Scotland back to winning ways in Italy

SCOTLAND have got their campaign back on track at the men's World Curling Championships in Cortina d'Ampezzo with a 7-4 win over Germany.

BACK ON TRACK: Warwick Smith's rink defeat Germany to stay second in the overall standings (Getty Images)

Warwick Smith's rink had lost their unbeaten record earlier in the day as they were comprehensively defeated by favourites Canada, conceding after only six ends to finish 6-2.

But where Canadian skip Kevin Koe had succeeded, Germany's Andreas Kapp could not, and Scotland took charge of the game scoring three in the fifth end and putting them in front 4-2.

Smith's rink of David Smith, Craig Wilson and Ross Hepburn held on for the victory to keep themselves tied with Norway in second place in the round robin table.

Norway continued their impressive form as they overcame Italy 10-5 but are in an inferior position to the Scots after Smith and co recorded a 5-4 victory when the two sides met to give them the edge if both rinks finish on the same points.

Meanwhile, Denmark are fourth in the table as their 10-4 morning win over Scandinavian rivals Sweden gave them a record of four wins and two defeats.

The USA kept their play-off hopes alive by recording their third victory but had to play an extra end before defeating the French 7-5.