Read the full story on SportsLook - Japan Wins First-Ever Medal in Mixed Doubles Curling at the World Championship
Japan claimed its first ever world mixed doubles medal in curling on Saturday, April 29, collecting the silver after an 8-2 loss to the United States in the final of the 2023 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship.
In Gangneung, South Korea, the Americans opened the final with a steal of one in the first end.
Then, in the second end, Japan missed an opportunity on a light draw and the Americans stole two points for a 3-0 lead that set the tone for the final.
The Japanese team of Chiaki Matsumura and Yasumasa Tanida opened its account with a single point in the third end after a double take-out attempt.
In the fourth end, the US pair of Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse took control with two points for a 5-1 advantage. Another steal in the fifth gave the Americans a commanding 6-1 lead.
Thiesse sealed the win with two more points in the seventh to give her team an 8-2 lead, which forced Japan to concede.
"Today, our performance wasn't great and they played really well," Tanida said. "We started the week with eight wins in a row, so it was a fantastic week for us."
Continue reading the full story on SportsLook.
Author: Jim Armstrong
The author is a longtime journalist who has covered sports in Japan for over 25 years. You can find his articles on SportsLook.
