The Indian men’s team won the final qualification games at the inaugural World Championship Pre-Qualifier (Pan Continental) 2026 in Dumfries, Scotland, on Thursday.
India came back from a 0-3 deficit to defeat Jamaica 9-7 in qualification game, earning promotion to the inaugural World Championship Qualifier next year.
Six teams – Mexico, India, Jamaica, Chinese Taipei, and Saudi Arabia – took part in the event, but due to a late withdrawal, Kenya was ruled a Did Not Start (DNS) and therefore forfeited their games.
The Indian men’s team that has gained promotion to the World Championship Qualifier was led by skip P.N. Raju, third Girithar Anthay Suthakaran, second Sudheer Reddy and lead Kishan Vasant.
A three-point score in the first end put Jamaica on the front foot, and they led 5-3 heading into the sixth end. This end proved decisive, as India scored five points to take an 8-5 lead.
With just two ends remaining, Jamaica needed a big response; however were only able to score two in the seventh. India sealed a 9-7 victory and their promotion with a single point in the eighth end.
In the round robin stage, India finished in 3rd place with two wins and two defeats to qualify for the final qualifying stage with the group winners Mexico and Jamaica.
India started the tournament with a 7-3 win over Jamaica, but then two consecutive defeats against Mexico and Chinese Taipei derailed their campaign.
They bounced back with a commanding 14-4 victory over Saudi Arabia, advancing past Chinese Taipei on DSC tiebreaks for the final qualifier spot.
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