Dunstone dumps top-ranked Bottcher in all-Canadian battle at Tour Challenge

Matt Dunstone defeated Brendan Bottcher 7-1 in a battle of Canadian skips on Thursday morning at the Grand Slam's HearingLife Tour Challenge in Niagara Falls, Ont.

Dunstone, from Kamloops, B.C., scored three points in the fourth end and added three more in the sixth for the victory.

Bottcher, from Spruce Grove, Alta., threw a game-low 75 per cent. His team recently moved into top spot in the men's world rankings.

Norway's Magnus Ramsfjell edged Wouter Gosgens of the Netherlands 7-6 and Aaron Sluchinski, of Airdrie, Alta., topped American Korey Dropkin 5-4.

Three more draws were scheduled for later in the day at the Gale Centre. Play continues through Sunday.