Canada keeps pace at Capital One World Women’s

While leader Sweden had a bye, Canada improved its record to 4-3 with a 9-6 win over United States at the Capital One World Women’s Curling Championship in Esbjerg, Denmark. Skipped by Saskatchewan’s Amber Holland of Regina, Canada took charge after the fifth end break, when the teams were knotted at three apiece. Holland proceeded to score deuces in the sixth, eighth and 10th ends (although she didn’t have to throw her last rock) to secure the win over Patti Lank of Lewiston, New York. Canada outcurled the United States, 88%-69%. “We felt we were in control all the way through,” said Holland. “The seventh end was a bit scary when we had a little blip, but we were in control for the rest of the game. “It was key for us to come out today and get a couple of wins on the board to make sure we’re staying where we need to in the standings. We feel a lot more comfortable with the ice and that shows in our shot-making.” Earlier in the day, Canada defeated Czech Republic, 7-4. In other games, Switzerland’s Mirjam Ott outpointed China’s Bingyu Wang, 7-6 in an extra end to move into sole possession of second place at 5-2, behind Sweden’s Anette Norberg at 6-1. China opened the game with a three-spot, but the Swiss rallied, counting one in the second, then stealing singles in the fourth, fifth and sixth ends to assume command. Russia, with Anna Sidorova at the helm, also moved to 4-3 with an 8-6 clipping of Scotland (Anna Sloan), stealing two in the 10th end, while Korea (Mi-Sung Shin) scored its first win of the week, whacking Czech Republic (Anna Kubeskova), 11-2. Thus, through play Tuesday evening at the Granly Hockey Arena, Canada is now tied for third with China, Denmark and Russia, all with 4-3 records. Next come Germany, Norway, Scotland and United States at 3-4, followed by Czech Republic at 2-5 and Korea at 1-6. The round robin continues through Thursday with three draws daily, followed by any required tiebreakers and a Page Playoff game on Friday. The other Page game, along with the semi-final, will be held Saturday, while the bronze and gold medal games are slated for Sunday, March 27. Canada faces a huge challenge on Wednesday, meeting the two current leaders, Switzerland (live on TSN at 9:00 am ET), followed by Sweden in the evening draw.