Canada remains undefeated, while China has its first win. Peja coaches the rally.
In the morning televised game, Canada easily handled Switzerland. Most of the players on the winning team played 85-95%. Marcus Eggler (Switzerland) did not fare well, and that may have made it easier for Kevin Martin to get through the game. China did Scotland, the Germans narrowly won against the French, America swept Japan. The Czechs take on the Scots in the afternoon and China in the evening. Both opponents are playable, but it won't be easy. The Scots won't want to lose their second game on the same day and China is getting better as the day goes on. The ice is starting to be smooth, just some spots are harder to read when playing an "outside in" draw. One of the legends we don't see on the ice this year, although he certainly could have done it, is three-time world champion Peter Peja Lindholm (Sweden). "I don't really play anymore, but I've taken up coaching, and not just curling. For example, I recently coached at car races. I will definitely return to curling in some form, I love the challenge and seeing how the Chinese have taken it up a notch, I would love to try something like that too." The Swedes here are both lobbying to host the men's world championships in two years' time, and also nervously watching the tournament's development, as the men's Olympic team's participation is still uncertain.
rnPhoto: Peter Lindholm