Prvá liga mužov a žien 2017/18

Coverage of the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships 2017 in Erina, Australia.

Picture the scene. It's November. You're on the beach with your finest flip-flops – or crocs – soaking up the rays. You jump in the car and ten minutes later you are in a building discarding your flip-flops for some cosy socks and shoes. Your beach bod is now covered with a few layers of insulated clothing and those swim shorts are replaced by jeans and a blanket.

International curling heads to warmer climates this week, when the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships 2017 begin in Erina, Australia. The event, which runs from 2 to 9 November at the Erina Ice Arena – and which will be broadcasted on World Curling TV and national broadcasters – has 15 teams representing nine of the World Curling Federation's Pacific-Asia Member Associations.

The World Curling Federation has taken a major step towards implementing its World of Series of Curling by appointing a World Series Manager. Jorge Vazquez, from Mexico – the first member of staff to be fully dedicated to this project – has been charged with implementing the four-leg international series, which will begin in season 2018-2019.

The World Curling Federation is delighted to announce the winners of its Sports Media Trainee Programme for the 2017-2018 curling season. The winning candidates will join the World Curling Federation's media team at curling championships over the next six months.