Saturday, December 8, 2001
It's Kevin versus Kerry
Burtnyk advances to men's final against Martin rink
By CON GRIWKOWSKY -- Edmonton Sun
REGINA -- The difference between curling winners and losers is often a matter of inches.
Kerry Burtnyk had it both ways in his 8-6 win over Bert Gretzinger in last night's Olympic Trials semifinal.
A couple of key shots helped Burtnyk advance to tomorrow's men's final against Kevin Martin.
The first - his break. A fifth-end steal when Gretzinger was inches wide on a takeout for a possible four.
"We got a big break in the fifth when his rock slipped a bit too far,'' said Burtnyk. "Fortunately, we'd made a good freeze and got out of that end.
"Absolutely, I was a bit nervous about calling the freeze. The game's on the line. If we don't make the freeze, he's going to get four.''
Gretzinger knew it was the shot that cost him a trip to Salt Lake City.
"We had 'em in a lot of trouble in five,'' said Gretzinger. "I felt like my first one in five was picking, so we jumped it and threw about four feet too deep. Kerry made a great shot, but I figured what the heck, let's give 'er a good rip.
"Instead of us getting three or four, he gets one. I'd say that's pretty pivotal.''
The second key shot was his make, when Burtnyk slipped past his own rock to push back Gretzinger to score the knockout deuce in the eighth.
As Burtnyk's winning rock slid by, Gretzinger did a quick pivot in the direction of the media bench with a "what do I have to do?" look on his face.
Tomorrow's battle against Martin features a matchup between the two hottest teams. Burtnyk has won seven straight while Martin has rattled off five consecutive victories.
"Apparently, it's a pretty big one, too,'' said Burtnyk. "It's an unbelievable roll. We're in the final. This is what we've been waiting for four years for. We're going to be playing one of the best teams in the world. All we can do is try our best. Whatever happens, the sun's going to come out on Monday.''
Burtnyk lost this year's Brier final to Randy Ferbey, but he considers an Olympics shot an even bigger prize.
"At the time, I had made no bones about if I can only win one thing, this is what I want to win,'' said Burtnyk. "I have a chance now and that's more than I could have asked for, especially after Sunday (and his 0-3 start).''
Gretzinger knows this was his final shot. At 50, he's at an age where it gets tougher on his body every year.
"Ha,'' he said when asked if there would be another. "Four years from now - I'll have a replacement knee by then.
"Let's face it. Most guys don't play until they're 50. I'm just fortunate I've had good legs, kept myself in reasonable shape and have had a competitive urge.
"It's an opportunity lost. I came here to win. There's no solace in finishing third. It's disappointing - obviously.''
Burtnyk made the most of his opportunities. That's why he's headed for tomorrow's final.
2002 Games Curling Coverage
