Umpire worries lingered at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium on Monday, but the Canadian women’s team put an end to their losing streak. Rachel Homan led her team to a 10-5 victory over China’s Rui Wang in the first women’s session following World Curling’s reversal of umpiring setup changes.
Canadian coach Heather Nedohin praised the team’s performance, stating it was a smooth game with positive energy and solid execution. The Ottawa-based women’s team, consisting of Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes, scored four points in the fourth end and added three more in the sixth, securing the win and breaking a three-game losing streak.
Homan leveled her record at 3-3 with a 9-6 win against Japan’s Sayaka Yoshimura later in the day. Despite Japan’s strong position in the 10th end, Homan managed a game-winning draw for a single point and the victory.
The dispute over umpire monitoring arose after an incident during a match with Switzerland, where Homan was penalized for a double-touching violation by an umpire overseeing the hog line. Following discussions, it was decided that umpires would return to their regular monitoring setup in the delivery area upon request.
Reflecting on the situation, team member Emma Miskew acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence in overcoming them. The team emphasized focusing on their game and staying committed to their performance.
Looking ahead, the top four teams at the end of round-robin play will advance to the semifinals, with Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg leading the pack with an unbeaten record. The competition remains fierce, with teams vying for a spot in the medal games scheduled for the weekend.
In a separate match, Brad Jacobs and his Calgary-based team showcased a strong performance, securing an 8-2 victory against Czechia. Jacobs highlighted the team’s return to form and effective execution of their strategies.
With the competition heating up, the teams are focused on delivering their best performances and adapting to the challenges at the Olympics. Canada’s strong showing positions them well for further success as they aim for a spot in the semifinals.