November 27, 2007

GRAND FORKS, N.D. - The first two of 12 teams to compete at the 50th World Men’s Curling Championship at Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, North Dakota, USA have been decided. Team China won the Gold and Team Australia the Silver at the just-completed Pacific Rim Curling Championships held in Beijing, China, over the past week and will compete for the world championship April 5-13, 2008.

The Chinese men did it by winning two straight games in their best-of-three semi-finals against Japan. This will be China’s first trip to the World Men’s Championship.

The other men's semi-final saw Australia defeating New Zealand in two straight games (both games went to extra ends), qualifying them for the Pacific Rim Curling Association’s second slot at the Men’s Worlds. Australia is skipped by Hugh Mililken, a fan favorite at many World Championships. Team Australia is coached by Manitoban curling legend Earle Morris. This will be the 11th appearance (fourth in a row) for the Aussies at the World Men’s Championship.

The tournament will be held at Ralph Engelstad Arena on April 5-13, 2008. This nine-day event will bring in the top curling teams from twelve nations to participate in this internationally televised tournament. Full event and mini ticket packages are now available. For more information, visit www.worldmenscurling2008.com.