Both Scotland and England had challenging starts to their respective campaigns at the SD Biosensor World Wheelchair Championships (11-14 March) at the Gangneung Curling Centre in Korea today, losing out 11-3 and 12-3 respectively.
“It was a bit of a disappointing start, but only the first game and we have definitely learnt from it and tomorrow is another game”, said Charlotte McKenna, who is partnered by Gary Smith making his debut at this event.
“Slovakia got off to a good start and we didn’t and it was a bit difficult after that as we were chasing the game, but we did have opportunities that we just didn’t capitalise on, so that made a difference.
“We face Latvia tomorrow and we have played them before and last time we beat them, but we know they will be out for revenge this time, so we are in for a tough game. 
“I don’t think you can ease into this competition, you have to be ready from the off as we only have four days before the play-offs so we can’t rest on our laurels but I think that first game has settled us in now and we know our game, we know we have done the training, we just have to put that into practice tomorrow.”
It was a similar story for their British Curling colleagues representing England who were also behind early on and despite their efforts after the break to get back into the game, the Italians who had dominated the first half regained their momentum to finish the game early.
“It was not the start we wanted and we are quite disappointed and it was a bit of a baptism of fire for the both of us,” admitted Stewart Pimblett.
“At the end of the day, if you are going to lose it is probably best to get that out of the way early and we want to win every game moving forwards now.
“Our first few ends weren’t great trying to find our way with the ice and the Italians were much quicker to get on top of that and they played really well.
“After the break, we started quite well but I needed to hit and stick with my penultimate shot at the 6th end but it rolled and gave them a chance so it was really game over from that point.
“It is onwards and upwards from here and we know what we need to do and we are looking forward to two games tomorrow and we will come out ready for it.”
England face Switzerland and Finland tomorrow.
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England Mixed Doubles Team
Stewart Pimblett
Karen Aspey
Team Coach Tony Lenton
Assistant Coach Rosemary Lenton
Scotland Mixed Doubles Team
Charlotte McKenna
Gary Smith
Team Coach Niall Ryder
Team Leader David Leith
Schedule
Monday 11 March
Scotland – Slovakia 3-11
England – Italy 3-12
Tuesday 12 March
England – Switzerland
Scotland – Latvia
England – Finland
Wednesday 13 March
Scotland – Poland
England – USA
Scotland – Estonia
England – Canada
Thursday 14 March
Scotland – Turkiye
England – Slovakia
Scotland – Norway
Friday 15 March
Quarter Finals
Semi Finals
Saturday 16 March
Final
Image: WCF