Worlds Day 5 - Unbeaten Canada clinch playoff spot.

Canadian lead Sonja Gaudet using an off side brace
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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Alberta's patient alternate Bruno Yizek was given a game at 2nd against Germany (1-6) in the morning draw that saw Canada (8-0) coast to a 13-0 win in six ends. The opposition promised to be tougher in the afternoon, but Canada stole an early 4-0 lead over Norway (5-3) on their way to a 7-4 win that guaranteed them a place in the Page 1 vs 2 playoff game.

Canada front end Bruno Yizek and Sonja Gaudet
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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Norway had lost to the Czech Republic in the morning draw, again by falling behind early. Though they tied the game after 6 ends, and were just one down with hammer in the 8th, they were unable to deny the Czechs their second win, losing 6-4.

Norway's coach Thoralf Hognestad talks to his team
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen remained upbeat saying “with two beginners and our third player who has never been in the Worlds before, our performance this week is above all our expectations.” They face last place Germany tomorrow, and with the other 3 loss teams playing each other, are guaranteed a playoff spot with a win.

Scottish rookie Gregor Ewan wonders what he's done
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]

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Scotland (6-1) clinched their playoff spot with a 5-4 win over Korea (3-5). “When you come to the world championships your first goal is to get the business end of the week,” said skip Aileen Neilson. “[then) we take stock and focus and start the competition again.” Three losses guarantees a playoff spot.

China's skip Taeyeong Jeong
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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China (4-3) beat Sweden (2-5) 5-3 in their only game today, but have a tough finish against Scotland and Russia tomorrow. Russia needed a steal of 2 in an extra end to put away the disappointing Americans who again dug themselves a huge hole by giving up a big end, this time a five before the break, that single point steals were unable to overcome.

USA coach Steve Brown discusses the extra end against Russia
[World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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USA had posted a decisive 12-3 win to dent Korea's playoff hopes in the morning draw but relegation to the Qulifying Tournament is now a very real possibility for a USA team who had made the playoffs at the 2009 Worlds and 2010 Paralympics. They play the Czechs tomorrow in a must win game for both teams.

Jimmy Joseph with Jacqui Kapinowski [World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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Another team who will be fighting for survival are Paralympic bronze medallists Sweden who play Russia tomorrow. Both teams will be highly motivated; for opposite reasons.

Swedish coach Jalle Jungnell encouraging his team [World Curling Federation/Vladimir Nosek]
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Standings after Draw 10

Canada 8-0 (Qualified for playoffs)
Scotland 6-1 (Qualified for playoffs)
Norway 5-3
China 4-3
Russia 4-3
Korea 3-5
Sweden 2-5
Czech Republic 2-5
USA 2-6
Germany 1-6

Canada plays Scotland tomorrow.  You can see the full schedule, results and tables in our Worlds 2011 section of the wheelchaircurling.com website.

Line scores are available HERE and a large gallery of photos are available HERE