Switzerland and Sweden Fight Their Way Into European Finals
Switzerland, the defending champions, and Sweden are set to face off in a dramatic final for the women’s gold at the Le Gruyère AOP European Championships after both teams triumphed in their respective semi-finals. Switzerland dominated Italy 7-3, while Sweden fought off Scotland to seal their place in Saturday’s high-stakes gold medal showdown. Meanwhile, Scotland and Italy will battle it out for the bronze medals in Friday’s third-place match.
Switzerland Overpowers Italy in Semi-Final Showdown
In a nail-biting encounter, Switzerland faced off against Italy, with the game tied at 2-2 after five ends. But it was Swiss fourth player Alina Paetz who delivered a game-changing tap for four points in the sixth end, putting Switzerland ahead 6-2. A steal of one in the seventh end further widened the gap, as Italy's Stefania Constantini missed a critical double take-out attempt. The Swiss would hold their lead to win 7-3, advancing to the final.
Swiss skip Silvana Tirinzoni reflected on the pivotal moment: “The score of four in the sixth end really shifted the momentum in our favour. It's moments like these that make all the difference.”
Sweden's Resilient Comeback Against Scotland
In the other semi-final, Sweden overcame Scotland in a thrilling contest. Scotland had a narrow 1-0 lead after four ends, but Sweden’s skip Anna Hasselborg turned the game around in the fifth with a stunning hit for three points, taking a 3-1 lead. Despite Scotland’s attempts to rally, Sweden sealed the win 6-4 with a steal in the tenth end after Scotland’s Rebecca Morrison failed to execute a key come-around shot.
A jubilant Hasselborg praised her team’s focus: “It’s such a great feeling to see our plan come to life and execute under pressure. We’ve been doing all the right things, and this win means so much.”
Scotland’s Narrow Victory Clinches Semi-Final Spot
Earlier in the competition, Scotland secured their semi-final berth with a tense 5-4 victory over Norway in the last round-robin session. The game was knotted at 2-2 before Scotland’s Rebecca Morrison played a pivotal shot in the seventh end, scoring two to take a 4-2 lead. Despite a late push from Norway, Scotland held on to finish third overall in the standings, advancing to face Sweden in the semi-finals.
Italy's Resilience Falls Short Against Sweden
In another crucial round-robin game, Italy and Sweden, already qualified for the semi-finals, faced off with Sweden emerging victorious 8-4. This win secured Sweden the second seed heading into the semis, with Italy finishing in the third spot.
B-Division Drama: Relegations and Playoff Spots Decided
As the B-Division races heat up, both the men’s and women’s events saw intense battles for qualification and relegation spots. In the women’s division, Czechia and Germany are safely through to the semi-finals, while Finland and Ukraine will drop to next season's C-Division after finishing at the bottom of the standings.
In the men’s B-Division, Spain, Türkiye, and Belgium have all qualified for the playoffs from Group A, while Ireland, Denmark, and Poland have secured their spots from Group B.
England’s Heartbreak as Germany Dominates
In the men’s event, England’s hopes for a first win were dashed as Germany surged to a 10-2 victory in their final round-robin match. With Germany's dominant performance, they earned a spot in the semi-finals while England, who finished bottom, will be relegated to the B-Division for next season.
Czechia and Norway Battle for Semi-Final Spot
Czechia and Norway fought hard for a place in the men’s semi-finals. After a tense 3-3 tie at the break, Norway emerged victorious with a 5-3 win, clinching a playoff berth. Czechia, while eliminated from the semi-final race, secured a spot in the world championships with their eighth-place finish.
Austria Avoids Relegation with Crucial Win
In a relegation battle, Austria defeated the Netherlands 8-6 to secure their place in next year’s world championships, while the Netherlands were relegated to the B-Division. Austria's skipper Mathias Genner expressed relief and pride in the win, acknowledging the significance of the victory for curling in Austria.
Switzerland Prevails to Secure Semi-Final Berth
In a dramatic final round-robin game, Switzerland fought hard against Italy for a semi-final spot. After a shaky start, Switzerland mounted a comeback, overcoming a 2-0 deficit to win 7-4 and clinch their place in the playoffs. Italy, finishing sixth, did not make it to the semi-finals and will look to regroup for next season.
The stage is set for an action-packed conclusion to the European Championships, with Switzerland and Sweden now vying for the top prize. The final promises to be a thrilling contest between two of curling's most formidable teams. Meanwhile, teams in the B-Division will have their eyes set on securing playoff spots and avoiding relegation as the competition progresses.
