Jennifer Jones cushions lead in Bonus Cup chase
Jennifer Jones has maintained her lead as the front-runner for the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling’s Bonus Cup.
Jones picked up seven points at the Meridian Canadian Open by reaching the semifinals last week in Camrose, Alta.
The Winnipeg team of Jones, third Kaitlyn Lawes, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn McEwen were joined by Shannon Birchard as an alternate. Birchard will handle third-rock duties during the Scotties Tournament of Hearts with Lawes preparing to represent Canada at the upcoming Winter Olympics in mixed doubles with John Morris.
The GSOC Bonus Cup is awarded to the overall men’s and women’s champions of the season following the conclusion of the Players’ Championship.
Jones tops the standings with 38 points and takes a 19-point lead over second-place Chelsea Carey heading into the Players’ Championship running April 10-15 in Toronto.
Carey climbed into second after winning the Meridian Canadian Open capturing her first career Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling title.
Meanwhile, Brad Gushue stumbled at the Meridian Canadian Open picking up just one point as his lead on the men’s side shrunk to just five points over Niklas Edin of Sweden. Edin missed the previous GSOC tournament but made up for lost time finishing runner-up at the Meridian Canadian Open.
The men’s division has one extra event prior to the Players’ Championship with the Princess Auto Elite 10 next month in Winnipeg. Roughly double points are up for grabs at the Players’ Championship too, so this race is far from the finish line.
For more information on the Bonus Cup, CLICK HERE