The home team were edged 6-5 by Japan yesterday to lose for the first time in the competition, but normal service resumed today as they beat New Zealand 8-5 at the Uiseong Curling Training Centre.

It was New Zealand who were in front, 5-4, after eight ends but the Koreans scored two points in the ninth and then stole a further two in the tenth for the win.

It means they have six victories and one defeat to their name with two matches of the round-robin phase to go.

China and Japan are following closely behind them with each country boasting a record of played five, lost one having each contested a game less.

Japan eased past Kazakhstan 13-3 today while China beat Chinese Taipei 6-4.

Australia claimed their first victory as they thrashed winless tournament newcomers Qatar 17-2.

"We’ve had a few close games, and it’s good to get a win on the board and we’d like to put two more wins on the board before we leave here," said Australian skip Jay Merchant.

In the women's competition, South Korea maintained their 100 per cent record by walloping the Qataris 30-0.

The rout started with a score of eight in the first end and they then stole seven points in the sixth end, after which the game was brought to a premature conclusion. 

The Koreans have won all six matches, with China moving to a record of played five and lost one after handing a first defeat to Japan, 7-6.

New Zealand kept their play-off hopes alive by beating Australia 6-5, with Hong Kong seeing off Kazakhstan 16-4.

"I feel a little bit relieved," said New Zealand skip Chelsea Farley.

"My team really played well to keep me in it, I was struggling a bit throughout the game and Australia were playing really good shots."