Russia booked their place in the play-off stage of the tournament ©WCF

Hosts Russia became the first team to qualify for the play-off stage of the World Curling Federation (WCF) World Mixed Curling Championships following their fifth consecutive win at the Kazan Sports Palace today.

Facing winless Kazakhstan, the Russian team were expecting to continue their superb start to the tournament, but fell 1-0 down after the first end of the competition.

It would prove to only be a minor setback as they quickly seized control of the contest and delivered an impressive 12-1 triumph to earn their place in the play-off stage.

“We’re playing not bad, but we could and will play better,” said Russian skip Aleksandr Krushelnitckii.

“I hope that in play-offs everything would be all right.

“We’re still making some mistakes.

“We will try very hard to go through last 16 and quarter-finals, of course our goal is the medals, but you never know how it comes out.”

The Czech Republic slipped to third in the Group C standings having not played today, due to Poland earning a victory over Australia.

Turkey were able to preserve their winning record in Group E to join Russia in the play-off stage of the tournament, with their latest triumph being by an 8-3 margin against The Netherlands.

Germany and Turkey have also secured places in the play-off stage of the tournament ©WCF
Germany and Turkey have also secured places in the play-off stage of the tournament ©WCF

Germany maintained pace with the Turkish team by winning 8-1 against Croatia, which also ensured their progression to the play-offs.

Having beaten Croatia 10-2 earlier in the day, Switzerland lie third in the standings to keep their hopes intact.

While their place in the next round of the competition is not yet confirmed, Canada’s 7-2 success against Belgium gave them a fifth straight win and all but ensured they will reach the play-offs.

The United States had a potentially pivotal day by earning two victories to move up to second in Group C, behind the Canadian team.

Their first win of the day was by a score of 11-1 against Andorra and they backed up the achievement by defeating France 9-1.

With four victories and no defeats to date, Sweden and Hungary have their fate in their own hands in Group B.

Sweden handed third place England their second defeat by edging them 7-5, while Hungary remained faultless with a 7-4 success against Brazil.

An 8-4 win for Scotland over Romania keeps them top of Group A, with Japan lying second after a 6-4 triumph over Italy.