China's mixed doubles curling pair Ye Zixuan and Yu Sen continued their dominant performance at the Olympic qualifying event in Kelowna, Canada, defeating the Netherlands 7-5 on December 15. The victory marks their third consecutive win in Group B, positioning them as strong contenders for a play-off berth alongside Australia.
After securing earlier wins against Hungary and France, the duo faced a tense match as Dutch opponents Wouter Gosgens and Lisenka Bomas led 5-3 by the seventh end. A strategic takeout by Ye Zixuan flipped the momentum, scoring three critical points to seize a 6-5 advantage. Yu Sen's precision shooting and Ye's decisive hammer throw in the eighth end sealed the victory, showcasing China's growing prowess in winter sports.
The result keeps China tied for first place in their group, with the top two teams advancing to the next stage. This year's qualifiers highlight Asia's increasing competitiveness in traditionally European-dominated winter disciplines, drawing attention from sports analysts and investors eyeing the region's athletic development.
