There were three busy sessions of knockout action today that concluded with this evening's quarter-finals.

All four of the last eight clashes were close with one point the difference in three and two points in the other.

The hosts successfully made it through to the final four with a tense 4-3 win over Switzerland.

The Russians were forced to become from behind after their opponents scored three points in the opening end.

The home favourites, who defeated Italy 9-1 after six ends in the day's earlier round of 16, replied with a point in the second and fourth ends before two in the sixth were enough to secure their progression.

In the second quarter-final, South Korea beat Germany 6-4.

Three points in the third end were enough to put the Asians in control of the contest and they went on to score on three more occasions.

Their opponents could only respond with two in the final three ends to send the Koreans through.

Earlier today, Sweden narrowly defeated New Zealand to advance to the last eight and they squeezed through once again this evening, reaching the last four with a 7-6 win over Japan.

Sweden were leading 5-2 after four ends and managed to add another two points before surviving a late Japanese charge to progress.

In the final quarter-final match Scotland delivered a stunning two points in the eighth and decisive end to snatch victory away from Canada.

The Scottish team started brightly, scoring two points in the opening end before four points from the Canadians put their opponents on the back foot.

Scotland managed to level the match heading into the seventh and penultimate end where the fell behind yet again. 

With a spot in the final four fading away, Scotland managed to produce a sublime two points in the final end to claim the spoils.

The final day of play tomorrow is due to begin at 9am local time with the two semi-finals before the gold and bronze medal matches are scheduled to start at 2pm.