MOSCOW, December 15 (R-Sport) - Russia is to face Scotland in the final of the European women’s curling championships after beating Sweden 8-6 in the semifinal.
Saturday's final pits defending champions Scotland, looking for a third win in 11 European finals, against Russia, who won the 2006 title in their only final appearance.
In Friday's semifinal, Russia gained revenge for a 12-2 round-robin thrashing by Sweden in a tense match that went to the last end after an explosive start that saw Sweden 4-3 up after three ends.
“I’m really proud of my team,” Russia skip Anna Sidorova said in televised comments. “I just want to thank everyone and hug everyone. I’m really happy.”
Sidorova said Russia could rise to the challenge of beating a Scotland team that edged the Russians 6-5 on the final end in the round robin.
“The percentages of my team were not so good as they could be,” she said of their earlier game.
“Now we have a bit more confidence, now we have medals for sure, and we can play better.”
Sidorova, 22, and Scotland skip Eve Muirhead, 23, are among the youngest skips in elite curling.
Sweden and Denmark play in the bronze medal game.
Later Saturday, Norway and Sweden will fight for the men’s gold.
(Earlier version of the story contained incorrect dates)
