Jennifer Jones, Brent Laing off to quick start at mixed doubles nationals

FREDERICTON — Former Olympic women’s champ Jennifer Jones and her husband Brent Laing were one of 12 teams leading the way at 2-0 midway through the second day of the Canadian mixed doubles curling championship.

B.C.’s Dezaray Hawes and Tyler Tardi and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, the 2016 national mixed doubles champs, both were 2-0 in Pool A after the early afternoon draw on Wednesday.

Defending champions Laura Walker and Kirk Muyres of Alberta headlined a list of four times tied for top spot in Pool B. They were joined by Alberta’s Bobbie Sauder and Brendan Bottcher and the Saskatchewan teams of Shannon Birchard and Catlin Schneider, as well as Chaelynn Kitz and Brayden Stewart.

Jones and Laing, who represent Ontario, Manitoba’s Kadriana Sahaidak and Colton Lott and Saskatchewan’s Nancy Martin and Tyrel Griffith led Pool C.

Two Alberta teams — Jolene Campbell and John Morris, along with Danielle Schmiemann and Jason Ginter — and Manitoba’s Kate Cameron and Reid Carruthers were on top of Pool D. Morris won gold in the inaugural Olympic mixed doubles event last year with Kaitlyn Lawes.

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Two more draws were scheduled for later Wednesday.

The playoffs start Saturday and the final is Sunday.

The winners will represent Canada at the world mixed doubles championships, April 20-27 in Stavanger, Norway.

The Canadian Press