Team GB on track for curling final four

Britain’s curlers took a major step in their quest to match their medalwinning exploits of four years ago, with both men and women’s teams victorious in their penultimate group-stage matches yesterday.

Wins against Norway and Japan respectively mean the men and women now have identical records of five wins and three defeats, as the initial round-robin stage reaches its climax today.

Another win in their final matches would guarantee a place in the semi-finals but, depending on other results, they may progress to a play-off even with defeat.

Kyle Smith’s side, who play the United States in their final game, had been staring at an early exit after losing three of their opening five fixtures. However, they controlled their match against Norway from the outset to secure a 10-3 win to move joint second in the table. “It’s a great feeling,” said skip Kyle Smith. “Norway took the silver medal in 2010 in Vancouver. They’re going to be one of the contenders.”

Eve Muirhead guided her side to bronze four years ago and the skip recovered from a shaky start to seal an 8-6 win over Japan.

The British team claimed three against the hammer in the sixth end, which changed the course of the match. They now sit third, ahead of their final fixture against reigning champions Canada.

Elsewhere, Rowan Cheshire realised her dream of competing in an Olympic final when she finished seventh in the freestyle skiing halfpipe final, while Nick Buckland and Penny Coomes came 11th in the ice dance, as Canadian pair Scott Moir and Tessa Virtue broke the world record to claim gold. Great Britain face the United States in their final game. Victory would guarantee them a semi-final spot.