McEwen edges Stoughton in battle of Winnipeg skips at Players’ Championship

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – Mike McEwen edged Jeff Stoughton 5-4 in a battle of Winnipeg skips Thursday at the Players’ Championship.

McEwen, who shot a blistering 95 per cent in the game, picked up a single in the eighth end for the victory in the early draw. McEwen and Brad Gushue of St. John’s were tied in first place at 3-0 after seven draws.

Calgary’s Kevin Koe was next at 2-0 and Sweden’s Niklas Edin was 2-1.

Saskatoon’s Steve Laycock beat Edmonton’s Kevin Martin 7-3 in the other early game. Both rinks have 1-2 records.

In women’s play, Scotland’s Eve Muirhead defeated Ottawa’s Rachel Homan 7-4 and Olympic champ Jennifer Jones of Winnipeg beat Val Sweeting of Edmonton 5-3.

Sweden’s Margaretha Sigfridsson topped Sherry Middaugh of Coldwater, Ont., 5-3 in the other early game. Muirhead, Sigfridsson and Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni were all tied at 3-0.

Draw 8 action was scheduled for later Thursday.

Competition continues through Sunday at the final Grand Slam of Curling event of the season.