Curling Playoffs at World Mixed Doubles in Geneva

The smoke has cleared and six teams are through to playoffs at the World Mixed Doubles Championship in Geneva, Switzerland.

Canada’s Kadriana and Colton Lott finished in first place in Pool B with a 7-1 won/loss record, their sole setback coming against Scotland.

That pairing, made up of world rookies Katie McMillan and Angus Bryce faced off against Italy’s two-time Olympic medallists Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner in the final pool draw on Thursday.

The Italians took a four-ender in the seventh end to jump into an 8-5 lead, but Scotland responded with a tying three to force an extra end.

The finale saw Italy lying two and stuffed, and the defending champions didn’t need to throw their final stone for the 10-8 victory.

The result left Italy in second place at 7-2 and Scotland third at 6-3.

Korea and Switzerland both lost their last pool matches to finish at 5-4.

Pool A saw the top three teams as predicted by TCN contributor Tomi Rantamaki to be favourites all make the playoffs.

Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt finished top at 8-1, with Sweden’s Therese Westman/Robin Ahlberg and Japan’s Tori Koana/Go Aoki both second at 7-2.

Estonia finished one game back at 6-3, while three teams – Norway, China and Netherlands – finished at 5-4.

On Friday morning, qualification matches see Japan face Italy while Sweden will take on Scotland.

Australia awaits the winner of Japan versus Italy in one semifinal, while Canada, 10-5 winners over Switzerland in their final pool match, will battle the winner of Sweden and Scotland.

Denmark and USA finished last in their pools at 1-8, and have been relegated to next season’s World Mixed Doubles B Division.