Defeat ends Scots’ World Curling play-off ambitions

Scotland were beaten 7-5 by Italy to end their slim hopes of reaching the play-offs at the World Women’s Curling Championship.

The defeat leaves Fay Henderson’s rink ninth in the round-robin standings and, with only one match left, they are unable to make the top six in Canada.

Having beaten Australia 12-2 earlier in the day, the Scots looked to be heading for another victory when they led Italy 4-1 after five ends.

Switzerland, who lead the way with nine wins and one defeat, hosts Canada, Japan and Sweden secured their places in the play-offs on Thursday.

South Korea, China and Turkey and Italy are vying for the two remaining places.

With four wins and seven defeats, Henderson’s rink cannot qualify no matter the result of their final round-robin match on Friday against Norway, which will be shown on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer from 20:00 GMT.