Homan downs Jones to win fourth Scotties Tournament of Hearts title

Rachel Homan scratched a seven-year itch Sunday at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The Ontario skip beat Manitoba’s Jennifer Jones 5-4 in the final of the Canadian women’s curling championship in Calgary, giving Homan her first Scotties title since 2017.

It was Homan’s fourth career gold medal at the event. She went 11-0 en route to the 2024 title.

As a result of Sunday’s victory, Homan, third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew and lead Sarah Wilkes will represent Canada at the world women’s championship, March 16-24 in Sydney, N.S.

Homan won the world title in 2017. In her other previous appearances at the world tournament, she was third in 2013 and second in 2014.

The loss Sunday spoiled Jones’ bid for history. The veteran skip was going for her record seventh Scotties championship; instead, she finished second for the fifth time in her career.

It was Jones’ final appearance at the Canadian championship, as she previously announced her intention to retire from competitive women’s curling.

Thank you, Jen. #STOH2024 pic.twitter.com/HkSALQhvEj

— Curling Canada (@CurlingCanada) February 26, 2024

The final Sunday was a defensive affair, with only one deuce scored. Jones drew for two in the ninth to tie the game 4-4.

But Jones was light on her last shot in the 10th facing a Homan counter, meaning the Ontario skip didn’t have to throw her final rock.

Earlier Sunday, Jones scored five in the first end en route to a 12-7 victory over Manitoba’s Kate Cameron in the semifinal.