Scottish champion Bruce Mouat ‘gutted’ as world curling championship is cancelled

Event is Glasgow scrapped due to spread of coronavirus

Scotland skip Bruce Mouat. Picture: Michael Burns/Curling Canada

Scottish champion Bruce Mouat admitted he was “gutted” following yesterday’s decision to cancel the World Men’s Curling Championship at Glasgow’s Emirates Arena later this month.

The worldwide spread of the coronavirus had already hit other sporting events, including the women’s world curling in Canada, so yesterday’s announcement was not unexpected.

“We’re obviously gutted, but I totally get the safety issue,” said Mouat. “The championships were so close to home and we need to make sure everyone stays healthy. We’re all fine and we’re still training as usual. We obviously hoped the championships would go ahead, but I’m not surprised.”

Billy Garrett, director of sport and events at Glasgow Life, had earlier said: “The safety and well-being of everyone involved, including athletes, officials, spectators, volunteers and staff is our absolute priority. Given the UK government’s move from the ‘contain’ to the ‘delay’ phase of their coronavirus action plan and the latest advice from the Scottish Government with respect to the hosting of major sports events, it is with great regret that the Local Organising Committee, in conjunction with the World Curling Federation, has agreed to cancel this event in the interest of public health.”

Mouat, pictured left, is also due to contest the World Mixed Doubles Championship with Jennifer Dodds in Canada next month. “We’ll just wait to see what the World Curling Federation decides, but it’ll probably go the same way,” predicted Mouat.

World Curling Federation President, Kate Caithness, said: “Following the recent advice from the Scottish Government it is with deep regret that we now must cancel the LGT World Men’s Curling Championship 2020. Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our athletes, officials, staff and supporters and this cannot be guaranteed.” All ticket holders will receive a full refund.