Mike McEwen, Jason Gunnlaugson open championship pool with losses at Tim Hortons Brier

Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher defeated Saskatchewan’s Matt Dunstone 9-5 on Thursday afternoon to remain unbeaten at the Tim Hortons Brier.

Bottcher scored a deuce in the ninth end and added another in the 10th for his eighth straight victory at the Canadian men’s curling championship.

Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador (7-1) moved into second place in the eight-team standings with a 7-4 win over Team Canada’s Kevin Koe.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Saskatchewan and Team Wild Card’s Mike McEwen were next at 6-2. McEwen dropped a 6-4 decision to Northern Ontario’s Brad Jacobs.

Ontario’s John Epping beat Manitoba’s Jason Gunnlaugson 9-5 in the other afternoon game. Both teams were in a four-way tie at 5-3 with Koe and Jacobs.

Another draw was scheduled for Thursday evening at the Leon’s Centre.

5:30 A preview of the 2020 Kingston Tim Hortons Brier