Martin Rios, pictured, helped Switzerland to two wins on the first day of the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship in Lethbridge ©WCF/Richard Gray

Switzerland’s Martin Rios and Jenny Perret claimed two wins on the first day of the World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge, taking the outright lead in Group E.

The duo followed up a 9-5 win over Slovakia’s David Misun and Silvia Sykorova by overcoming Romania’s Allen Coliban and Iulia Traila 11-6.

"We had a good start in the morning draw and played six really good ends," Rios said.

"We can still play better and improve.

"Most importantly we have got to know the ice - get used to it and know the rocks.

"It was a learning day."

Russia’s Alexander Krushelnitskiy and Anastasia Bryzgalova begun their Group E campaign with a 9-4 victory over Spain’s Gontzal Garcia and Irantzu Garcia.

The defending champions are currently tied for second spot with Slovenia’s Jure Culic and Ajda Zavrtanik Drglin, who overcame New Zealand siblings Scott and Bridget Becker 10-4.

Belarus were among the four teams in Group A to make a winning start today, beating Hungary 8-7.

Brazil defeated Estonia by the same scoreline, while there were also victories for Latvia, 8-4 against Japan, and Finland, 11-0 against Croatia.

China made a winning start with an 8-4 victory over Sweden ©WCF/Céline Stucki
China made a winning start with an 8-4 victory over Sweden ©WCF/Céline Stucki

Opening day victors in Group B included Denmark, who comfortably overcame Bulgaria 11-1.

They were joined by Italy, 5-4 winners against Ireland, as well as Scotland and Wales.

Scotland defeated Norway 6-3, while Wales overcame Serbia 11-3.

Group C action saw Austria beat Israel 9-2, 2016 silver medallists China defeat Sweden 8-4, South Korea overcome Australia 8-1 and Poland down The Netherlands 9-5.

The United States, last year’s bronze medallists, thrashed Kazakhstan 13-1 in Group D.

Also beginning Group D with wins were hosts Canada, 10-4 against Turkey, Czech Republic, 7-5 against Germany, and England, 8-5 against France.

The full list of teams due to compete at the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympic Games, where mixed doubles curling is making its debut on the programme, will be known after the conclusion of the event in Alberta. 

A total of 16 teams, spread across eight countries are set to participate at the Winter Olympics in the South Korean resort.

The seven Member Associations with the most points from 2016 and 2017 will gain qualification to the Games and join hosts South Korea, who are guaranteed a place in the mixed doubles curling event.

Round-robin action in Lethbridge is due to continue tomorrow.