28 January 2024
Germany lead mixed doubles field on day two at Youth Olympics
After seven sessions of round robin, Germany lead the field, and Group D, with three wins and no losses. The team of Joy Sutor and Leonhard Angrick defeated Kazakhstan in the first session of the day, 8-4.
Joining them as undefeated teams with two wins are Canada, Czechia, United States and China.
Following the Germans in Group D are Austria (2-1) and Switzerland (2-1). The Austrians are coming off a stolen victory in the afternoon against Italy, 6-5, where the Italians came up light on their draw to the button to win.
“It was interesting – I think it was pretty even,” said Austria’s Emma Mueller who has been playing with her teammate Luis Heinisch for six years. “It came down to the last shot and on a few centimeters, so it was a really tight game the whole time!”
“It’s a really cool event, playing in an arena with actual fans is amazing feeling. There are fans who are cheering for you and clapping when you make a shot so it feels awesome.”
Czechia previous experience key
In Group A, Czechia’s team of Julie Zelingrova and Ondrej Blaha picked up their second win of the event. They defeated Nigeria 19-0 and face Great Britain in their next game.
After the game, the Czech team discovered one of their opponents [Roy Daniel] not only speaks their native language, but could understand them throughout the game.
“[The game] was good because the guy [Nigeria’s Roy Daniel] is from Czech Republic and he told us at the end of the match. So we realized he understood us and everything the whole game! So that’s cool. And I think they can be good players in the future!” said Ondrej.
Julie, who competed at the last two World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships, is leaning on her experiences here in Gangneung.
“I think I’m really confident and I think the worlds really has helped me because now it is easier for me. I think I can give the experience to my teammate and it’s just easier now,” Julie shared.
Ondrej is happy that Julie has this experience but admits he feels more pressure to play to her standard.
“It’s a little stressful because I know she has the experience and I have to be as good as her or just try to be as good as her. But I think I’m doing well and we are a good team! It’s just a plus for us that she has this experience,” he said.
Click here for results and standings.
