Bankes: There’s snow short cut

ROUND-UP

CHARLOTTE BANKES defended Britain’s misfiring stars as the search for a first medal of these Games entered a second week.

The snowboard cross world champion (below) yesterday added a sixth place in the team event to her shock quarter-final exit in the individual.

With £24million invested in this Winter Olympic cycle, Bankes said: “We need to be a bit patient. Maybe people won’t see it with results this time but there’s a definitely been a big progression.”

Eve Muirhead’s curlers got back into the women’s team event pool stages by beating the USA 10-5.

Lewis Gibson said he was glad he ‘came out’ before the Games as he and ice-dancing partner Lilah Fear placed 10th halfway their competition.

Gibson said: “I was very lucky, many figure skaters have come out before me. I’m glad I’ve done it – the whole experience has been very freeing.”