Canadians beat Russia to advance to world mixed doubles curling semis

STAVANGER, Norway – Canada’s Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant are off to the semifinals at the world mixed doubles curling championship.

Winnipeg’s Peterman and Gallant, of St. John’s, N.L., beat Russia’s Anastasia Moskaleva and Alexander Eremin 7-3 in quarterfinal action on Friday.

Canada will face Americans John Shuster and Cory Christensen in a semifinal on Saturday. Australia faces Sweden in the other semi. The winners clash in the final later Saturday.

Canada rallied from a 2-0 deficit after two against Russia. Back-to-back steals of two in the fourth and fifth ends gave Canada a 5-2 lead.

“We controlled most of the ends,” Gallant said. “Jocelyn set her first one up really, really good today and then we were in good shape from then on.”

Earlier in the day, Canada beat Finland’s Elina Virtaala and Tomi Rantamaeki 7-2 in the opening round of the playoffs.

Meanwhile, Canadian men’s and women’s rinks also will play in semifinals on Saturday in the world senior championships at the same venue.

Bryan Cochrane’s Ontario rink beat Australia’s Hugh Millikin 7-2 in a men’s quarterfinal on Friday.

Canada faces Denmark in a semifinal on Saturday.

Sherry Anderson’s Saskatchewan rink earned a direct bye to Saturday’s semifinal.

The defending champs will face Scotland in the semis.

The senior finals also will take place on Saturday.