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European Curling Championships
Where: Lohja, Finland When: 22-29 November
Coverage: Selected games are available to watch live on the BBC Sport website & app and BBC iPlayer
Scotland’s men’s team continues to dominate the European Curling Championships in Finland, maintaining their perfect record at the top of the round-robin table with an 11-4 victory over Sweden.
Bruce Mouat’s world champions had earlier secured their place in the semi-finals, defeating Poland 7-2.
Against Niklas Edin’s Swedish team, former world champions, the Scots were tied at 4-4 after four ends. However, they pulled ahead with three single-point scores, followed by a decisive four in the eighth end, securing the win with two ends remaining.
Mouat’s team will conclude the round robin against Joel Retornaz’s Italian team on Thursday, who currently hold second place with six wins and two losses.
Switzerland, led by Yannick Schwaller, the world silver medallists, also have six wins after their 9-8 victory over Italy. Sweden and Germany, led by Marc Muskatewitz, remain in contention for the final four.
Skip Bruce Mouat, who missed the previous two games due to illness, stated: “I was concerned about losing momentum after being off for two games, but I felt my practice throws were good.
“I was happy to be back, and we benefited from a few misses by Sweden.”
In the women’s competition, Scotland earned their fourth win against Norway but are currently sixth, heading into their final game against Germany, skipped by Sara Messenzehl, with slim chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Under the leadership of Sophie Jackson, the Scottish team secured four unanswered points in the first three ends against Marianne Roervik’s Norwegian team and finished strongly for an 8-5 victory.
Ranked second in the competition, the Scots have also recorded wins against Lithuania, Denmark, and the Czech Republic. However, losses against Turkey, Sweden, Italy, and Switzerland mean they require favorable results from other games to reach the final four.
Sweden, skipped by Anna Hasselborg, has already qualified with seven wins. Denmark, Norway, and Switzerland each have five wins, one ahead of Scotland.
Sophie Jackson commented: “This win was crucial for us as we’re aiming for that world qualification spot, which is our primary focus now.
“I received some sad news yesterday about the passing of my grandfather, which has affected the team’s mood. We are dedicating everything to each other and aiming to make the most of our time on the ice.”
Live coverage continues on the BBC Sport website & app and BBC iPlayer this week.
Mixed day for Scotland women as men win again
Scots men maintain 100% record with two more wins
Perfect day for Scots at European Curling Championships
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