WMXCC2016: team Russia claims world title

An intense final ended with the Russian team's victory at the 2016 World Mixed Curling Championship in Kazan.

Final

Russia-Sweden, 5-4

For the second time in the history of world mixed curling championships, the Swedish team reached the final and again suffered a defeat. But Team Russia's opponents deserve credit for displaying great curling skills and showing grit. Losing 1-3, the Swedish team managed to level the score and force the match into an extra end where the outcome was decided in the last shot. The newly crowned champions were over the top with happiness. For Alexander Krushelnitsky and Anastasia Bryzgalova, this victory became second this year. Earlier, they won gold at the double mixed championship so today Kazan witnessed a truly amazing achievement of the Russian curling team.

"In the end of the match we made bad shots so the defeat is completely our fault. We had a tough journey to the final; we stayed unbeatable, just like Team Russia, however, in some matches we were simply lucky. And today we saved the game in the dying seconds and forced the match into an extra end. Well, silver is a good result too. I think that we must be proud of ourselves. Now I want to have some rest, to recover my strength. In the evening I will go to a party; One more reason to say thank you to the organisers!" the skip of the Swedish team, Kristian Lindstroem, admitted after the match.

"I'm overwhelmed with emotion. Incredibly happy. I want to thank the team, our supporters!" the skip of the Russian national team, Alexander Krushelnitsky, said in the interview.

Bronze medal match

Scotland-Korea, 8-4

The match started with Team Korea's dominance. They led 3-0, but the quarterfinals had shown that the lead in the start of matches does not guarantee a victory in the end. The Scottish curlers managed to turn the tide of the match and earned bronze medals.

"It was an important game, tough game but extremely important. Team Korea showcased a very good performance; it's a great success that we managed to defeat them. I had no chance to watch the neighbouring sheet but I'm doing it now, and this is an incredible display of curling! It was my dream - to play in the final but bronze is also a success for us. I think that we've deserved the right to celebrate it!" said Team Scotland's second player, Bobby Lammie.