VIERUMAKI – Canada is through to both men's and women's finals at the 2008 World Senior Curling Championships in Vierumaki.

Canada's Pat Ryan overwhelmed Scotland's Graeme Adam 7-2 in one men's semi while Canada's Diane Foster outscored Switzerland's Renate Nedkoff 8-3 in their women's semi.

Ryan will meet Sweden's Per Lindeman, who drew an edge of the four-foot to defeat David Russell of the United States by a 6-5 count. Foster will be challenged by Scotland's Kirsty Letton, who made a precise draw to the button to defeat Finland's Helene Timonen 5-4.

Both Canadian teams broke open tight matches with a massive five-ender in the middle of the match.

"They had a shot for four in the first end," said Ryan.

"We didn't start off like a blaze of glory."

Neither Ryan nor Adam could remember the result of their game at the 1989 World Men's Curling Championship in Milwaukee. Ryan, who was teamed with Randy Ferbey at third stone, defeated Switzerland to win the title. Scotland finished fifth.

"I can't remember," said Ryan. "It's a bit of a blur."

"I can remember 1983 better, but not 1989 much at all," said Adam.

Scottish third Tom Horton, who competed with Adam in 1989, came to the rescue.

"Canada took a three on us in the seventh, or something like that, and won," said Horton.

"I remember there were problems with the TV lights, and the rocks were covered with reflective blankets. In the second end I tripped on the blanket and tried to rugby-tackle Randy Ferbey."

The championship games take place Saturday afternoon, with the semifinal losers also meeting for the bronze medals.

In Friday tiebreaker action, Russell defeated Finland and Nedkoff eliminated the United States.

The Finnish Curling Association is posting live results online of both Championships. The World Mixed Doubles results are available at:
curling.fi/en/competitions/leagues/2688

... and the World Seniors can be viewed at:

curling.fi/en/competitions/leagues/2687

In addition, results are mirrored on the World Curling Federation  website at: results.worldcurling.org

The host websites for the Championships are: wmdcc2008.com (World  Mixed Doubles) and: wscc2008.com (World Seniors).