The Swiss defended. Coach's Views.

Two teams made it to the final of the World Mixed Doubles Championships by defeating the Czech Republic. Switzerland and Hungary. The Canadians won the match for third place only at the very end, when they were already down 0 : 5 after five ends. Muller and Shori were better, more accurate and calmer than the Hungarians. The score was already 6 : 1 when finally two mistakes came on the side of the red and white and Szekeres managed the last throw. 6 : 4 the Swiss were leading and had the last stone. Again it was not quite right and the Hungarians could have had two decent stones in the circle with their last stone and the result would have been in the balance. However, Ildike's last stone ends in the guard and the Swiss brooms fly over their heads. The defence is complete. The closing ceremony was nice. Once again the children played a significant role in it, as well as speeches, thank you's and the medal ceremony. Great admiration and congratulations go to the Hungarians who were among the favourites (Switzerland, Canada). A nice championship, for the Czech Republic (sixth place) a result we don't have to be ashamed of. Everything is behind us and on the contrary, the 2010 edition and the venue Russia - Chelyabinsk are ahead of us. So who will it be?

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Jiri Candra evaluates the World Championships in mixed doubles as follows. Less players, less stones, less throwing, different tactics, different thinking, different flow. Players from big curling are used to full throwing and are actually "spoiled". In MD, players have to be more accurate. This category has a future in terms of specialization. I would change two things: I would loosen the throwing (i.e. not the obligation to stand at different ends of the lane) and playoffs would be played on ten ends. MD curling is dynamic, interesting, but I probably wouldn't put it on the Olympic program. For me personally, it was a very interesting experience, enjoyable and definitely diversifying. Compared to Vancouver, the environment and the people were more likeable.

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photo: The winners, sixth in the ceremony lots with little Shawn, Jiri Candra