New Scoring System Gets Straight to the Points

The ninth edition of the World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling will feature the best curlers in the game facing off in Penticton’s South Okanagan Events Centre January 10-13, 2013 for the most unique event in international curling. With the challenge series between Team North America and Team World presently knotted at four titles apiece, the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup will be contested under a revised scoring formula that enhances the drama for fans over four days of exciting competition. Three men’s and three women’s teams for each side will compete in four disciplines: Mixed Doubles, Singles, Team Competitions and Skins. In previous championships a total of 400 points has been on the line with variations in values depending on matchups.  The revised scoring format will see an equal point value for all matches with a total of 60 up for grabs… making 31 the magic number to launch the championship celebrations.

Stefanie Lawton and her team celebrate some Team North America points at the 2012 WFG Continental Cup (Photo CCA/Michael Burns)

Check out the new point spread • Mixed Doubles – (6 points) Six matches will be played with one point awarded for a win and a half-point to each side for ties. A male and female player from each side will play five rocks in an eight-end game.  One curler throws first and fifth stones and his or her teammate delivers two through four.  Teams have the option of changing up the throwing order during the match. • Singles – (six points) All players will take part in this skills competition based on the popular Ford Hot Shots format that precedes Scotties and Brier championships.  The six team matchups are worth one point for a win and a half-point for a tie. Every shooter will face five of the most challenging shots in the game: The Run Through, Draw the Button, Draw the Port, The Raise, Hit and Roll and Double Takeout. • Team Competitions – (18 points) For the first time in Cup history fans will see a round robin format for the traditional team competition.  The three men’s and women’s teams for both sides will play in eight-end games over the course of six draws.  Winners will earn one point with a half-point awarded to each team for a tie.  There will be no extra ends. • Skins – (30 points) The battle for the 2013 World Financial Group Continental Cup title will come to a dramatic conclusion on the final day of competition with the big points on the line.  The skins format calls for an aggressive style of play that translates to great entertainment for the fans. A total of six skins games will be played and all competitors must take part in at least one of the Mixed, Men’s or Women’s matches with five points on the line for each game. The first six ends carry a half-point value and the last two are worth one point each.  A count of at least two with last rock or a steal without is required to win an end.  Otherwise the points carry over and the pressure builds for every single shot! In the event of tie games after eight ends, each team will choose one player for a draw to the button to determine who takes the points. “You Gotta Be There” when the excitement and drama of this unique international event unfolds in the South Okanagan Events Centre with a fresh format designed to enhance the fan experience.  Get your seats now by clicking here.