31 January 2024
‘Ready to go!’ Semi-final teams eager to play at Youth Olympics
The four mixed doubles semi-finalists are confirmed following the quarter-finals at the Youth Olympic Games.
Great Britain will face Sweden and United States will play Denmark tomorrow (1 February) at 9.00. The winners will go on to play for gold at 16:00 while the bronze game will take place at 13:00.
Perfect day for Team GB
The Brits emerged with a last-stone 7-5 win against Germany in the quarter-finals where Callie Soutar made a hit to seal their victory. She credits the win to strong sweeping and positive momentum from their last round robin game.
“I think just the momentum from the last game [against Canada] carried onto this game. Although it was close, we felt like we had control so that was good – that kind of settled some nerves,” she said.
With two last-stone wins today she added, “I think we are building that confidence knowing I can play the shots [to win].”
Her teammate, Ethan Brewster joined in, “It [playing in the semi] sounds amazing, jeeze! This morning we had a tough game against Canada and we didn’t know if we would even qualify and now we got here and won that game, so we feel amazing right now.”
Denmark look for second Youth Olympic medal
Denmark topped Japan in their game, 9-7, and will have a chance to win a second Youth Olympic medal, after earning silver in the mixed team event last week.
“We are feeling great – great game,” said Jacob Schmidt. “It had its ups and downs, mostly ups I think but we were pretty much in control and we played our best.”
“We’re ready to go! We are ready for another semi-final, it’s going to be amazing.”
Sweden in control
Sweden has a less close encounter with China, winning 9-6. The Swedes held control throughout the game, leading 6-2 after four ends.
“I think it went well,” said Maja Roxin. “He [Jonatan Meyerson] played good and I played OK. Hopefully it goes well in the semi-finals and we just take it as it comes.”
United States score big to win
In a close game against Czechia, United States utilised their power-play in the final end to score four points, and the win by 8-7.
“We are still shaking. That was insane, it was crazy. It was such a great game, it was back and forth the whole way,” said Benji Paral in disbelief.
“It’s so nerve wracking [to throw the last stone] but I know Benji has got the sweep and I can put it in his hands, he got it,” added his teammate Ella Wendling.
Click here for results and standings.
