Mouat & Dodds denied bronze as GB medal wait continues

Jen Dodds and Bruce Mouat suffered Winter Olympic heartbreak in the mixed doubles curling for the second time in four years after losing out on bronze to hosts Italy.

The British duo had been peerless in the round-robin format, losing just once and topping the standings, but that fine form has evaporated in the play-offs.

A surprise defeat by Sweden in Monday’s semi-finals was followed by this 5-3 loss in a febrile Cortina Curling Stadium high in the Dolomites, which leaves Team GB still searching for their first medal of the Games.

As the celebrations of the boisterous home fans rolled down the wooden bleachers in this quirky arena – where Italy’s Stefania Constantini learned the game as a child – the Scottish pair suffered their latest Olympic disappointment.

“So close, but so far,” Dodds told BBC Sport. “It hurts the same as four years ago but I don’t want to ugly-cry so I’m going to stop there.”

This time was supposed to be different. The memories of losing both play-off matches in Beijing four years ago were supposed to fuel their bid for a medal. They were supposed to have ribbon around their necks and metal upon their chests.

But instead, they will be left with more regrets as they head into the men’s and women’s events on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

In a game of fine margins, Mouat and Dodds were repeatedly an inch or two away from where they needed to be.

They started with the hammer – theoretically advantageous in allowing a team to control a match – and had a shot in the first end to take three points.

However, Dodds’ effort was fractionally out and the Italians stole one. It would be a recurring theme as Constantini and Amos Mosaner dictated the contest.

The British pair levelled, before the hosts edged back ahead in a cagey third end and pinched another in the third. Again, it was a near-miss from Dodds.

That had Italy 3-1 ahead at the interval and GB chasing.

One in the fifth was less than they wanted but a big mistake by Mosaner in the sixth opened the door. Was this going to be the moment the momentum shifted?

It wasn’t. Constantini – a picture of tranquility throughout – played a perfect shot to ensure the Italians edged two clear again with two to play.

GB needed a big score, and deployed their powerplay, but again could only take one and were left needing a steal to even force an extra end.

They couldn’t. And they were left to face the nightmare scenario of another Games in which they have finished in fourth place and without a mixed doubles medal.

“We spoke last night about how lucky we are to be playing at the Olympics as best mates,” Mouat added. “We are two people that grew up together and never really knew where we could go with curling. It has been pretty special with Jen.

“I’m obviously pretty gutted but I’m so proud of us for sticking at it.”