Sweden defend World Mixed title

In back and forth final at the World Mixed Curling Championship, in Aberdeen, Scotland, Sweden successfully defended their world title, edging Japan 5-4.

The Swedish team, consisting of Simon Granbom, Rebecka Thunman, Johannes Patz, and Mikaela Altebro, claimed the gold medal, going undefeated with 11 straight wins.

In the final, Japan opened with a single point, but the Swedes took a 3-1 advantage after four ends. Japan, led by skip Hase Hinako and supported by teammates, Ichitsubo Shun, Hasegawa Hiroki, and Tokoyoda Chihiro, put up a strong second half, tying the game 4-4 after seven ends.

In the last end, Sweden guarded their shot stone which was buried on the button, while Japan tried to slash a stone in on their final shot. The shot over curled, meaning Sweden didn’t have to throw their final stone, and were crowned World Mixed champions.

Despite the loss, Japan celebrated a historic moment, winning their first-ever World Mixed curling medal.

Bronze medal

In the bronze medal game, Switzerland, led by skip Nora Wueest and supported by Yves Wagenseil, Dieter and Marion Wueest overcame Spain with a 4-2 victory, after a steal in the final end. Spain attempted a long raise takeout but just missed, resulting in a fourth-place finish for the 2023 silver medallists.

Read our feature on the family dynamic within the Swiss team here.