Agnes Knochenhauer (C) of Sweden competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Sweden and Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Sweden became the first team to book a place in the women's curling semifinals, while Switzerland and Canada secured spots in the men's last four at the Milan-Cortina Olympic Winter Games here on Tuesday.
Sweden's six-game winning streak came to an end after an 8-6 loss to Canada. However, their 6-1 record is enough to guarantee the first semifinal berth.
Swedish skip Anna Hasselborg admitted mixed feelings after learning her team had advanced.
"This makes me very happy. That's good news, though it feels a little strange because I'm disappointed with my performance in that game. It's like putting a bandage over the wound," Hasselborg said.
Italy claimed its second win of the tournament by defeating Japan 8-6, while the United States dominated Denmark 10-3 in eight ends. Switzerland edged South Korea 7-5.
Switzerland and the United States now share second place with five wins and two losses. Canada and South Korea are tied at 4-3 after seven round-robin games.
In the men's competition, Switzerland improved to a perfect 7-0 record to lead the standings and secure a semifinal berth. Canada also advanced to the last four on 6-1.
Host Italy sits third alongside Norway at 4-3, while Britain and the United States stand at 4-4 after eight games. Each team will play two more round-robin matches as they battle for the remaining semifinal spots.
The men's final is scheduled for Saturday, followed by the women's final on Sunday. ■
Emma Miskew (C) of Canada competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Sweden and Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Marta Lo Deserto (L) and Elena Mathis (C) of Italy compete during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Italy and Japan at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Kobayashi Mina (C) of Japan competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Italy and Japan at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Taylor Anderson-Heide (L) and Tabitha Peterson of the United States compete during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Denmark and the United States at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Madeleine Dupont (C) of Denmark competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between Denmark and the United States at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Carole Howald (R) of Switzerland competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between South Korea and Switzerland at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
Kim Minji (C) of South Korea competes during the curling women's round robin session 9 match between South Korea and Switzerland at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in Cortina, Italy, Feb. 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
