Rachel Homan’s bid for the ‘double-double’ hit a snag on Day 1 of the 2025 LGT World Women’s Curling Championship. Canada’s champion rink initially made their mark by dominating Lithuania 13-2 but stumbled against Scotland, losing 8-7. The events unfolded on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Uijeongbu Indoor Ice Rink, South Korea, wherein the unexpected loss raised eyebrows as Canada aimed to secure back-to-back national titles and world crowns.
Homan and her team, known for their formidable reputation, faced challenges as they began the tournament. "We made a lot of shots but not enough for one of our worst performances," Homan stated after the game. The champion squad, which includes third Tracy Fleury, second Emma Miskew, and lead Sarah Wilkes, boasted an impressive 56-4 record before arriving for the 13-team worlds.
The contest with Scotland did not end as Canada had hoped. After leading 7-5 entering the tenth end, Homan’s team gave Scotland the opportunity to capitalize. A jammed shot from Homan allowed Scotland’s Rebecca Morrison to deliver the decisive hit for three points and the victory. "We can’t give up a three in the 10th," Homan reflected, indicating the team’s struggle with the ice conditions.
Prior to the Scotland game, Canada displayed dominance by thrashing Lithuania. The win against the newcomers set the right tone for the championship, with Canada quickly establishing control, leading 9-2 by the sixth end. The Lithuanians eventually conceded after Homan secured four additional points to finish the game decisively. “It was nice to start with such a win,” added Fleury, crediting their practice sessions leading up to the event.
Looking to regroup, the Canadian team faced its next test against longtime rival Sweden, led by Anna Hasselborg, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. Sweden, having started the tournament strong with victories over Norway and Türkiye, poses a formidable challenge. With Hasselborg's experience, including her Olympic title and several Grand Slam victories, the upcoming match will certainly be pivotal.
Throughout the Scotland match, momentum shifted significantly. Scotland led early, going up 3-1 after three ends, but Canada fought back, displaying resilience. An impressive play by Canada resulted in them acquiring three points at one stage, tying the game before the unfortunate ending. "The ice was pretty tricky, and it got the best of us for sure," Homan remarked, highlighting the importance of proper adjustments.
The format of the tournament involves each of the 13 nations participating is based on a 12-game round-robin structure, so tight competition is expected. The top six will advance to the playoffs, creating tight scenarios as the week progresses toward final placements. Following the round-robin phase, the two best records gain byes directly to the semifinals, adding intensity to each match.
Other matches on Saturday showcased the global talent present at the championship. Korea, hosting the event, thrilled local fans with their dramatic 10-8 victory over Japan, which required extra ends to decide the winner. Switzerland narrowly surpassed the United States, clinching the match 5-4, with skip Silvana Tirinzoni expressing satisfaction with the performance and the ice conditions.
Italy faced Denmark, with the Danes triumphing after stealing the win 7-6, marking another close encounter during this action-packed opening day. With every country aiming for Olympic qualification points toward the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, the stakes are high and the performances charged with intensity.
Homan’s team will need to quickly rebound from their loss against Scotland to maintain their hopes of defending their title. Their performance against Sweden is akin to David meeting Goliath, highlighting the spirited competition of the day. The up-and-coming narratives of the championship are still being written as teams adjust, strategize, and execute their plays each day.
Overall, the 2025 LGT World Women’s Curling Championship is proving to be not only about curling skills but also about teamwork and resilience. With Canada and other top teams making their marks, the intensity will only increase as the championship progresses. More matches are on the horizon, and each team will aim for triumph against fierce opponents.