Sunday, December 9, 2001
It's about that ring thing
Olympic berth could exorcise demons for Martin
By CON GRIWKOWSKY -- Edmonton Sun
REGINA -- Kevin Martin has already won one off-ice battle this week.
He hopes to make it two for two today (11:30 a.m., TSN) when he steps on the ice against Winnipeg's Kerry Burtnyk in the final of the Olympic Curling Trials.
Despite all his success, the six-time Alberta champ and two-time Brier champ almost needs a win today to enhance his tarnished international reputation.
He can get to the big one, but he's never won the big one.
Although he's become the most influential player through his presidency of the World Curling Players' Association, his record on the ice leaves something to be desired.
He was a silver medallist at the 1986 world juniors and at the 1991 Winnipeg world championship, but he's come up empty in his two subsequent controversy-filled appearances.
BEYOND HIS CONTROL
Martin's medal hopes at the 1992 Albertville Olympics were scuttled through factors beyond his control when he lost the demonstration bronze medal game.
And, he was universally slammed for his nonchalant attitude after losing the bronze game at the 1997 worlds in Berne, Switzerland.
Today's matchup against two-time world champ Burtnyk is the last step Martin needs to take to earn another chance to finish the job and stare down his ghosts.
At least, there's no shortage of motivation to get back.
"There's some unfinished business that we left behind in '92,'' said Martin. "We were close last time (in the 1997 finals loss to Mike Harris), but they just got us. It would be nice to get back there again.
"There's no lack of motivation when you're talking about going to the Olympic Games. I'm not so worried about the worlds. That doesn't bother me much, but the Olympics, I'd definitely like to get back. In my mind, it's more important. To me, it's the pinnacle of sport and it doesn't matter what sport, just sport in general. To do well there is the most important of any athletic endeavour.''
Martin said there couldn't be a better scenario than to have the two hottest teams here battle it out for a chance to get a shot at the ultimate prize.
"It's fitting that these teams are in the final,'' said Martin. "Neither team has lost in quite a few games. It should be a great final. I'd hate to be a bettor, because both teams are on a roll.''
Martin has decided to throw the red-handled rocks, the same colour Burtnyk used when he knocked out Bert Gretzinger in Friday's semifinal.
Burtnyk's team had a few shaky ends in that semi and during their run, but somehow managed to catch the right breaks. On the other hand, Martin's crew has been full value throughout their winning streak.
"During the last four games, as a team, we've played strong,'' said Martin. "We've been pretty solid.
'`We'll play the same strategy we've been playing all week and hope we keep on shooting like that.''
Although Martin has rated out better than Burtnyk, the interesting battle will be at third between Don Walchuk and Jeff Ryan. Usually an all-star third, Walchuk's numbers have been fifth-rated behind leader Ryan.
Walchuk has been on the losing end in two Trials finals, in 1997 and in 1987, when he threw second rocks for Ryan's brother Pat as a member of the Hall of Fame Ryan's Express rink.
Lead Don Bartlett is the only current player in the lineup who's been with Martin throughout the three disappointments of the '90s.
At least Bartlett will admit every international strikeout continues to bother him.
"I don't know about Kevin, but for me it's big,'' said Bartlett. "My goal has always been to win a world championship. An Olympic medal is better than a world championship.
IT DOESN'T BOTHER HIM
'`Kevin says it doesn't bother him, but I think it has to a little bit. All the times he's played, he hasn't won one yet, so I'm sure he'd like to get rid of that.''
Burtnyk's riding a seven-game winning streak while Martin brings in a five-game winning streak. All the elements are there to make it a classic matchup.
"It's the two best teams left, that's for sure,'' said Bartlett.
"When Kerry's curling at his best, there's nobody better. Same with Kevin. Kevin, Kerry and Wayne Middaugh right now are the three best players, so we'll have our hands full.''
There's a little unfinished business. But there's another major curling titan standing in his way.
2002 Games Curling Coverage
