The heavyweight rematch is on for the world title at the 2025 LGT World Women’s Curling Championship as Canada’s Rachel Homan clashes with Switzerland’s Silvana Tirinzoni in Uijeongbu, South Korea, a showdown no one should find surprising given the success of both teams.
Homan’s Canadian crew captured the world title last winter, while Tirinzoni’s Swiss squad looks to reclaim glory after a record run of four consecutive titles ahead of Canada’s triumph just one year ago. The anticipation for this final is palpable as both teams have demonstrated exceptional skill and tenacity throughout the tournament.
“Win or lose, we fought out there,” said Homan, praising her teammates including Tracy Fleury, Emma Miskew, and Sarah Wilkes. “I’m just so proud of the girls. So excited for us to be in another final. It’s great for Canada.”
The head-to-head history weighs heavily in Canada’s favor this season, as Homan boasts a staggering 9-1 record against Tirinzoni since the beginning of the 2023-24 curling season. Their most recent encounter was on March 19, 2025, where Homan defeated the Swiss in a close battle, handing them their first loss of the tournament in a 7-6 bout.
This storied rivalry has seen its fair share of thrilling moments. Homan & Co. previously triumphed over Tirinzoni in the final of the 2024 Worlds in Sydney, where two spectacular shots by Homan clinched the victory and showcased her extraordinary talent. “If you look at those games, it came down to millimeters and inches here and there,” Homan reflected. “So I don’t think the record speaks to how big the battles are that we have against each other.”
Homan remains excitedly aware of the pressure tied to such high-stakes matches. “We can’t wait to stress out family members, as I’m sure they’re going to watch it from End 1,” she shared humorously. “It’s not going to be fun watching.” Homan’s squad has earned trust as they prepare for what promises to be another epic encounter on March 23, 2025, at 3 a.m. ET.
Advancing to the final wasn’t a walk in the park for Canada, as they faced South Korea in a gut-wrenching semifinal. In a match that went down to extra ends, Homan’s crew edged out Korea with a narrow 6-5 victory. Canada found themselves trailing at one point but managed to retain composure in the critical moments. In the tenth end, Canada’s decisive double takeout was key to forcing Korea to a single point, ultimately allowing them the opportunity to secure victory.
“I was pretty emotional after that. It was huge for us and huge for Canada,” Homan recalled. “We wanted to make that play. Thankfully, it did, and it was just a huge moment to keep our chances alive.” Each shot proved critical as the nail-biting contest swung back and forth until the final moments.
In the other semifinal, Switzerland comfortably bested China 4-2 after an impressive performance. Tirinzoni and her team maintained control throughout, following an intense lead after striking first. They successfully denied China’s attempts at comeback, showcasing their strategic prowess. Tirinzoni later commented on the tense nature of the match, noting they needed to remain focused. “We just have to stay focused and give it our best,” she stated, looking ahead to the final.
Now both teams are set to face off for gold yet again in what is anticipated as a memorable championship clash. Should Homan’s team reclaim the title, they would become the first to win back-to-back world championships with the same lineup since Sandra Schmirler's team achieved the feat in 1993 and 1994.
As the final approaches, excitement builds among curling fans worldwide. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and resilience, but in the end, a single match will determine who leaves Uijeongbu as world champions.
Korea, meanwhile, has not left the world stage unnoticed, as they will take on China in the bronze medal match scheduled for later on Saturday night. This concludes a gripping day of semifinals where the stakes continue to rise for all teams involved.
