Having lost for the first time yesterday - an 8-3 reverse at the hands of the United States - Niklas Edin's team were bidding to bounce straight back but they again failed to perform as they were beaten 8-6 by Finland.

The victory for the Finnish outfit, skipped by Aku Kauste, was their third in a row after they overcame Switzerland and Russia on day three.

"This one was a pretty big one, and last night also [against Switzerland]," Kauste said following the triumph over the 2015 winners.

"Two really good wins now.

"I think we are a bit more confident, how the ice is doing and how the sweeping is affected on these conditions and how the rocks are reacting.”

Sweden were unable to react as they fell to their third straight loss, going down 6-4 to Norway.

The result saw Thomas Ulsrud's men partially avenge their defeat to the Swedes in the 2015 final and the Norwegians then solidified their position in second place on the leaderboard by ousting Finland 7-5 in the evening session.

Canada are the runaway leaders at the summit of the standings as they continued their impressive run of form by picking up a seventh straight victory, easing to a 7-2 success against Russia.

Their win had come after they comfortably saw off the challenge of Germany 6-3 in the morning session.

Norway are the only side on a six win and one loss record, with the United States emerging as the closest challengers to the top two places.

The American side proved too strong for Switzerland in the morning session, edging a tight contest 9-7, before they returned in the evening to beat Scotland by the same scoreline, though they needed an extra end to get over the line.

Denmark, Japan and Sweden, who have all recorded four wins from their seven matches, are in pursuit of the all-important fourth spot.

Action in Basel continues tomorrow.