Swiss Curling Team Wins Round Robin with 11-Game Streak | Women’s World Championship 2024
CALGARY – Team Schwaller of Switzerland continued its remarkable run at the World Women’s Curling Championship in Calgary, securing both a spot in the playoffs and the top seed in the round robin with an 11-1 record. The team, skipped by Xenia Schwaller, clinched the top spot with a decisive 7-3 victory over Sweden on Wednesday, following a 6-4 win against Italy earlier in the day.
The Swiss team’s only loss of the tournament came in their opening match against Japan, a 6-3 defeat that initially appeared to be a setback. Yet, Schwaller and her team – Selina Rychiger, Fabienne Rieder, and Selina Gafner – quickly rebounded, embarking on a ten-game winning streak that culminated in securing the number one seed.
Wednesday’s match against Italy saw the Swiss team demonstrate their control and precision. Italy struggled to score more than one point in any end, while Switzerland capitalized with a key two-point play in the fourth end, establishing a 4-3 lead and crucially securing the hammer – the last stone advantage – for the ninth end. Schwaller then expertly executed another two-point play in the ninth, extending the lead to 6-3 and effectively sealing the victory. Italy was unable to mount a comeback in the tenth, resulting in a 6-4 final score.
The subsequent match against Sweden proved less challenging for the Swiss team. After eight ends, they held a commanding 7-3 lead, prompting Sweden to concede the match. This victory not only extended their winning streak to eleven games but also confirmed their position as the top seed heading into the playoffs.
The game against Canada on Tuesday night was a particularly tense affair, showcasing the team’s resilience and composure under pressure. The match remained tightly contested throughout, with neither team able to establish a significant lead. After stealing a point in the seventh end, Switzerland entered the tenth end with a narrow 5-3 advantage, but without the hammer. Canada managed to score two points in the tenth, tying the game and forcing an extra end. However, Switzerland maintained their composure, utilizing the hammer to score a single point and secure a 6-5 victory.
The Swiss team’s success has been attributed to their combination of strategic play, precise execution, and strong team spirit. Schwaller’s leadership, coupled with the consistent performance of Rychiger, Rieder, and Gafner, has been instrumental in their impressive run. Their ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations has been a defining characteristic of their performance in Calgary.
The team’s journey to the playoffs began with a series of impressive victories, including wins over Denmark and Canada. Their ability to consistently deliver strong performances against top-ranked teams has established them as a serious contender for the World Championship title. The opening loss to Japan now appears as a distant memory, serving as a valuable lesson that spurred the team to elevate their game.
Team Schwaller’s semi-final match is scheduled for Saturday at 23:00 local time (live on SRF). Their opponent is yet to be determined, but with their current form and momentum, they are well-positioned to make a strong push for the championship. The team’s consistent performance throughout the round robin has demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level, and they will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs.
Results:
- Switzerland vs. Italy: 6-4
- Switzerland vs. Sweden: 7-3