By Nick Butler

Russia secured a place in the playoffs after a strong performance at the World Women's Curling Championships ©World Curling Federation/Richard GraySwitzerland, Canada and Russia secured the top three places after the round-robin stage of the ZEN-NOH World Women's Curling Championships in Sapporo, with China and Scotland to play a tie-breaker tomorrow for the final qualification slot.


This came after Russia defeated China 11-6 in the Tsukisamu Gymnasium tonight, never looking back after storming into a 4-0 lead after the first two ends.

China reduced the arrears to two, before skip Anna Sidorova put the Sochi 2014 hosts further ahead, with the European side going on to win 11-6.

"We are very happy because qualifying has been our goal throughout the week," said Sidorova.

"Now we will just relax and get ready for the next game.

"They played very well and even though we were leading the whole game it was still difficult for us."

Eve Muirhead kept Scotland's medal hunt alive after victory over Sweden ©World Curling Federation/Richard GrayEve Muirhead kept Scotland's medal hunt alive after victory over Sweden
©World Curling Federation/Richard Gray


Russia will now face the winner of tomorrow morning's China versus Scotland match in the semi-final playoff, with the Scots having recovered from a 8-6 loss to Switzerland by beating Sweden 10-7.

Switzerland will face Canada in the final playoff on Saturday (March 21).

Elsewhere, host Japan defeated Germany 10-5 in the final match, but had to settle for sixth overall after a frustrating loss to Sochi 2014 winners Canada earlier.

Sweden placed seventh, with Denmark, Germany, United States, Finland and Norway occupying the final five places.