Germany continued their unbeaten record with a narrow win over defending champions, Sweden ©WCF/Richard Gray

Germany's men continued their impressive start at the Le Gruyère European Curling Championships 2015 with a 7-6 victory over defending champions Sweden in Esbjerg's Granly Hockey Arena.

After a narrow 3-2 win over Switzerland in their opener, Germany started superbly with two point in the first end before their Scandinavian rivals hit back.

The Swedes drew level to make it 3-3 in the fifth end, 4-4 after seven, and 6-6 after nine.

German skip Alexander Baumann saved his best form for the death, however, scoring the one point needed for victory with the game's last stone. 

They now share the lead with Norway, who scored three points in the first end en route to a comfortable 8-2 win over The Netherlands.

Finland, Russia and Scotland all recorded their first wins, with the Finns beating Italy 7-3, Russia fighting back to overpowering Switzerland 8-6 and Scotland seeing off Czech Republic, 9-7.

Hosts Denmark spoilt Germany's successful day to remain unbeaten in the women's competition, scoring three points in the eighth end to take a 5-3 lead.

Only Denmark and Russia remain unbeaten after two days in the women's competition ©WCF/Laura Godenzi
Only Denmark and Russia remain unbeaten after two days in the women's competition ©WCF/Laura Godenzi

Germany's skip Daniela Driendl then went long with her final draw and this gave Denmark a single-point steal and a match-winning 6-3 lead.

Russia are the only other unbeaten team, although they had to fight really hard to get the better of plucky Estonian opponents today.

The Russians led 4-2 at the halfway point but could not break clear until the 10th end, when a two-stone steal secured an 8-5 win.

World champions Switzerland got their campaign back on track after an opening day defeat with a 6-3 win over Norway.

Elsewhere, Finland overcame Hungary 12-7 while Scotland enjoyed a good 11-3 win over Sweden.

Action is due to continue in the Danish coastal town until next Saturday (November 28).



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