Germany become first team to qualify for mixed doubles play-offs

Following a, 8-2 morning win against Italy, Germany have secured the first mixed doubles play-off spot at the Youth Olympics. The team of Joy Sutor and Leonhard Angrick have won their four games so far, and top Group D.

The pair, who have been playing together for two years, were delighted to discover that their fourth win guaranteed them a spot in the play-offs.

“It means everything [to qualify] – it was a goal for us to be here and now we are into the play-offs! It’s a good feeling, we’re really happy,” said Joy.

They believe coming from a smaller nation for curling could be a benefit, as they have less pressure on themselves.

“There’s not that much pressure on us because Germany is not a curling nation so we’re not ‘supposed’ to qualify,” explained Leonhard. “But we are really good friends and enjoy every stone, we enjoy the moment and now we are in the play-offs!”

“We grew up together and we’ve been playing some tournaments together. We know what the other one needs, it’s really easy,” he added.

Great Britain hand Czechia first loss

In the afternoon session, Team GB bounced back from their evening loss to Korea, with an 8-3 comeback victory against Czechia. The Czechs opened the game with a 3-0 lead after three ends. The scoreboard swapped in the second half when Great Britain produced four stolen ends in a row, to come back and secure their second win.

Youth Olympic Games Gangwon 2024 © World Curling / Stephen Fisher

“To be honest I actually thought we were in quite good control the whole game. I feel we were quite unlucky the first three ends when they scored against us but we fought back well in the last five or so ends,” said Ethan Brewster, who is the son of Olympic silver medallist, Tom Brewster.

Canada, United States and China at 3-0

Group A leaders, Canada, defeated Nigeria, 14-0, to collect their third win, while Group B’s United States beat Norway, 8-3. Lastly, China won against Brazil, 10-3 to head Group C.

The Americans led the Norwegians by just a single point at the break, but with a big steal of four in the fifth end, the team were able to hold their lead for the win.

“We started off strong-ish, they are a great team,” said United States’ player Benji Paral. “We had to keep our cool and keep our composure.”