korey both played fantastic,” added Fenner. “Korey really had his draw weight and feel for the ice.”
Putting draws in good spots is what Fenner attributes to the two stolen points in the seventh and three stolen points in the eighth ends which led Denmark to concede.
“To get that first win under our belt is great,” said Fenner after defeating Denmark 8-2 in eight ends. “We wanted to start the tournament off on the right foot and I think we did and we’re looking forward to getting a few more on Sunday.”
On Sunday, Team USA will face Czech Republic at 4:00pm (CDT), which fans can watch on Peacock and the Olympic Channel, followed by Germany at 9:00pm (CDT) with live scoring at worldcurling.org.
USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Toyota, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Brakebush, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), and Sitrin, and is partnered with IHG, Rock Solid Productions Inc., Laurie Artiss Ltd. – The Pin People.
