Saturday, December 8, 2001
Anderson in control over Jones
Will challenge Law in final
By JIM BENDER -- Winnipeg Sun
REGINA -- Another gal from Smalltown, Saskatchewan could be sliding into the Winter Olympics come February.
Sherry Anderson, who hails from tiny Delisle, Sask., where a three-sheet curling club serves its 800 people, is now just one win away from following the late Sandra Schmirler to Olympic glory.
Anderson whipped reigning women's world champion Colleen Jones 9-5 in the semifinal of the 2001 Canadian Curling Trials at the Agridome yesterday afternoon.
Anderson, 37, plays B.C.'s former world champ Kelley Law in the final at 12:30 p.m. today (TSN).
"It would mean a lot to us just to go to the Olympics," said Anderson, supported by third Kim Hodson, second Sandra Mulroney and Donna Gignac. "But, to be kind of in the same thoughts and talked in the same breath as Sandra would be very nice."
Schmirler, who won the gold medal at the 1998 Olympics in Japan, was born in tiny Biggar, Sask. Anderson, however, readily admitted that she is still not in Schmirler's league.
"But we're getting closer," she said. "We still have a lot to prove yet. We've got a big game (today). If we don't win that, nobody will even put us in the same space. But if we win and go on to the Olympics, then we'll be a lot closer."
And Anderson is oozing confidence.
"If we keep playing like we did (yesterday), I don't care who we play," said Anderson, who shot 96% against Jones. "We'll be tough to beat."
But Law may have something to say about that.
"I think our experience can only play in our favour," said Law, who has played in two Scott Tournament of Hearts finals, winning one. "I think it will be a great game because they're curling well and so are we."
And yes, Law has been thinking about the big prize.
"We think about it all the time," she said. "It's the dream we've had for a long time and what we've prepared for it."
But Anderson dashed that dream for Jones. She stole three in the second end when a Jones draw attempt sailed to the back of the house, then refused to allow the Nova Scotians back in the game.
"I think they were really destined to win that game," said Jones, 42. "They made everything and it just wasn't in the stars for us.
"Me curling in the Olympics just won't be on my resume. I don't think I'll get another crack at the Olympics, given my age. It's been a big, big goal of ours for a long time so, it certainly is disappointing."
Supported by third Kim Kelly, second Mary-Anne Waye and Nancy Delahunt, Jones will be in Brandon for the 2002 Scott as Team Canada
"At least that's a nice consolation prize," she said.
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