Danish men join female counterparts in securing Olympic place

Earlier on Sunday Denmark women's rink, including sisters Madeleine and Denise Dupont, beat Italy to book their place at the Games next February.

And the family celebrations continued in the evening as lead Oliver Dupont – brother to Madeleine and Denise – helped the men defeat hosts Czech Republic in the final match of the Olympic Qualification Event in Pilsen.

The match was understandably close all the way, with never more than two points between the teams.

Eventually in the tenth, Denmark skipper Rasmus Stjerne drew his final shot onto the button inside two Czech stones already in the house, to score one point and win the game 4-2.

Stjerne and Dupont are joined in the rink by third Johnny Frederiksen and second Mikkel Poulsen who will both be making a third Olympic appearance. Stjerne is set for his second outing while Dupont will enjoy his first taste of Olympic action.

The final men's line up now consists of Canada, Sweden, United States, Japan, Switzerland, Great Britain, Norway, hosts Korea and then Italy and Denmark from the qualification event.

Stjerne said: "It's amazing. We were just short of the direct berth [a loss to Italy]. We've been playing well all week and to go down to the last game to get in is definitely something.

"We felt we did what we could to be prepared for this, but ultimately it was small margins that did it. I'm thrilled the boys put it on and I'm so happy right now.

"I was told last time what to expect [at the Olympic Games] and I didn't believe it but, at least I know for myself what's going to happen. We know we can do well. We just need to do the same thing we did here and prepare well for it.

"The [Danish] girls also made it which is amazing, so curling in Denmark is blooming right now. We're thrilled that Denmark made it through and are really happy for us all."

Sportsbeat 2017