Rocky start for GB’s curlers

Britain’s men’s curling team suffered defeat at the hands of Sweden in the opening match of the round robins. European Champions Sweden made the most of Britain’s lack of accuracy to claim the 6-4 victory.

The team still have nine round robin matches to play starting with France tonight. Captain David Murdoch said they must raise their game, but was not too concerned by the opening defeat.

"Pretty much every championship I've been in I've lost the first game. It's the norm for us," he said.  "It's a long week here and the goal is to get the semi-final. Whether that's in first place or fourth place, I don't care.  They were pretty strong but we need to be a bit sharper."

The team is one of Britain’s greatest medal hopes, entering the games as world champions.

Historic

Great Britain’s women’s curling team also start their campaign for gold this evening with an opening match against world champions China. Eight years ago Rhona Martin led the team to a historic gold, catapulting curling into the limelight.

Now it is the turn 19-year-old Eve Muirhead. She is confident her team can go all the way and challenge for the medals.

"It is going to be a tough opening game for us," she said. 

"We have learned a lot about them over the last year or so and if we can go out there and perform the best as we can, hopefully we can give them a good run for their money.

"If we all perform well, the best we can, I think hopefully we will be up there with the medals."