Bottcher defeated Brad Gushue of St. John's 6-3 in one men's semifinal, while Retornaz defeated Ross Whyte of Scotland 6-3.

Source: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/curling/curling-grand-slam-tour-challenge-roundup-oct-21-1.7004333?cmp=rss

Italian skip Joel Retornaz reacts to his final shot in the eighth end during play against Team Norway during the qualification game at the Men's World Curling Championship, Saturday, April 8, 2023 in Ottawa.

Source: https://www.baytoday.ca/national-sports/in-the-rings-italys-retornaz-a-favourite-entering-euros-after-breakout-season-7838933

The opening exchanges of the final suggested it might be a very different encounter with multiple scores at the first two ends, Whyte scoring two at the opener, then Retornaz responding with a three at the next.

Source: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/sport/other/5522497/team-whyte-aberdeen-international/