Einarson's 4th straight win puts playoffs in sight for Canada at women's world curling
Defeat Estonia to even record at 5-5, play Denmark, Japan on Thursday
It wasn't all that long ago the Canadian curling team was on the ropes at the women's world curling championship in Calgary, desperate for a victory and any kind of momentum.
Having lost five of their first six games, Kerri Einarson and her Gimli, Man., foursome looked overwhelmed by the pressure of wearing the maple leaf. The bubble fatigue, having played four events over the previous two months, seemed to be weighing the team down.
- Join Colleen Jones and Devin Heroux for 'That Curling Show' next Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET and Sunday at 2 p.m. ET at on CBC Olympics Twitter, CBC Olympics Facebook, and CBC Sports YouTube.
After their fourth loss, a 7-6 defeat to the United States on Sunday, an emotional Einarson told the media "it's not easy being out there.
"Definitely missing my family a lot more," she said. "It's a long haul to be away. I miss my girls and my husband and my parents. When you're struggling like I am, you want those hugs."
But the four Canadian curlers, alongside coach Heather Nedohin, never panicked. Their losses had come against the top teams and they were close to winning each one.
What a difference a couple of days make.
Canada evens record
Canada has now won four straight games and has evened its record at 5-5. The latest victory, a 10-4 win over Estonia on Wednesday, puts the Canadians right back in the playoff picture. The top six teams at the event earn a direct spot into the 2022 Olympics.
"We never give up and keep fighting," Einarson said after the win. "It's a gruelling long week. We've been in the bubble for a long time but I'm thankful for my teammates and everyone supporting us."
WATCH | Devin Heroux on 7 crew members testing positive for COVID-19:
Lead Briane Meilleur said the team has shown poise throughout the competition and never stopped believing it could get back to this position.
"We never give up. We think we can win every game. I knew we'd bring that for the rest of the event," she said. "I think we're capable of winning them all."
They have their confidence back. And the Canadians are surging now.
The Canadians sit tied for seventh after Wednesday's evening draw. They next play Denmark and Japan on Thursday before finishing against China on Friday in games that could decide a playoff spot.
Following evening play, Russia led the standings at 9-1 ahead of Switzerland (8-1), Sweden (7-2) and the United States (7-4).
Scotland was in fifth place at 6-4 while Denmark was sixth at 5-4. Following Canada and Germany at 5-5, China was next at 4-5.
Broadcasts delayed further
Broadcasts for the event have been on hold since Sunday after seven members of the crew tested positive for COVID-19 and remain in isolation.
The World Curling Federation now says they are once again delaying broadcasts to until at least Friday afternoon. However, the WCF has put forward a return competition proposal to Alberta Health, with the hopes of being able to broadcast playoff games over the weekend.
It's expected Alberta Health will make its decision on Thursday morning.
Sunday morning's draw was postponed due to the initial broadcast crew positive tests. WCF now says that the draw will be played Friday night, pushing both quarter-finals to Saturday morning.
