China secured a decisive 9-2 victory over Scotland in their final round-robin match at the World Men’s Curling Championship in Moose Jaw, Canada, on Friday, solidifying their playoff berth with an 8-4 record. The win propels the team to third place in the standings, setting up a high-stakes quarterfinal clash with Norway for a chance to advance to the semifinals against Switzerland.
Dominating early, the Chinese squad built a 4-2 lead by the halfway mark, capitalizing on precise stone placement and strategic plays. A strong second-half performance saw them steal points in the sixth and seventh ends before a critical error by Scotland in the eighth allowed China to add three more points, prompting an early concession from their opponents.
With the tournament doubling as a qualifier for the 2026 Winter Olympics, China’s path to Milan-Cortina now hinges on their playoff performance. Reaching the final would secure direct Olympic entry, while a loss would force the team into a December qualification event for a final shot at the Games.
The result underscores China’s growing presence in international curling, blending precision and tactical expertise to compete against traditional powerhouses. As the playoff race intensifies, fans and analysts alike are watching to see if the team can sustain its momentum and secure a historic Olympic berth.
