Moray’s Paralympics wheelchair curling pair were left disappointed following a defeat for the UK team in Sochi this morning.
Elgin’s Gregor Ewan and Jim Gault, from Lossiemouth, took their bow alongside Bob McPherson and skip Aileen Neilson as the UK team took to the rink for their opening round-robin match against Canada.
The UK curlers looked in a strong position and led 2-0 after the first two ends, but the highly-ranked Canadians drew level again with a double in the third. By the halfway point the British team were back in front 4-3, but a strong finish from the Canadians saw them eventual win through 6-3.
Only skipper Aileen Neilson has gone into the games with prior experience, having competed in Vancouver four years ago.
Jim Gault was drafted into the squad as a last minute replacement for Tom Killin who was too ill to travel. Jim started curling in 2008 and rapidly rose to international standing alongside his Moray rink team-mate Gregor Ewan – who was in the Scotland team at the World Championships two years ago.
The curlers will be back on the rink tomorrow for their second and third ties in the 10-team competition, taking on Sweden at 5.30am (UK) before returning to the Sochi rink to face Korea at 11.30 (coverage on Channel 4 television).