BC, Morris finish atop Brier standings

Photo: Wayne Moore - Castanet

(L to R)Jim Cotter, Rick Sawatsky, Tyrell Griffith and John Morris emerged from the pack to finish first after round robin play at the Tim Hortons Brier

BC champion John Morris has come out of the pack to finish atop the standings at the conclusion of round robin play at the Tim Hortons Brier in Kamloops.

Morris and his rink from Kelowna/Vernon finished round robin play Thursday night in a tie with Manitoba's Jeff Stoughton, both with identical 9-2 records.

Kevin Koe of Alberta led the way at 9-1 but lost his final round robin game Friday morning. Quebec's Jean-Michel Menard beat Koe 7-5 to secure his spot in the Page Playoff round and knock Koe into a first place tie with Morris and Stoughton.

The three teams at the top all beat each other meaning a pregame draw to the button was used to determine the final order of finish.

Morris won the tie-breaker meaning he finishes first, Koe second and Stoughton third.

Menard, who ironically beat all three front runners, finished fourth at 7-4.

Saskatchewan had a chance to force a tie-breaker with Menard, however, Steve Laycock fell 9-7 to New Brunswick in the final draw Friday morning.

Morris and Koe will meet in Friday's 1-2 playoff with the winner advancing straight to Sunday's final.

The loser will meet the winner of the 3-4 playoff game between Stoughton and Menard in the semi-final.