LETHBRIDGE, Alberta -- The U.S. men clinched a playoff berth before the round robin was even complete Friday at the 2019 World Men’s Curling Championship in Lethbridge, Alberta.
Despite suffering a loss to Sweden in the morning, the Swedes’ afternoon win over Italy secured a spot in today’s playoffs for the Americans (7-4).
John Shuster (Superior, Wis.) and teammates Chris Plys (Duluth), Matt Hamilton (McFarland, Wis.), John Landsteiner (Duluth) and Korey Dropkin (Duluth) suffered an 8-4 loss to Niklas Edin’s Sweden rink in a rematch of the 2018 Olympic gold medal game. A disastrous seventh end gave the reigning world champions an easy shot for four points to break a 3-3 tie.
Sweden (11-1), Japan (9-3), Canada (8-3) and Switzerland (8-3) had also clinched playoff spots by Friday evening. Italy (7-4) and Scotland (7-4) clashed for the final berth in the night session.
The U.S. concluded the round robin Friday night against Norway (2-9). Results were not available at press time.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 3 vs. 6 and 4 vs. 5 playoff games will be played at 10 a.m. Saturday with the semifinals following at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The top two teams receive a bye to the semifinals. The bronze and gold medal games are set for Sunday, April 7.
