Scotland’s Murdoch rebounds from loss to Canada with win over Czechs

VICTORIA – Scotland beat the Czech Republic 7-3 in early world men’s curling championship action Monday.

David Murdoch’s rink rebounded after losing to Brad Jacobs’ undefeated Canadian rink the night before. Murdoch improved his record to 3-1 and remained tied for second place.

The Scots led the game throughout and built a commanding 5-2 lead after six ends. Murdoch scored one more in each of the eighth and ninth, and the teams shook hands. The Czechs, skipped by Jiri Snitil, dropped to 2-2.

In other early play, China beat Japan 7-5 and Sweden edged the U.S. 7-6 in an extra end. China and Sweden joined Scotland in second place. Japan fell to 2-2 and the Americans dropped to 1-3.

Meanwhile, Denmark downed Russia 8-5. Denmark saw its record drop to 2-2, while the Russians remained winless after four games.

Jacobs had the morning off before facing Switzerland in the afternoon and the Americans at night.