MONCTON, November 21, 2008... A colorful flag raising ceremony took place on Friday at Moncton City Hall as the 2009 Ford World Men's Curling Championship host committee announced the first three countries who have qualified to play in the World Championship in April.

Canada, China and Japan were honored as a piper led the large contingent from the lobby outside into the square, where each country's national anthem was played along with the flag raising.

Canada qualified by virtue of having the best finish of the Americas in last years Worlds. North America, who have two spots in the Championship, have always had teams from only Canada and the USA, so a playoff was not necessary. In 2009 for the first time, Brazil has challenged for one of the 2 spots and as a result a playoff will be held between USA and Brazil in January.

The South Pacific recently held their qualifying tournament, where 6 countries, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, China, Japan and Chinese Taipei competed for 2 qualifying spots. China was the big winner for the second year in a row at Pacific Curling Championships in New Zealand. China captured the gold by defeating Japan 8 – 5 in the final, with Japan qualifying as the 2nd place finisher.

This will be China's 2nd trip to the Worlds, their first-ever being last spring where they finished a strong fourth at the Worlds in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They are ranked 10th in the Olympic chase and their latest effort, teamed with a solid performance in Moncton, might qualify them for Vancouver 2010.

This will be Japan's 4th trip to the World Championship, previously playing in 2000, 2002 and 2006.

The 3rd qualifying event will be held in Europe in December, where 8 countries will qualify from a possible 35 participating countries.

City of Moncton Mayor George LeBlanc, World Curling Federation President Les Harrison and host committee Chairman Jim Lockyer all addressed the conference.

Tickets are on sale at the Moncton Coliseum box office. There are full event, championship weekend, opening weekend and day passes available at various prices.

The opening weekend and day passes are currently being sold in a Christmas campaign called "Rocks in your Socks" with exceptional prices designed for Christmas gift giving. These packages will be higher priced when they go on sale in the new year.

Call the Moncton Coliseum Box office at 857-4100 for prices and details.

For More information call:

Lynn MacKenzie
Event Coordinator
Ph: 506-854-2009
E-mail: lmackenzie@curling.ca