There will be 16 teams competing for a berth in the Saskatchewan men's curling championship this Friday to Sunday, Dec. 10-12, at the 2003 SaskTel Mobility Tankard Challenge at the Weyburn Curling Club.

The winner of the Challenge will be slotted in as the ninth team at provincials, which will be held next February in Moose Jaw. The other eight spots are determined through the traditional northern and southern playdowns.

The curling gets underway at noon on Friday and continues throughout the weekend. There is no admission charged at the door.

Recently some concerns were expressed about the relatively low number of entries at the Challenge, as last year there were 30 teams entered in Melfort.

Despite the lower number of entries, however, club manager Glenn Tollefson said the event is still going to feature some "top-notch curling."

There are no rinks from Weyburn entered in the event.