China’s mixed doubles curlers may have dropped a close 6-5 game to Australia in Kelowna this week, but their Olympic dream is very much alive 🥌✨
The nail-biter started strong when China’s Yu Sen landed a perfect stone right on the button (that’s curling-speak for the bullseye), grabbing the first point. Australia’s Tahil Gill and Dean Hewitt fought back, taking a 2-1 lead into the third end, but Yu’s slick double take-out tied things up at 2-2.
It was a see-saw battle: after five ends, Ye Zixuan slid in another key shot to level 3-3. In the seventh, Ye’s last throw knocked out Australia’s rock, scoring two points and putting China up 5-4.
Though Ye came up just short on the final shot in the eighth end, handing Australia two points—and the win—the Chinese duo still advanced to today’s playoff against the Republic of Korea. Win that, and they’ll challenge the loser of Czech Republic vs Australia for a coveted spot at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games 🎿🏆
This week’s qualifier is more than a competition; it’s a test of grit and strategy under pressure. With high stakes and every stone counting, these curlers are showing why Team China shouldn’t be underestimated. Stay tuned! 📺🌏
Reference(s):
Chinese mixed doubles curlers remain hopeful of reaching Winter Games
cgtn.com
