An international band of sportsmen from around the world have arrived in Perth for a major curling competition.
The Mercure City of Perth Masters is regarded as the number one men’s curling event in Europe and is used as preparation by many teams for major championships including the Olympics.
Play got under way on Thursday with the event coming to a climax on Saturday at the Dewars Centre.
Provost Liz Grant, who hosted a civic reception on the opening day, said it was an important event for the city economy.
“I am delighted to welcome all competitors, officials, friends, families and supporters to the City of Perth for the Mercure City of Perth Masters 2017,” she said.
“I would like to give a very special welcome to all the teams competing at the Dewars Centre this year from China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Japan, Latvia, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Sweden and Switzerland.
“The Mercure City of Perth Masters tournament is usually the first sporting event of the year, and with its large delegation of overseas players and supporters, it truly gives Perth a great international start to the year.
“Whilst curling is a very popular sport across the world, it is very much a traditional Scottish winter sport, and has great historic links to the Perth and Kinross area.
“I would like to extend you all my best wishes for an enjoyable weekend here in the Fair City and I wish all competitors every success in the tournament – may the best team win.”
The masters is a triple knockout tournament which means no team can be eliminated from the tournament until they have lost three games, guaranteeing that they play at least three games.
Pete Loudon, chairman of the Mercure City of Perth Masters, said he was looking forward to an exciting contest as well as the social side of the event.
“You can see from the 32 team draw we have a great mix of teams from all over the globe competing to be crowned Masters Champion,” he said.
