Skip Niklas Edin is hoping to claim a fifth straight European title, but the Swedish rink began their title defence with a tough battle at the Tondiraba Ice Hall.

Switzerland edged ahead by scoring one in the penultimate end of the match, leaving the score at 6-5.

Edin’s team responded with the hammer, as they claimed the two points they needed in the final end to secure a 7-6 victory.

“We came up against a team playing really well,” Edin said.

“We got a deuce in the first end but they simply out-played us for the next few ends.

“We were in big trouble and didn’t think we were going to come back in the game.

“But, we then got some unforced errors out of them and the game momentum switched.”

Sweden’s triumph was one of several close matches in the opening session of the A-Division, as Scotland edged Norway 8-7.

Finland defeated Poland 6-5 in another tight contest, while Germany and Italy both celebrated 10-6 wins over Russia and The Netherlands respectively.

Three teams ended the day unbeaten, as Sweden beat Finland 9-1 in the final session as Scotland overcame Germany 8-3.

Italy were 7-6 winners against Switzerland, while Norway secured an 8-7 win over the Netherlands.

Defending women’s champions Scotland began their campaign in impressive fashion with a victory over Denmark.

The team, led by Eve Muirhead, scored three points in the second end of the match to set them on course for their eventual 7-4 triumph.

Olympic champions Sweden scored a crucial point in the final end to beat the Czech Republic 6-5.

There was also an 8-3 victory for Switzerland against Italy, while Russia were comfortable 12-5 winners against Germany.

Finland won their opening match 11-8 against Latvia.