Winter Olympics 2026: GB’s men into semi-finals after Italy lose final game

Team GB’s men’s curlers are now just two victories away from a remarkable Winter Olympic gold after sneaking into Thursday’s semi-finals in Cortina.

Bruce Mouat’s world champions were on the brink of a shock early exit in Italy after losing their penultimate round-robin match to Canada.

However, a comprehensive victory over the United States on Wednesday – coupled with favourable results elsewhere – revived their hopes.

And Italy’s defeat by Switzerland on Thursday morning ensured the British rink would advance to the last four at 18:05 GMT. Their opponents are still to be determined.

Should the Scottish quartet win that, they will play in Saturday’s final (18:05) and would be guaranteed to at least match the silver they won in Beijing four years ago.

Lose, and they will go for bronze on Friday (18:05).

The women’s rink must win a third game in a row – against the Italians on Thursday (13:05) – and hope Switzerland beat the US if they are to make Friday’s semi-finals.