Curling news: Sturmay thumps Carey 8-1 at Co-op Canadian Open [Video]

NISKU, Alta. –

Edmonton’s Selena Sturmay kept her playoff hopes afloat at the Grand Slam of Curling’s Co-op Canadian Open with an 8-1 win over Winnipeg’s Chelsea Carey on Friday.

Sturmay finished the group stage at 2-2 after opening with two losses and remains in contention for a playoff spot, depending on the results of the final women’s draw later Friday.

The top eight teams from the men’s and women’s competitions advance to the quarterfinals.

Sturmay broke the game open with steals of four in the third and three in the fourth to beat Carey, who is also at 2-2.

In other results, Italy’s Stefania Constantini improved to 3-1 and qualified for the playoffs with a 7-4 win over Switzerland’s Xenia Schwaller (1-3), who was eliminated.

South Korea’s Team Eun-jung Kim (3-1) is also through to the quarterfinals after a 9-4 win over Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., (2-2).

Sayaka Yoshimura (2-2) stayed …