Robyn Munro and Orrin Carson made the ideal start to their World University Games (WUGS) mixed doubles campaign when they won both their matches on the opening day, edging out the USA 7-6, before easing past Switzerland to claim a relatively comfortable 8-5 victory.
In a short-sharp round-robin stage, which will see them play all seven of their rivals in just three days of action, it always looked vital to generate early momentum and they have given themselves every chance of competing for a place in the play-offs. 
A strong start against the Americans had seen them claim a three at the second end, the first time they held last stone advantage and they maintained that until the seventh end when their opponents took advantage of their powerplay to score three and claim a 6-5 advantage heading down the last.
With Munro at her second WUGS and Carson coming into this event after leading his all-teenage team to their first tournament win on the men’s senior circuit earlier this week, they drew on that experience to keep their composure and used their own powerplay to secure the two they needed.
“We had a really strong start against the Americans, but Robyn definitely got me through that one and as long as she keeps playing like that we’ll have a great week and if I can improve as well that would be nice,” said Carson.
“The draw weight came quite naturally to her, which came in really handy throughout the game, especially at the last end when she had to draw the shot to win, so full credit to her and long may that continue.”
Their encounter with the Swiss was effectively decided at the fourth end when, having already established a lead, they stole three to move into a 6-1 lead at the midway break.
Their opponents attempted to launch a comeback when they used their powerplay to score three at the next to close the gap, but another two at the sixth end re-established control for the British pair.
“We made a really strong start against Switzerland and they were probably quite lucky to be at 3-1, but we then played a really good fourth end and got the steal of three,” said Carson. 
“We had a slight blip in end five, but we bounced back right away with a strong six, seven and eight and managed to see the game out.”
They now face three matches on the second day of competition, opening up against Germany who have also won both their matches, beating Italy 6-5 and Japan 7-4, but Carson said that he and Munro are looking to concentrate on their own performances,.
“The Germans look very strong, but as long as we believe in ourselves and keep playing like we did against Switzerland we’ll give them a great game and hopefully get over the line again,” he said.
Schedule:
Saturday 11 January
MD1
GB – USA 7-6
MD2
GB – Switzerland 8-5
Sunday 12 January
MD3 – 09.00
GB – Germany
MD4 – 13.00
GB – Canada
MD5 – 17.00
GB – Italy
Monday 13 January
MD6 – 09.00
GB – Japan
MD7 – 13.00
GB – Norway
Tuesday 14 January
08.00 Semi Final 1
12.00 Semi Final 2
16.00 Bronze Medal Game
19.00 Gold Medal Game
GB Students Mixed Doubles Team
Robyn Munro (University of Strathclyde)
Orrin Carson (Dumfries and Galloway College)
Mixed Doubles Coach: Scott Andrews
Head Coach: Nancy Smith
Please click here for results.
