Wheelchair Curling Worlds: Days 2 and 3

“We are extremely cautious now – there are still a lot of games to play. There are three games to go after tomorrow. We must concentrate.”

China put an abrupt stop to USA’s undefeated run at the 2012 World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Chuncheon, Korea on Tuesday (21 February), taking advantage of missed shots by American skip Patrick McDonald to hand it a 7-3 loss.

USA had won its first five games of the Championships, including a 6-4 victory against Scotland earlier Tuesday, but with the loss to China it is now tied with Slovakia with a 5-1 record atop the standings.

Slovakia had an impressive 5-4 win against Canada on Monday before defeating China and Sweden on Tuesday, and is now in good position to medal.

“With both China and Sweden, we were under pressure during the whole match. But in each case, the last end worked perfect for us,” said Slovakian coach Milan Kalis.

“We are extremely cautious now – there are still a lot of games to play. There are three games to go after tomorrow. We must concentrate.”

China now has four wins under its belt thanks to two impressive victories against Korea and Sweden on Monday.

Host nation Korea also has four wins after beating Russia, 9-1, and Scotland, 9-2, on Tuesday, while Canada, the defending Paralympic gold medallists has won just two of its first six matches.

Sweden’s only win of the Championships thus far came in its 6-3 win against Norway.

“We’re aiming for a medal here, and one that we’ve not had before, but we know it will be difficult,” Swedish skip Jalle Jungell said. “If we didn’t think we had a chance, then we wouldn’t have put in all of the effort.”

Italy will also be playing catch-up the rest of the week, as it also has just one win, a victory against Sweden.

Standings

Slovakia 5-1

USA 5-1

China 4-2

Korea 4-2

Russia 4-2

Canada 2-4

Norway 2-4

Scotland 2-4

Italy 1-5

Sweden 1-5