It was close, but no cigar for the New Zealand junior men's curling team in China yesterday.
New Zealand lost to Korea 4-8 in the play-off for second and third at the Pacific junior men's championships at Harbin and narrowly missed a spot for the world championships.
The winner, Korea, gained automatic entry to the world championships at Vancouver, Canada, in March and will also play China for the gold medal.
But it was still a significant performance by the Central Otago and Maniototo-based team to get a bronze medal in international competition for the first time.
The inspirational leadership of skip Kris Miller (Ranfurly) played a key role in getting New Zealand on the podium when it outplayed Japan 14-3 in the play-off on Tuesday.
The other members of the team were Matt Weir and Elliott Morgan (Central Otago), Tim Miller (Ranfurly) and Lachlan Browne (Kyeburn).
New Zealand started the championships in style and caused a major upset by beating home team China 6-5 at the championships at Harbin.
But it then lost four games in a row and looked to be out of the medal count.
Two of the losses, to Korea and Japan, were by just one point and the players realised that if the "dice" went their way they could still win a medal.
The crucial games were on Tuesday, when New Zealand beat Korea 8-7 to end the round robin format tied with Japan.
New Zealand lifted its game to outplay Japan 14-3 to get a play-off spot against Korea yesterday.
The result ensured New Zealand at least a bronze medal.
Tim Miller was an accurate lead and played a vital role by putting his first stone in the circle to provide a good foundation.
Morgan played an important role in the middle by adding to the count or putting in blocks.
He is the son of former New Zealand curling representative and former Otago rugby halfback Richard Morgan.
New Zealand results
From the championships
v China won 6-5
v Japan lost 4-8
v Korea lost 6-7
v China lost 6-8
v Japan lost 10-11
v Korea won 8-7
v Japan won 14-3
v Korea lost 4-8
