Hearts Champion Looks Ahead To Curling Worlds

04/03/2009 00:48

Jennifer Jones isn't resting on her laurels.

Fresh off her victory in Sunday's final of the Tournament of Hearts, Jones is now looking forward to defending her title later this month at the World Women's Curling Championship in Gangneung, South Korea.

The Winnipeg skip claimed her second consecutive Hearts title with an 8-5 victory over Marla Mallett of B.C. in Victoria Sunday night, winning the championship for the third time in five years.

As a result, Jones and her teammates — third Cathy Overton-Clapham, second Jill Officer and lead Dawn Askin — will represent Canada in South Korea from March 21 to 29.

Jones won the world championship last year in Vernon, B.C.

"We're pretty excited to wear the Maple Leaf on our backs; it's the most special feeling in the world. To go to South Korea and try to defend a world title is something I can't even imagine doing," Jones told CBC Newsworld on Monday morning.

Jones defeated Mallett in dramatic fashion on Sunday.

Jones removed a B.C. stone with her last shot of the final end to lie two, and Mallett's draw to the four-foot was short, leading to a game-winning steal for the Winnipeg native.

"Most finals come down to the final shot and it was a breathtaking moment," Jones said. "We felt good when we woke up in the morning and got on the ice, and I think we played great from the first end to the last end. It was a great feeling to be a part of that."

Sunday's victory capped off an amazing week for Jones.

Things looked bleak for her on Friday, but the Winnipeg skip stole a point in the 10th end and another in the extra to stun Prince Edward Island's Rebecca Jean MacPhee 6-5 in tiebreaker to advance to the playoffs.

Even when she was on the verge of elimination against MacPhee, Jones never doubted she would prevail in the tiebreaker.

"When you're out there you never doubt it," Jones said.

SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:

Don’t bet against Team Jones defending their world championship in Korea, either. Although, many funny things have happened to Canadian Champions at the Worlds – especially ones like this year that are held outside of Canada. One only has to look back to 2005 at this same team in Paisley, Scotland.