David Murdoch admitted his Scotland rink were better than the displays that they gave in Canada as they missed out on a medal at the World Men’s Curling Championships.
Murdoch and co. finished on a positive note with a 7-6 extra end victory over Russia, but it wasn’t enough for them to make the Page 3v4 play-off with a 6-5 overall record.
They had opened the scoring with a single shot in the first end, but Russia took two in the second to take the early lead.
And a steal in the fifth end extended their lead to 4-2, only for the Scottish skip to secure the double to restore the game to parity heading into the closing stages.
But after Scotland took the lead for the first time late on, Russia clawed their way back to force an extra end – the last of the competition for both teams.
It was Murdoch who held his nerve after Daniel Goodfellow delivered two perfect tick shots, securing a last-game win and mixed emotions for the skip.
“They played well and had nothing to lose,” he said. “We had a lot to lose so for us to show our character there was so important, that’s why I’m so proud of the guys.
“It was one of those games where you think you’re never going to get in front.
“That was about getting a job done. To be honest, I’m feeling disappointed – I don’t come to these Championships not to get a medal, that’s annoying for me, that’s annoying for this team.
“We know we’re better than that.”
Canada maintained their perfect round-robin stage to set up a Page 1v2 play-off with Sweden, who recorded just two defeats themselves.
Switzerland and USA are still in with a chance of reaching the final themselves, with the winner of that tussle getting one more shot against the losing side from Canada’s meeting with Sweden.
Sportsbeat 2017