Wheelchair Curling Mixed Doubles Achieve a 10-1 Victory Over the United States, Closing in on the Semifinals
Korean wheelchair curling duo Lee Yong-seok and Baek Hye-jin scored a decisive 10-1 victory against the United States in the mixed doubles event, enhancing their chances of reaching the semifinals at the 2026 Winter Paralympics.
The Korean wheelchair curling mixed doubles team of Lee Yong-seok and Baek Hye-jin showcased a dominant performance against the American pair of Laura Dwyer and Steffen Empt, achieving a significant 10-1 victory on October 8, 2023, during the round-robin stage of the competition held in Cortina, Italy. This victory puts them in a favorable position just one step away from the semifinals of the upcoming Winter Paralympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, as they continue to compete against teams from Estonia, Great Britain, and Japan.
In this crucial match for a semifinals berth, the Korean pair started off strong, scoring three points in the first end, and maintained pressure throughout the game. They performed consistently, managing the scoring effectively after conceding just one point in the third end. By the end of the sixth end, the score had escalated to 10-1, resulting in the American team conceding the match. Baek Hye-jin emphasized the importance of focusing on their own plays and strategies during such key matches, expressing relief and determination to continue their success in the following games.
Head coach Park Gil-woo praised the players' performance despite their ongoing fatigue from continuous matches. He highlighted the necessity of winning to advance, calling their display exceptional given the circumstances. The Korean team will face Latvia on October 8, followed by a match against Estonia on October 9, as they look to maintain their winning momentum and secure a spot in the semifinals of the tournament.