Smith staying positive despite Sweden loss

Niklas Edin's experienced rink had outclassed Team Smith in the final of the European Championships last year but this was a much closer encounter, the British team finally going down 8-6.

Coach Viktor Kjell saw his team dominate the first five ends but Edin seized advantage in the sixth end with a triple that swung the momentum decisively in his favour.

However, Smith was determined to accentuate the positives, with his team sitting joint third in the overall standings. Edin's Sweden and Kevin Koe's Canada - considered the most likely finalists - both remain unbeaten.

"I think we've been getting stronger with each game," said Smith.

"There's just a few things that we need to change and just tighten up on in some moments but there's positives to take.

"There's a long way to go and we've played arguably three of the best teams. Won two, lost two, it could be a lot better but it could be a lot worse as well.

"I think we took a lot of our chances but we played well together and worked well together. If we can keep playing like that, we'll be in a good place."

Kjell certainly knows all about Edin having been part of his rink in two previous Games, winning bronze four years ago in Sochi.

Next up are hosts Korea, who are winless in their four games but pushed Canada the distance yesterday.

"We can't make silly errors, especially against Niklas, who is one of the best in the world," said Kjell.

"I felt like we were the better team and we've let one slip away a bit. I'm very proud of how the guys played because definitely this was another step in the right direction. They're only getting better and better as the tournament goes on.

"There's a details that we need to sharpen up a little bit and if we do that we'll beat any team here."

Sportsbeat 2018