PERTH MASTERS CURLING EXCLUSIVELY LIVE ON BBC ALBA

BBC ALBA is to broadcast live curling for the first time, with exclusive UK coverage of the 2016 Mercure City of Perth Masters to be screened on the channel.

The tournament, to be held at the Dewars Centre in Perth, sees world class curlers from 12 countries, including Scotland, compete for the prestigious title in the 40th year of the tournament.

Part of the Curling Champions Tour, the men’s tournament is the first action of 2016 with 32 participants – including Scotland’s David Murdoch – competing across four days.

BBC ALBA will provide live coverage across each day of the Perth Masters, starting on Thursday 7 January at 4.15pm and culminating in coverage from the final on Sunday 10 January at 3pm.

Jackie Lockhart, who led her rink to the world title in 2002, will be on hand throughout the tournament to provide expert analysis for BBC ALBA viewers on the intricacies of the sport, with commentary provided by Derek Mackay.

Alan Esslemont, head of content at BBC ALBA, said: “BBC ALBA is committed to providing high quality sport for our audience and coverage of Perth Masters curling will further enhance this offering to viewers.

“The profile of curling has been raised significantly in Scotland over the past fifteen years thanks to the success enjoyed at Winter Olympics and World Championship events. We hope BBC ALBA can help to push that recognition even higher with live coverage of intense competition amongst these elite international players taking place at the heart of Perth.

“We look forward to the tournament and the expert analysis of Jackie Lockhart who will join us for the four days of action.”

The BBC ALBA live coverage is as follows:

Thursday 7th January
16:15 – 18:15
20:30 – 22:30

Friday 8th January
10:15 – 12:15
13:30 – 15:30
15:45 – 17:45

Saturday 9th January
11:15 – 13:15 A Finals
17:00 – 19:00 B Finals
20:00 – 22:00 C Finals

Sunday 10th January
09:00 – 11:00 1/4 Finals
12:00 – 14:00 Semi Finals
15:00 – 17:00 Final

Coverage of the 2016 Mercure City of Perth Masters is produced for BBC ALBA by mneTV, one of Scotland’s leading sports production companies.