SANDVIKEN, SWEDEN — Mixed results for Canada on Tuesday at the women’s world curling championships with a narrow loss to undefeated Switzerland and a comfortable win over winless New Zealand.

Kerri Einarson’s side of Gimli, Man., opened their day with a 7-6 loss at the hands of three-time defending champion Silvana Tirinzoni before fighting back with a 10-4 win over Bridget Becker of New Zealand.

The result leaves Canada in second place at 5-2 through 11 draws ahead of Wednesday’s games against Germany and South Korea.

“It was a bit challenging out there and it took a bit longer to accept and adapt to the changes in the game,” said Canadian leader Brianne Harris. “We had a better day yesterday and then today is a bit off again. Hopefully we can build on tomorrow and have our best day.”

Tirinzoni put his squad up 6-4 after finishing three points in fifth and stealing a point in sixth.

After an empty seventh, Einarson scored one goal in the eighth and tied the game 6-6 with a steal in the ninth.

With the hammer in the end, Tirinzoni scored one goal to solidify the win and improve to 6-0.

Against New Zealand, Einarson and teammates Harris, Val Sweeting and Shannon Birchard opened the scoring in a 2-2 draw with three points late in the third.

Leading 6-4 after six games over, Canada scored two goals in the seventh round, and the two teams shook hands after Canada stole two goals in the eighth.

New Zealand lost 0-7.

“We’re looking to string a few shots together,” Harris said. “However, I still don’t think it was our best game. It was nice to get the win, but we need to take a few more shots forward.”

In other Draw 11 results, Sweden beat Japan 5-4, Italy beat Scotland 7-6 and the United States beat Denmark 7-2.

Italy is tied with Canada at 5-2, with South Korea and Norway next at 4-2.

The top six teams in a 13-team field qualify for the playoffs. The final is scheduled for Sunday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 21, 2023.