Two from four for Kiwi pair

New Zealand has made a useful start on the ice rink in Scotland.

Courtney Smith and Anton Hood have won two of their first four games at the world mixed doubles curling championships in Aberdeen.

It leaves the Maniototo pair mid-table in Group B at the championships, which double as a potential Olympic qualifier.

They claimed a 7-6 win over both England and Estonia, notably having to win an extra end to break a deadlock against the former.

However, they were well-beaten by Norway 10-1, while an early lead was not enough to overcome Switzerland, which beat the Kiwis 5-3.

The New Zealand duo were due to play Finland in their fifth match early this morning.

It has a further four group matches left.

The championships are being held in a bubble and 20 teams from around the world are present.

Seven direct qualifying spots for next year’s Beijing Winter Olympics are available.