By Jim Force | Special to Wausau Pilot & Review
The U.S. Wheelchair Curling Team is 4-2 after the first few rounds of play at the World Wheelchair Curling Championships in Vancouver, B.C., Canada.
The team, with Matt Thums from the Wausau Curling Club playing third, had a good day Monday, defeating Sweden 7-4 and Italy 11-8. The latter game featured an unusual five-end seventh, the Anericans scoring five stones to overcome an Italian lead of 7-6.
“Every game this team is improving and learning from the game before,” Thums said. “The ice is showing its tendencies and we are adjusting to it very well. It was a great win over Sweden as they are a tough opponent and seem to have had the advantage in past competitions.”
Earlier, the U.S. team defeated Japan, 7-4, and Scotland, 7-4, while losing to Canada and Norway in close matches.
The results leave the U.S. tied for fourth in the 12-team tournament.
“It’s a great facility we are curling in and all the volunteers that make this event happen are wonderful people, asmost Canadians are,” Thums said.
Today, the U.S. faces the Czech Republic and tournament-leading China. China won the wheelchair curling Paralympics last year in Beijing and stands at 5-1.
Games and end-by-end scores can be seen on worldcurling.org. Vancouver is two hours behind our central time.
