A highly popular and much-loved event in the Fair City sporting calendar is preparing to sweep back into life.
The Mercure Perth Masters will return at the beginning of next year for the first time since 2020 and is set to welcome a talented field of curlers across a tournament for men and women.
Twenty-four men’s teams and 12 women’s teams – including from as far away as Japan – will descend on the Dewars Centre from January 4-7.
Pete Loudon, chair of the organising committee, was gutted when the event had to be put on hold due to Covid-19 and admits there is delight – and relief – that the Masters is back on the schedule.
“We were close last year but made the decision at the last minute not to go ahead with the event,” he explained to the Perthshire Advertiser.
“It is great that the tour is back up and running across Europe and over in Canada and America as well.
“We weren’t 100 per cent sure what the response would be and we were only going to hold the event if we received the required number of entries. But we got them and have some teams on the reserve list too.
“On the ladies’ front, we have the next generation of Scottish teams and some of the top European teams.
“There is the gold and silver medallists from the Winter Olympics in the men’s draw in Niklas Edin from Sweden and Bruce Mouat. That is a big catch for us.
“I’m absolutely delighted with the strength of the field, both from home and overseas. Probably 75 per cent, especially on the men’s side, have been at the event five times or more.”
The event not only brings the best of curling action to Perth but also provides a welcome boost to local business.
There will be the usual dinner on the Thursday evening and the ‘Calcutta’ - both long-running traditions - will also take place.
“We have managed to retain Mercure as the major sponsor,” Pete said. “They are delighted to be on board and are keen to promote the hotel, the event and Perth as much as they can.
“Teams have their favourite shops and restaurants so the event definitely benefits the city as a whole.
“We’ll have the dinner on the Thursday night and the Calcutta on the Wednesday.
“And to make it as easy as possible for competitors, we have organised buses for them. Earnside Coaches do the airport transfers both to and from for us.
“The social aspects and the traditions are as important for me as the curling. You can build relationships with people from different countries.”
Sadly, one very popular curler who always made time to play in the Perth Masters will not be present this time.
Norwegian Thomas Ulsrud, a real legend of the sport and much-loved on and off the ice, passed away earlier this year.
In 2020 Thomas was presented with the event’s Graham Shaw Spirit of Curling award.
This award is given to someone who embodies the true spirit of friendship, humility and competitiveness that is promoted throughout the world and makes the sport stand out from others.
Pete said he will very much be remembered during the tournament week.
“When we heard the news, we were devastated,” Pete told the PA.
“The curling world was devastated. He was always the same Thomas. Win, lose or draw, whether he was on or off the ice, he was always the same person.
“In curling circles he was a legend. He had won so much, travelled the world for years and made so many friends.
“Thomas will definitely be remembered and featured during the Mercure Masters.”
