Canada set the early pace at Curling World Championships

An extra-end win over South Korea and an 11-3 pummelling of Russia inside seven ends sent the host nation top of the charts at the end of day one.

Koe, who led Canada to World Championship victories in 2010 and 2016, feels the tight nature of the Korean game in particular set his side up for a title tilt.

“That’s been a perfect day with two wins,” said the 44-year-old.

“But it was good for us to be tested, having a close game in the afternoon - that never does any harm.

“Against Russia, we played well, we got a nice three in the first end and we were off and running after that.”

Reigning champions Sweden got their title defence off to a perfect start by beating China 9-4, with Italy and Switzerland claiming comprehensive victories over Germany and Norway respectively.

And on his 100th appearance for Scotland, Bruce Mouat led his rink to an 8-2 win over Russia.

“It feels surreal. It’s one of the best moments for me in my career,” he said.

Sportsbeat 2019