Scott Becker got one up
over his older siblings when he and Brydie Donald won the New
Zealand mixed pairs yesterday.
Scott Becker (Christchurch) and Donald (Dunedin) beat Sean
Becker (Kyeburn) and Bridget Becker (Melbourne) 9-6 in the
final at the Naseby International Curling Rink.
Scott Becker and Donald will represent New Zealand at the
world mixed pairs championships in Italy next April.
"I'm certainly pleased, "Scott said.
"It is good to get one up over Sean and Bridget."
It was a significant win because Sean and Bridget were the
defending champions and finished eighth from 26 teams at the
world championships in Finland this year.
Twenty-three-year-olds Scott Becker and Donald have been
playing together in mixed pairs at the highest level for the
past two years, but the partnership began when they were both
13-year-olds at the Maniototo Area School a decade ago.
This discipline paid dividends yesterday when the pressure
went on in the final.
The third end was crucial with the scores level at 2-2 after
two of the eight ends.
A four on the third end proved decisive for Scott Becker and
Donald.
Scott Becker and Donald consolidated their position by
scoring two shots on the next three ends to lead 8-4 with
just two ends left.
Scott Becker and Donald led 9-4 after seven ends and had a
five-point cushion before the final end.
In the semifinals, Scott Becker and Donald had a comfortable
13-1 win over the Ranfurly pair of Warren Kearney and Marisa
Jones.
The other semifinal was closer, with Sean and Bridget Becker
needing the extra end to beat the Maniototo combination of
Warren Dobson and Cass Becker 8-6.
Cass is Sean's wife and had an inside knowledge of the
tactics her husband would use in the game.
Semifinals: Scott Becker (Christchurch), Brydie Donald
(Dunedin) 13, Warren Kearney, Marisa Jones (Ranfurly) 1; Sean
Becker (Kyeburn), Bridget Becker (Melbourne) 8, Warren Dobson
(Ranfurly), Cass Becker (Kyeburn) 6.
Final: Scott Becker, Brydie Donald 9, Sean and Bridget Becker
6.
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