Germany, Sweden, Russia and United States reach World Mixed Curling Championship quarter-finals

Russia beat the hosts Switzerland in a clash of the unbeaten sides to top Group C ©WCF

Sweden, Germany, Russia and the United States have all sealed a place in the quarter-finals of the World Mixed Curling Championships quarter-finals after finishing top of their respective groups as round robin action came to a close in Bern.

The most eagerly anticipated tie of the day would be between the hosts Switzerland and Russia, as both teams boasted 100 per cent records in Group C and the winners of their head-to-head clash would seal the sole quarter-final spot available.

Russia claimed the early lead in the match as they scored two points in the opening end and they were able to extend their advantage by picking up another point in the third end to hold a 3-0 lead.

However, the Swiss team showed why they had been unbeaten to date as three consecutive ends went in their favour to assume a 4-3 advantage, but it would not prove enough in the end as Russia held their nerve in the final two ends to claim a 6-4 victory.

The result ensured that Russia would seal the quarter-final berth while Switzerland and China advance to a qualification match to keep their pursuit of a last eight tie alive.

Scotland, who had boasted an unbeaten record heading into the final day of round robin action, would also be forced to settle for a qualification match after they were beaten 9-3 by the United States in Group D, with the American squad leapfrogging their opponents.

Despite suffering a 7-6 defeat to Estonia in their final match in the group, Hungary had already been assured of second place and a quarter-final qualification match.

Sweden were the dominant team in Group A over the six days of round robin play ©WCF

Group B, which has been arguably the closest fought throughout the six days so far, was eventually decided by the draw shot challenge after Germany’s 5-4 defeat to Finland saw them finish level with Norway and Canada with six wins and two defeats apiece.

The Germans though would win the draw shot challenge, which enables them to rest while their group rivals have to compete in another tie.

After seven wins from their eight matches Sweden ended clear of Italy to earn the quarter-final spot from Group A ahead of Italy, while having finished level France and Denmark face a tiebreaker match to book their place in the last eight.

The winners of the tie will progress to face Norway, while Italy take on Canada, Switzerland clash with Scotland and Hungary meet China in other play-offs.