Perth Masters: The Japan curling team coach with special memories of winning 1985 junior gold in the Fair City

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Bob Ursel returned to the Fair City this week and could only smile when taking a trip down memory lane.It is a location of special significance for the Canadian who, in 1985, won World Junior Championships gold in Perth when the ice rink was located on the Dunkeld Road.Many years have passed since that title-winning success story and he had never made it back to the area - until now.Ursel is over for the Mercure Perth Masters in his position as coach with Team Yanagisawa of Japan.Speaking before the tournament got underway on Wednesday, time was set aside to look back on that wonderful achievement almost 40 years ago.“We had a great time here and I have lots of good memories,” Ursel told the Perthshire Advertiser.“When we get together as our old team we certainly talk about Perth, that is for sure.

Great people and a great city.“The win in Perth opened up all kinds of opportunities for us. It was more than 35 years ago and, at the time, you don’t realise it.“But now when I reflect back on my curling career, it really all stemmed from that.

It opened up a lot of doors.”Ursel added: “I was actually meant to be coming back a few years ago but, with Covid, the event was cancelled.“Unfortunately I haven’t been able to get back over until now.”Even before play had swept into action this week, Ursel had been impressed by the organisation and welcome he had received.“The organisation has been top notch,” he explained. “The hotel is fantastic and there is a nice dinner.“Pete Loudon (chair of the organising committee) has done a tremendous job of keeping everyone in the loop of what is going on.

It is extremely well organised and I even got a personal pick-up at the airport from Sandy Hay.“The Hay family and my family go back a