After surging into the top 20 in the World Rankings following their run to the semi-finals at this month’s Perth Masters, Team Waddell have joined compatriots and defending champions Team Bryce in contesting this week’s St Galler Challenge in Switzerland.
Along with younger brother Craig, Mark Taylor and Gavin Barr, the 2018 Olympian overcame adversity in performing well at the Dewar’s Centre before going out to world number three ranked Team Whyte, as they made a promising start to the New Year. 
“Perth Masters was a good event for us,” said Waddell.
“We had a few injuries that meant we had to make changes to how we usually line up, but we managed to put in some decent performances.
“Ultimately I just missed a couple of shots against Ross (Whyte) in the semi final that cost us.
“I’m hopeful we can build on that heading into the next few events.”
Team Waddell’s rise to number 18 in the world rankings is the latest evidence of the strength in depth in the domestic men’s game, with an unprecedented five Scottish teams now in the world top 20, setting up a highly competitive National Championships next month, but Waddell’s focus is on the immediate task in hand.
“If I’m being completely honest, I’m not really thinking too much about the Scottish, but this event does give us a final opportunity to work on our processes in a proper game situation,” he said.
There will also be Scottish representation in the women’s competition in St Gallen, with Lucy Blair leading teammates Karlyn Lyon, Amy Mitchell and Susie Smith into action at the event which runs from January 18-21. 
Meanwhile the last European Junior Curling Tour event gets underway in Perth this weekend with Scottish Junior Champions Team Munro and Team Carson in the field along with Team Ross Craik. Carson’s changed line-up includes Kyle McLean and Ewan Jackson at second and third respectively, while regular team mates Logan Carson and Archie Hyslop are representing Team GB at the Youth Olympic Games along with Tia Laurie and Holly Burke.
Link to the St Galler draw and results.
Link to EJCT – Perth.
