Scots reshuffle lineup in women’s world curling because of COVID-19

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Scotland called in another player ahead of its Saturday opener at the women’s world curling championship because the skip and alternate have tested positive for COVID-19.

Beth Farmer, 21, works as a shepherd near her hometown of Kinross and in the middle of a shift in lambing season was summoned to Prince George, B.C., according to Scottish Curling.

Skip Rebecca Morrison expects to rejoin the team later in the tournament. Alternate Fay Henderson also tested positive for the virus on the eve of the 13-country event at the CN Centre.

Farmer, in the meantime, will play lead with vice Gina Aitken taking over at skip and Sophie Sinclair and Sophie Jackson shifting to third and second respectively.

The Scots played as a threesome in their Saturday night opener against defending champion Silvana Tirinzoni of Switzerland as they awaited the arrival of Farmer.

“I’m feeling really healthy and ready to go as soon as I can, so we’re doing everything we can in the background to make sure I will be involved in the event,” Morrison told Scottish Curling’s website.

“I won’t be there for the first couple of days, but things are looking good for us, so I will make my appearance not long after the beginning and we’re still feeling really positive about that.”

Only Jackson and Sinclair have played in a women’s world championship before.

“Especially with the pandemic, we’ve been dealing with this sort of thing for two years and we’re really prepared mentally for this and are a resilient bunch who are working hard every day to know where we’re at with the situation,” Morrison said.

“Gina has skipped this team before, too, so we’re hoping for some good things and a good start.’

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 19, 2022.