Tomi Rantamäki

Don’t copy the delivery, nor the technique – rather, the engine Winning eight World Championships, eight European titles and a full set of Olympic medals is a résumé that may never be surpassed. As Niklas Edin steps away from the game, he remains an idol for thousands of curlers and fans around the world. And that raises an obvious question: What should you copy from him? Or any other idol? Most players start from the wrong place. They copy what they can see. The delivery. The sweeping technique.

Australia’s mixed doubles pair of Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt did not make it to the Olympic Games, despite holding the world number one ranking at the time — a reminder of just how unforgiving the qualification system can be. Now, they have their redemption. As newly crowned world champions, they can celebrate this breakthrough together with their coach for the Olympic cycle, Canadian Perry Marshall.

The semifinals are set; but how does the pre-event forecast look today? Sweden and Italy won playoff qualification games to advance to Friday’s semifinal round at the World Mixed Doubles curling championship in Geneva. Defending champions Italy – Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner – trailed 3-1 early against Japan’s Tori Koana and Go Aoki but scored the 7-6 win in an extra end. It was the second straight extra end game for Italy following their win over Scotland to complete the pool matches.