WWCC2023 Power Rankings

#BetweenTheSheets: WWCC2023 POWER RANKINGS

Who can ascend to the top of the mountain?

Are you ready for some world championship Power Rankings?

The #TwineTime blog loves some Power Rankings so why not bring a daily dose of the mountain to the competition?

Starting today, with the conclusion of opening weekend action, THIS BLOG POST will be updated DAILY once all the games have concluded for the day.

That is right folks...we get UPDATED POWER RANKINGS EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

Are you not entertained? 😃

Excited? 😉

Rolling your eyes? 😖

Bring whatever emotion you want to the ice...just come back every day for more.

Deal?

These #PowerRankings will look a bit different every day. Some days the mountain will focus on a specific Key to Success stat factoring into the results. 

For example, the opening weekend Power Rankings took a look at the vital stat of #StealPants.

The Power Rankings will be updated daily in this same blog space. SO...you come back here every day to see how the mountain has changed. And the most up to date rankings will be found first, with subsequent days still listed later.

And, to make it even easier, in brackets behind each team will be their ranking from the day before so you can see if the team is trending up or trending down.

Bring on the updated mountain, now including Last Stone Draw (LSD) info as the TB procedure MAY come into effect here folks:

DAY 7 - #QualificationDay

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 12-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: SF vs. TBD

Another world championship, another undefeated RR, another SF bye. Another world title? It certainly looks likely given how dominant they have been this week. To finish a full 4 games above the competition is quite remarkable. The gap between #1 and #2 is that large right now folks. At this point, it will take a #TeamUpset result, which seems hard to say given the talent of the 5 other playoff teams, to stop this juggernaut Swiss team from adding to their already impressive record. #HERstory is being made...and we are all just living around it.

2. Norway - Team Rørvik, 8-4 (LR: #3)

Up Next: SF vs. TBD

Speaking of #TeamUpset, welcome to the SF Norway! Regardless of what happens in the playoffs, Norway WILL play for a medal at these world championships. They took care of business on the final day, as they really have done all event, in picking up 2 wins over fellow playoff team Italy and Germany. And they may want to buy Denmark a few drinks tonight as the Danes handed them the SF bye with their defeat of Sweden. No team has navigated their way through this RR more quietly than Norway. And now this team will have the chance to put Norway back on the podium for the first time since 2005 (Bronze - Team Nordby). This is a great story for the sport!

3. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 7-5 (LR: #8)

Up Next: QF vs. CAN

Japan took care of business on Qualification Day to do exactly that...QUALIFY! Remember when this team was struggling mid-week and looked out of this world championship? Neither do they! This team is rolling right now and is probably the most dangerous team entering the playoffs (besides Switzerland of course). They have been playing #DoOrDie games for a few days now. They have been in playoff mode and those feelings of #WinAndIn are there. I would not want to play this team right now. Plus, they are the #TwineTime preview pick to win the title. It won't be easy but what a story it would be if they can win Japan's first world championship this weekend...considering where they were last weekend. And they draw a Canadian team who they not only defeated in the RR here BUT also knocked off in a classic SF game at the 2022 Pan Continental Curling Championships en route to winning the title over Korea.

4. Italy - Team Constantini, 7-5 (LR: #4)

Up Next: QF vs. SWE

Italy did exactly what they need to do on the final day of competition. They split their two games and punched a playoff ticket. And they enter the playoffs off a huge win over home nation Sweden so they regained momentum and confidence after the tough extra end loss vs. Norway to start the day. This team is still an enigma in many ways. Are they the real deal? They have had a great season. They had a great Euro's, finishing 4th. And here they are in the playoffs at the world championships for the first time. Italy's best result on world championship ice was 5th...back in 1980! In the last 2 years, they finished 13th (2021) and 10th (2022). This is a HUGE upward movement for the team and for Italian curling. They are playing with house money now and the sky is the limit. Plus they just defeated Sweden on Friday and, ultimately, were the team to eliminate them from playoff consideration at the 2022 Euro's, knocking them off in the penultimate draw of the RR. This season, they are evenly split with Team Hasselborg, each collecting 2 wins out of their 4 games played.

5. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 7-5 (LR: #2)

Up Next: QF vs. ITA

Nobody saw this coming. Sweden was in control of their fate, needing 1 win in 2 games to lock down the SF bye. Instead they go 0-2 on Friday and find themselves in the QF section of the playoff bracket and enter on a two-game losing streak. Talk about the momentum being sucked out of you. Italy and Denmark delivered huge blows to the Swedish confidence but, for Team Hasselborg, at least it was not a knock-out blow. They live to curl another day and can extract revenge on Italy in the QF. But what a HUGE missed opportunity that may haunt them should they fail to reach the podium.

6. Canada - Team Einarson, 7-5 (LR: #5)

Up Next: QF vs. JPN

Canada may be feeling like they snuck into the playoffs given they will enter weekend action off a final RR game loss vs. Denmark. But, at least they are still playing and chasing the world championship dream. Canada has been up and down the past few days. Sometimes they look like a team ready to grab the trophy. Other times, you wonder if they are ready for elimination games. If they can park their results over the week, hit the reset, remind themselves they are the 4-time Canadian champs and thrive under playoff pressure, they could find themselves playing for the podium. Remember, they won bronze last year and would love to take Canada back to the top of the podium for the first time since 2018. But to do so they will need to go through Japan, a team they do not have great success against on international ice. However, if you look at their H2H this season, they are deadlocked at a 5 wins apiece.

7. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 6-6 (LR: #6)

Up Next: Eliminated

No sophomore slump for this this team. What a world championship Team Yildiz has had. From early struggles to making a playoff run into the final day of the competition, this has been a true "We Are Here" moment for the rapidly developing curling nation. Similar to their 2022 Euro result, they finish just outside of the playoff bubble. But, finishing a world championship with a .500 record, and only your second world championship to boot, is still an accomplishment they should be holding their heads high about. The blog has been saying this since the 2019 Euro's and will say it again here, WATCH OUT for this team in the future. Look at how far they have come since 2019. Imagine where they could be by 2026. Olympic bound perhaps?

8. Denmark - Team Dupont, 5-7 (LR: #11)

Up Next: Eliminated

Yowie Wowie! Where was THAT Danish team all week? They go into the final day of RR action playing the role of spoiler and they did exactly that. Their wins over Canada and Sweden directly knocked both out of the SF bye position and handed the bye to Norway. I expect Norway and Denmark to become really good friends now, yes? And considering what a HUGE international rivalry those two nations have had in the past, and I am not referring to sports (seriously, do a history lesson for yourself), this is a slide in the right direction towards friendship. Honestly both nations have great relations now but the past certainly has not been kind. Scandinavians Unite! And credit to the Euro champs for the strong finish after what had to be a disappointing week.

9. South Korea - Team Ha, 5-7 (LR: #10)

Up Next: Eliminated

Well I do not think Korea made any friends in USA on Friday. They played the role of spoiler and eliminated USA from the playoff conversation with their RR win. And, in the evening draw, they pushed Switzerland harder than most teams have all tournament. The final result of missing the playoffs with a 5-7 record will be a bit disappointing considering how strong this team has been all season. But me thinks this is not the last we have seen of them on international ice. Would love to see them compete on some #gsoc ice next season too.

10. USA - Team Peterson, 6-6 (LR: #7)

Up Next: Eliminated

The Stars & Stripes controlled their fate heading into their final RR game vs. Korea. And all the stats and momentum seemed to favour them. And then Korea came to play. USA did not. And the Americans find themselves on the outside looking in, finishing the dreaded 7th place. This will be a world championship of missed opportunities for a team who, stats wise at least, should have been in the playoffs. This Power Ranking slide may seem harsh but when you have control over your own playoff fate, work hard to have a strong LSD and a positive H2H against fellow playoff contenders...and then you just cannot finish the job? The rocks beneath their sliders crumbled and the mountain is not kind sometimes.

11. Germany - Team Jentsch, 5-7 (LR: #9)

Up Next: Eliminated

Entering their final RR games, Germany had not only the opportunity to get back into the playoff conversation but play spoiler for both their opponents. Unfortunately they could not get the job done, went 0-2 and watched their opposition, Japan and Norway, slide right into the playoffs at their expense. And Germany is left with another sub-.500 finish, out of the playoffs and finishing near the bottom of the table. Consistency plagued them this week as it has in the past at these championships. This team is better than their 11th final placement. But this field was just so strong we knew good teams would struggle and miss the playoffs (see USA and Korea as well). 

12. Scotland - Team Morrison, 3-9 (LR: #12)

Up Next: Eliminated

The Scots never game up. Knowing they were already eliminated entering the day, they gave Switzerland a battle in the morning game, a game that went down to the final rock in the 10th end with Switzerland scoring a single FTW. And they also came to fight in the final RR game at night vs. Turkey. Sure they lost both and finished with a 3-9 record, 12th overall, but this team fought in every game played. Similar to Germany above, in this field good teams were going to take more losses than record wins. Scotland was one of those teams. But lets not discredit their season due to this result. They won the Euro bronze last November after all.

13. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-12 (LR: #13)

Up Next: Eliminated

Ok, so the Kiwi's were unable to have their #HERstory moment of winning a game in their world championship debut. However, #HERstory was still made by them qualifying for their first championship. And look at what last year's debut team, Turkey, was able to do in their sophomore appearance. This is still a good team and one who should feel confident heading into next season and the 2022 Pan Continental Curling Championships. Do not be surprised to see them on this ice again in a year from now.

With the RR completed, the playoff bracket hits the ice tomorrow.

And with that the #PowerRankings mountain is closed for climbing.

Perhaps the mountain returns for the #WMCC2023 in Ottawa though? Thoughts?

Who will be crowned the 2023 World Women's Curling Championship winner?

Good luck and good curling to the 6 teams still fighting for the top of the podium.

For those wondering how the blog's preview picks finished? 4 of 6 in the playoffs (Switzerland, Sweden, Canada, Japan). All 3 podium predictions still in the hunt as well (Japan, Switzerland, Sweden). Not too bad, right?

And THANK YOU to the curling fans who came back and checked out this blog post for updated daily rankings. Hopefully you enjoyed as well.

PREVIOUS POWER RANKINGS

DAY 6 - #MovingDay

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 10-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: SCO, BYE, KOR

LSD: 31.15 cm (8th)

31 straight world championship wins. It doesn't matter how they got them, close games or blowouts. The fact is the end result remains the same. They keep winning. They have locked up 1st place. They have locked up the SF bye. And they are 2 playoff wins away from securing another world championship. This is starting to feel like an Undertaker at Wrestlemania winning streak scenario. We know it cannot continue. The question is who will be the one to defeat them and when? Could either of their opponents on the final day of the RR create their own #HERstory moment?

2. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 7-3 (LR: #3)

Up Next: BYE, ITA, DEN

LSD: 15.07 (1st)

The #SurgingSwedes are the perfect example of how you capitalize on Moving Day. They packed up the boxes and moved up the standings with 2 big wins over Scotland and Korea. They now sit alone in 2nd place, which would earn them the SF bye. Who saw that coming a few days ago? And the LSD clearly is in their favour. The final 2 RR games will not be easy though, playing an Italian team fighting for a playoff spot and a Danish team who, although struggling, is the current Euro champs and has defeated them before. And, if we look at those teams with 4 losses right behind them, Sweden is 1-1 H2H right now (W over NOR, L vs. CAN). Dropping to 4 losses, especially if against Italy, would almost eliminate the SF bye. But they are also only 1 win away from solidifying their spot in the playoffs.

3. Norway - Team Rørvik, 6-4 (LR: #5)

Up Next: ITA, BYE, GER

LSD: 26.68 (4th)

Norway did exactly what they needed to do at the bare minimum on Moving Day. They lost to Switzerland, as has everyone else, and defeated New Zealand. Lost to an undefeated. Defeated a winless. And you sit on the plus side of the playoff bubble heading into the final day of RR action. Again, a team who ultimately controls their own fate. LSD is favourable for them. The 4-loss H2H is at 0-1 having lost to Canada BUT they draw Italy in the early game so a win there and they should be comfortable. Could Norway vs. Italy become a weird de facto elimination game? It really could. And Germany is lurking at their heels.

4. Italy - Team Constantini, 6-4 (LR: #2)

Up Next: NOR, SWE, BYE

LSD: 32.21 (9th)

Not the time to take a loss in your lone game on Moving Day. Italy's loss to USA kept the Americans playoff hopes alive and, more importantly, made their path the playoffs much more difficult. Italy does not hold the H2H advantage over Canada. And they play Norway Friday morning, needing the W to really help their playoff push. And, even if they defeat Norway, they end against the Surging Swedes. Plus, the LSD number is not on their side. Things are very sticky right now for the Italians.

5. Canada - Team Einarson, 6-4 (LR: #6)

Up Next: TUR, DEN, BYE

LSD: 20.51 (2nd)

Not the result you want to see if you are a Team Canada fan. Losing to a now surging Japanese team cost you a shot to solidify your playoff position, dropped you into a the 4-loss logjam and keeps you only a game up on the negative side of the playoff bubble. Luckily Canada has the 4-loss H2H advantage right now, having defeated both Norway and Italy. And the LSD should save them anyway, if it came down to that. On paper the remaining schedule is winnable; however, Turkey is surging the same way they did at Euro's and the Euro champs await in the final game. Not comfortable. Not in total danger. You control your own fate still and that is a positive right now.

6. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 5-5 (LR: #8)

Up Next: CAN, BYE, SCO

LSD: 27.22 (5th)

The Power Rankings warned you not to overlook Turkey late into this competition. And here they are, going 2-0 on Moving Day and movin' on up. They are now 4-1 in their past 5 games and looking very dangerous. This is a team who, similar to the 2022 Euro's, has played their way back onto the playoff bubble after many wrote them off early in the competition. Take note, their LSD is playoff calibre and they are currently 2-0 against fellow 5-loss teams Japan and Germany. Their playoff hopes will rest on their morning game vs. Canada. Upset the Canadians and you are probably playoff bound in your second-ever world championship appearance. Lose and you come oh so close but fall on the wrong side of the cut line. But, again, they control their own fate right now...and who saw that coming? What a story, playoff bound or not!

7. USA - Team Peterson, 6-5 (LR: #10)

Up Next: BYE, KOR, BYE

LSD: 26.44 (3rd)

When you enter Moving Day with your back clearly against the wall, you have two options: Win to survive or pack up and go home. USA knocked off fellow playoff chasers Italy and Germany on Thursday to keep their slim playoff dreams alive. The tough part now is they will play the waiting game on Friday. Yes, they have a game still to play and need to beat a struggling Korean team but they also only have 1 game to play so you can bet they will be watching those scorelines very closely (whether they want to admit it or not). LSD is obviously on their side. And, against current 5-loss teams, they are 2-1 with wins over Germany and Turkey and a loss to Japan. The blog knew 5 losses would be the cut line for the final playoff spot. USA is currently holding down that spot. But could 6 losses actually come into play this year?

8. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 5-5 (LR: #12)

Up Next: GER, NZL, BYE

LSD: 27.47 (6th)

Yowie Wowie...where was that Team Japan all week?! Backs against the wall, Japan came out on fire on Thursday. They eliminated Asian rival Korea from the playoff hunt and brought Canada back into the conversation while keeping their slim hopes alive. But they still have a hill to climb to make the playoff. The LSD has them right on the positive side of the playoff bubble, advantage Japan. They also have a favourable final day draw, getting a now reeling German team and a winless Kiwi team. Again, advantage Japan (assuming the team who played Thursday shows up on Friday). Japan does not have the H2H advantage over fellow 5-loss team Turkey; however, they do have the win over 6-5 USA and are 2-1 against the 4-loss teams with wins over Canada and Norway and the loss to Italy. If Japan can go 2-0 on Friday, they could sneak right into that final playoff spot. What a turnaround...one nobody thought was possible a day ago.

9. Germany - Team Jentsch, 5-5 (LR: #4)

Up Next: JPN, BYE, NOR

LSD: 37.70 (10th)

And here is when Moving Day can work against you. Germany packed up the boxes and almost moved themselves right out of the competition with 2 tough losses vs. Turkey and USA on Thursday. What makes the losses even worse is now both of those teams are sitting with 5 losses as well and own the H2H advantage. And the LSD is working against them as well. The plus side? They can control their own fate in a way on Friday, drawing fellow 5-loss Japan and 6-4 Norway. Win both, sit 7-5 and see where the rocks spin. But they are in must win mode now...and even then it might be too late.

10. South Korea - Team Ha, 4-6 (LR: #7)

Up Next: BYE, USA, SUI

LSD: 29.93 (7th)

What a rollercoaster experience this has been for Korea. Lose their opening 2 games. Win 4 straight. Lose 4 straight. Consistency keeps you atop the Power Rankings. Inconsistency sends you tumbling down. And Korea has not been consistent, well unless you count being able to consistently have similar results (for the good or the bad). They now will try to play the role of spoiler. They could officially eliminate USA and, possibly, end #TheStreak. Given how the week has gone, either (or both) results would at least help take the sting off a world championship of missed opportunities.

11. Denmark - Team Dupont, 3-7 (LR: #9)

Up Next: BYE, CAN, SWE

LSD: 54.06 (11th)

I have a feeling when Madeleine Dupont looks back on her storied career, the 2023 world championship will not be one she will talk about. It has not been a great tournament for the Euro champs. And quite surprising given their playoff appearances the past 2 years too. Sometimes this happens in sport though, you cannot win them all. They can play spoiler against two heavy hitters to end the RR though, potentially even putting one nail in a possible Canadian coffin. But they are going to need to play their best games of the entire event to end on a high.

12. Scotland - Team Morrison, 3-7 (LR: #11)

Up Next: SUI, BYE, TUR

LSD: 67.09 (13th)

Well the Scot's finally picked up another W on Thursday, knocking off New Zealand. Unfortunately they also took another loss to Sweden and sit 12th overall. But they are not just playing out the RR heading into Friday. While they may already be eliminated, pay attention to that final RR draw game vs. Turkey. Could Scotland possibly play spoiler to Turkey's playoff hopes (assuming Turkey surprises Canada earlier in the day)?

13. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-11 (LR: #13)

Up Next: BYE, JPN, BYE

LSD: 66.47 (12th)

One. Last. Chance. New Zealand has 1 RR game remaining and 1 last shot at creating #HERstory and picking up the nation's 1st win in their 1st world championship. A day ago people might say it was possible. But the way Japan is playing right now, with their world championship lives hanging by a thread, the final game just got way more difficult. On the flip side, New Zealand could put the dagger in their Asian rivals hearts by beating them and, in turn, eliminating them. THAT would be a HUGE #TeamUpset story. It may not seem probable but we play the games for a reason, right? On the plus side, Welcome Back to skipper Jessica Smith, who did play the evening draw game vs. Norway. It was her first game back after missing the past 7.

You know what comes after Moving Day right?

Elimination Day. Or, for the glass half full people, Qualification Day.

The RR wraps up on Friday and the FINAL #PowerRankings of #WWCC2023 will be revealed.

Come back tomorrow...

DAY 5 - People Matter

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 8-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: NOR, BYE, DEN

Alina Paetz continues to be the backbone of this team. She leads fourth stone throwers, curling 87.7% through 8 games. How dominant has she been? The second best fourth stone thrower is curling 80.3%. When your last stone thrower is curling 7% higher than the field, yup you should be 8-0 and cruising towards the SF bye and on your way to padding your #HERstory.

2. Italy - Team Constantini, 6-3 (LR: #2)

Up Next: BYE, USA, BYE

Speaking of that 80.3% thrower, that would be Italian skip Stefania Constantini. I don't know how many people would have tabbed her to be sitting #2 overall but this is starting to have that 2022 Olympic mixed doubles vibe, no? She is on fire, not missing and gaining confidence each game. We thought the Olympic gold was magical, imagine what happens if she leads her team to world championship glory.

3. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 5-3 (LR: #7)

Up Next: SCO, BYE, KOR

This is not what the opposition wants to see. A trending upward Team Hasselborg, finding their game later in the competition and making their move up the standings. Sara McManus is the dangerous weapon here. She struggled for a few games, curling 59%, 78% and 64% in a row. But look what she has done lately: 89%, 91%, 96%. She has rebounded to sit at 81.9% overall and second among all thirds. She found her game. Sweden is finding their wins. And opponents are finding their fear in playing them now. Throw in home ice support heading into the weekend and watch out.

4. Germany - Team Jentsch, 5-3 (LR: #8)

Up Next: TUR, BYE, USA

As you will read below about Team USA, Team Germany has the Missy Elliott approach of "flip it, and reverse it." The stats are not kind to the Germans yet here they are knocking off Denmark and Canada on Wednesday and sitting 5-3 in the playoff hunt. The team, overall, is only curling 76.2 %, 10th overall in the field. Lead Analena Jentsch is 13th (79.3%), vice Emira Abbes is 8th overall (77%) and skip Daniela Jentsch is 10th (70.8%). The team made the move at second, bringing in alternate Pia-Lisa Schoell for the past 4 games and she is curling 77.7%, which would put her 13th among the second position. The stats say this team should be 3-5. But this is why stats do not always tell the story folks. And yes, I get the contradiction of writing a blog post highlighting stats and then saying throw them out the window. This is why we play the games. And why stats only tell half a story. Play Thursday how they played Wednesday and this team could be sitting 7-3 folks.

5. Norway - Team Rørvik, 5-3 (LR: #4)

Up Next: SUI, BYE, NZL

Where is the love for seconds? Quick, guess which second leads the field right now? Ok, might be obvious given where this comment is landing on the Power Rankings but did anyone see this coming? Norway's Mille Haslev Nordbye is having herself a world championship, curling 84.1% thus far. Her rocks are helping the back end, whether cleaning up or setting up an end. Either way, she is earning her paycheque right now. The 1-1 split on the day keeps them right in the playoff hunt and waving the #TeamUpset flag.

6. Canada - Team Einarson, 6-3 (LR: #5)

Up Next: BYE, JPN, BYE

Briane Harris (89.6%, 2nd overall) and Shannon Birchard (83.5%, 3rd overall) combine to be the strongest front end in the field right now. And that doesn't take into account their sweeping abilities and excellent communication throughout the game. Canada now needs third Val Sweeting (76.2%, 10th overall) to pick up her game to help out skipper Kerri Einarson (76%, 4th overall) with some easier shots. The Canadian backend has struggled at times; however, going 1-1 on the day isn't a doom and gloom situation. They still control their fate...and that is what you need entering #MovingDay.

7. South Korea - Team Ha, 4-4 (LR: #3)

Up Next: JPN, BYE, SWE

A tale of two teams within a team. Lead Kim Sujin continues to be the lead among leads, curling 90.3% overall. She is doing her part. The problem is the stats drop as we go down the line, landing with skipper Ha Seungyoun curling 71.8% (9th overall). The results on Wednesday showcased the struggles. The team came into the day on fire, winning 4 straight. They go 0-2 and now are on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Kim can start you off right but Ha and company need to follow suit if they are to get back into the positive side of the playoff cut line. And the curling schedule gods certainly did them no favours for the tail end of the week.

8. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 3-5 (LR: #11)

Up Next: GER, DEN, BYE

The stats may show Turkey at or near the bottom of the table for each position, and team overall, but I do not think they care. They are picking up wins, challenging those big countries and more experienced teams and really showing why they belong on world championship ice. HUGE victory on Wednesday over Korea where skip Dilsat Yildiz had her best game of the competition (82%). The key for this team right now is not even about curling perfect and making every shot. It is about believing in themselves and knowing they can not only compete with these teams but beat them as well. And that confidence is coming on strong right now. As we thought heading into this competition, Turkey is a team you want to play early. Later in the week, they are much more dangerous. And their games on #MovingDay are winnable given how they are playing right now.

9. Denmark - Team Dupont, 3-5 (LR: #10)

Up Next: BYE, TUR, SUI

The high energy dance party vibes are hitting the town boundaries in Footloose right now. Vice Mathilde Halse has the energy of a champion but is struggling with execution this week. She is only curling 70.1%, which would sit her 12 overall among thirds. In fact, against Germany in their early game on Wednesday, she curled second and Denise Dupont bumped up to vice. This is not the Halse we have seen over the past two seasons. And the struggles perhaps are carrying over to skip Madeleine Dupont. Did anyone notice the rough day she had on Tuesday? From the awkward conversation with Italy regarding them moving all the time while she is trying to settle in the hack and throw her stones throughout the game to the weird conversation with USA's Tabitha Peterson asking her to wait until their rock actually stops moving before stepping into the house and putting her broom down. This entire world championship has just been a weird one for the Euro champs...and the results reflect it. And that closing schedule....YIKES!

10. USA - Team Peterson, 4-5 (LR: #6)

Up Next: BYE, ITA, GER

USA is a great example of how the stats don't match the results. As noted above, take Germany and "flip it, reverse it." Skip Tabitha Peterson is curling great at 79.3% (3rd overall) and Cory Thiesse leads the third position at 82.9%. Even as a team overall, they are curling 82.6% (2nd overall behind Switzerland's 84.2%). Yet here they are, sitting at 5 losses after an 0-2 day and facing a huge hill to climb to get back into the playoff picture. The stats say they should be around the 6-3 or better record. The results show otherwise. In the end, this has to be a frustrating world championship for the Stars & Stripes.

11. Scotland - Team Morrison, 2-6 (LR: #12)

Up Next: SWE, NZL, BYE

Could a line up shift help the Scots end their world championship on a high note? Jennifer Dodds has come off the bench, playing their Tuesday night game and their lone game on Wednesday. And the team went 1-1 in those games, challenging Italy and defeating USA. Dodds has curled 71% and 94% respectfully. Vice Gina Aitken is on the bench now, after struggling this championship (71.6%, 11th overall). The team may be eliminated from the playoff picture but they can still finish strong...and play spoiler. Just ask USA...

12. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 3-5 (LR: #9)

Up Next: KOR, CAN, BYE

After waiting so many years to return to world championship ice, the 2023 championships will be one to forget for skip Satsuki Fujisawa. She is struggling. She is curling 70%, 11th overall in the field. And she has only curled in the 60's the past 3 games (63%, 67%, 69%). NOBODY saw this coming. Seriously! You have to feel for Chinami Yoshida as well. She actually has been curling great, sitting at 80.5% and 4th best among thirds. The front end is combing for around 8th or so, stats wise, against the field but Chinami is doing her best to get them back into these games. I feel for Fujisawa. All curling fans do. She is one of the most loved athletes in the sport and, regardless of win or lose games, we know she is a much better curler than her numbers are reflecting. But oh that #MovingDay schedule is tough.

13. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-9 (LR: #13)

Up Next: BYE, SCO, NOR

The Kiwi's have been in tough all championship. From making their debut to skip Jessica Smith's health (still wishing her all the best and feeling better soon) to line up changes mid-competition. Yet, when you watch them play they are still smiling and look to be having fun. They are bringing the right energy on the ice. Now they need to go into the final two days of competition bringing the right results. They can still pick up that first win and write their #HERstory moment. And they do enter Thursday play coming off one of their best games of the competition as a team, curling 72% in their loss to Denmark.

With the playoff race heating up, the DAILY update to Power Rankings mountain is becoming a slippery slope for many teams! 

#StayTuned

DAY 4 - The Plus and Minus of it all...

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 6-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: NZL, BYE, ITA

It may not have been pretty and the score was close but the result was the same for Swiss fans: #HoppSchwizz!! Switzerland fended off their main opposition thus far on Tuesday, knocking off Canada and creating a 2 game buffer for themselves atop the standings. The champs have scored 50 points in 6 games while only conceding 19. They are #2 in the field on points for and #1 in the field for allowing points against. When you sit at a field best of +31 overall, a 4th straight world championship is looking well within grasp. It feels more like they are going to have to beat themselves rather than a team beating them. Remember the last time Switzerland lost a game at a world championship? May 4, 2021 vs Sweden (8-3). Of course they also won the world championship that year so...

2. Italy - Team Constantini, 5-2 (LR: #7)

Up Next: BYE, JPN, SUI

Well, well, well....look who is sitting near the top of the table and in a good playoff position. Quick, how many of you thought Italy would be 5-2 at the midway point of the competition. Just as I thought, no hands in the air (including my own!). This team is doing *almost* everything right and collecting the wins along the way. They sit with a +12 Plus/Minus rating, 3rd in the field. They have scored 46 points (T4 overall) and only allowed 34 (T3rd overall). They really are on the right side of the rock most ends. The only area of concern, should they continue this ride and reach the playoffs? The #StealPants stat. They are still on the losing end overall (7:10); however, when you look at the points for:points against in those stolen ends, they are on the positive (13:12). Wednesday will be reveal day for this team as we will find out if they are legit podium contenders or just playoff challengers when they take on Japan and Switzerland.

3. South Korea - Team Ha, 4-2 (LR: #4)

Up Next: TUR, BYE, CAN

The Koreans continue to make their move up the standings, having now won 4 straight after picking up the W in their lone game on Tuesday vs. Germany. Those 2 losses to open the championship are quickly becoming a distant memory and the rookie team is looking like a legit podium threat (as expected). What is interesting is they sit with a Plus/Minus ratio of +1 (33 PF / 32 PA). This stat can be eye opening though, meaning this team is not afraid of playing close games. We know they like rocks in play. We know they can score. We know they can give up a few big ends and steals. But when you are feeling comfortable in close games, that can only be considered an advantage heading into the playoff push. The late game on Wednesday vs. Canada will be huge for playoff implications.

4. Norway - Team Rørvik, 4-2 (LR: #5)

Up Next: SWE, TUR, BYE

Welcome our #TeamUpset of #WWCC2023! Norway secured their 4th win of the event on Tuesday, knocking off Scotland in their lone game on the ice. They have a similar stat to the Koreans above them, sitting at a modest +1 ratio with 40 points for and 39 points against. All the stats have Norway right in the middle of the field, yet here they are 4-2 and looking strong for a playoff spot. Hey, all you need is to score 1 more point than your opposition to win the game, doesn't matter how many total points are on the board. And they are doing exactly that right now. Big games on Wednesday vs. Sweden and Turkey. Even a 1-1 split keeps them right in the hunt heading into #MovingDay on Thursday.

5. Canada - Team Einarson, 5-2 (LR: #2)

Up Next: BYE, GER, KOR

Canada is sitting in 2nd place overall, half a game up on a group of others, but drops to #4 in the Power Rankings? Well it was how they played their games on Tuesday causing this small stumble. The team struggled against Switzerland but so did their opposition. And while the late win vs. New Zealand was one-sided on the scoreboard, the early part of the game was not as clear cut as the linescore. Had New Zealand not made the error early and scored their 3 to tie the game, who knows what would have happened. Overall, Canada goes 1-1 but it was not pretty. On the positive, Canada is owning the Plus/Minus ratio, currently sitting at +18 (2nd overall). They have scored more points than anyone else in the field (57). We know this is a playoff team, the question is how far can they go? They are giving up more points against than a majority of the field (39, T6th overall). They will need to tighten up that defense once they get into the playoffs. Big games tomorrow against two teams who like rocks in play and will not be afraid to go rock to rock with the Maple Leaf.

6. USA - Team Peterson, 4-3 (LR: #10)

Up Next: BYE, SCO, SWE

Now this is the Stars & Stripes team we expected to see at these world championships. A much needed 2 win day on Tuesday puts them on the right side of the .500 line and right back into the playoff hunt. And they did so in dominating fashion, picking up 7-1 (vs. NZL) and 7-2 (vs. DEN) wins. Those results also helped their Plus/Minus ratio. They now sit at +10 and 4th overall in the field, scoring 46 PF and allowing 36 PA. They now have 3 convincing wins in a row and momentum on their side. The game Wednesday night vs. Sweden could become a de facto elimination game already? At worst, it will place the loser right on the playoff bubble.

7. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 3-3 (LR: #6)

Up Next: NOR, BYE, USA

When the day started, Sweden probably would have been happy if told they would have a 1-1 day. When the day ended however, they probably will feel a bit disappointed in letting opportunities slip away from them. They never really found their footing vs. Germany in the morning game and, even with the W vs. Japan in the late game, it was still a struggle as they gave up back-to-back steals in 8 and 9 to come home with hammer of a tied game they really were in control of. It was almost similar to their result opening weekend vs. Canada. Team Hasselborg has still not put together a full, 10 end game to their liking (or to what many of us expected). It could be a concern for them but maybe a concern for their future opposition. One has to think they will get it sorted out, the questions are when and if it will be too late? The team sits with a +1 Plus/Minus ratio with 36 PF and 35 PA. Consistent defense but inconsistent offense from what we are used to seeing. Wednesday is a huge day of opportunity for the host nation, taking on two teams who are right in the playoff hunt with them. A 2-0 day could be the difference maker between making playoffs and falling just short. And who thought we would be saying that on Tuesday?

8. Germany - Team Jentsch, 3-3 (LR: #9)

Up Next: DEN, CAN, BYE

Well that was not the day many expected to see from the Germans but a 1-1 day keeps them right in the playoff hunt. They dominate the hosts Sweden in their Tuesday opener, scoring 5 in 9 for the 9-3 win but then struggle to find points in their afternoon loss to Korea (2-4). This is the inconsistency we have seen from Team Jentsch this week. Their Plus/Minus sits at -2, 9th overall, with 32 PF and 34 PA. As has been a common storyline with this team at past Euro and world championships, it is those 1 or 2 bad ends in a game that hands them a L and keeps them 1 or 2 wins outside of a playoff spot. A 1-1 split day is better than 0-2 but a 1-1 split day going forward will not land you in the playoff bracket. They need to reverse their own fortune and start scoring those 1 or 2 big ends a game to collect the W.

9. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 3-4 (LR: #3)

Up Next: BYE, ITA, BYE

Inconsistency, Inconsistency, Inconsistency. The blog's Power Rankings usually state consistency is what keeps you atop the mountain. What causes you to slide back down? Inconsistency, as we have seen out of Japan throughout this championship. You go 2-0 on Monday only to go 0-2 on Tuesday and now find yourself looking up at the standings once again. Tuesday's results negated the work they put in on Monday. And the stats support them being on the outside looking in. A 43 PF and 44 PA captures what is happening with this team. When you sit -1 overall, you are losing ends and taking losses on the standings board. They are finding themselves chasing their opposition more often than not on the scoreboard and playing catchup will not always work in your favour. They need to get in front of their opposition and make them chase for once if they are to get back in the playoff picture. They have an opportunity to bring one of those team ahead of them back to the pack in their lone Wednesday game.

10. Denmark - Team Dupont, 2-4 (LR: #8)

Up Next: GER, BYE, NZL

A day to forget for the Euro champs, who continue to struggle at this championship. This is not the team we saw on Swedish ice in November when they were dominating the competition en route to the Euro title. An 0-2 day drops them to the brink of the playoff bubble now. We know 5 losses is the unofficial cut line and they are hovering at that point right now with big games still to come. The offense is just not there right now. They have only scored 29 points for (T13th overall). Defensively they are coming to play, only giving up 40 points (9th overall). But with a -11 rating overall, the wins are not going to come your way like they did at Euro's. If they can find the offense and go 2-0 on Wednesday, they get back to .500 and game on for the final few RR draws. Never underestimate a team who conceded an 8-ender a few years ago to Tirinzoni but also dominated Tirinzoni at Euro's this year. Which team will show up for the rest of this championship?

11. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 2-4 (LR: #13)

Up Next: KOR, NOR, BYE

Remember the last major competition this team competed in on Swedish ice? Remember how they started slow and then reeled off all those wins to climb the standings? Welcome to Euro 2022 Redux! Is Turkey preparing to make their move now? What a huge victory Tuesday against Pan Continental champs Japan. This is the type of dangerous team Turkey can be and now they have confidence and momentum for the second half of this competition. Whether they make a playoff push or not, teams are going to be in tough against them. Stats wise, the team is still struggling. They have a tournament low 29 points for while allowing a 3rd highest points against at 51. When your Plus/Minus is -22, a 2-4 record actually looks pretty good for comparison. Remember they had some lopsided losses early too, 1-12 vs Italy and 4-11 vs USA and the double trouble of 2-7 losses to Switzerland and Sweden. But have they figured it all out now and ready to make their move? First strike came on Tuesday. Lets see what they do next against teams currently sitting in playoff positions.

12. Scotland - Team Morrison, 1-6 (LR: #11)

Up Next: BYE, NOR, ITA

The Euro bronze medal winners have yet to find their sliders on the world championship ice this week. A tough 0-2 day against playoff contenders drops them to 6 losses and eliminated from the playoff picture. It is tough to pinpoint the reasons for the results though. Stats wise, they are not doing bad. A -3 Plus/Minus rating is respectable against this field. Scoring 51 points in 7 games is strong. Giving up 54 points isn't ideal but isn't horrible either. They even have the advantage on the #StealPants ratio (11 For: 10 Against). They are just not converting with hammer. They have scored single points in 20 ends played with hammer, the most in the field. They have scored 2 points 10 times, 3 points once and 4 points twice. If they want to play spoiler and end their championship on a high, they need to start converting with hammer and scoring some points while on the offense.

13. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-7 (LR: #12)

Up Next: SUI, BYE, DEN

Tough day at the office for the Kiwi's as they struggle against their Pan Continental rivals. The Plus/Minus ratio took a huge hit after suffering 1-7 (vs. USA) and 4-10 (vs. Canada) losses on the day. Overall the team sit last in the field at -35 with 31 points for and 66 points against. And while they have not scored the lowest points for in the field, giving up the most points against is going to make it difficult to chase down that #HERstory moment of collecting your first win. And it certainly will not get any easier Wednesday morning against the top Plus/Minus team in the field, Switzerland. Yikes! Special shout out to skipper Jessica Smith as the blog hopes she is feeling better and able to return to the ice soon!!

Reminder, the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championships hit the ice TODAY. Stay up to date with all the scores and standings at the event page HERE.

See you tomorrow for the next DAILY update to Power Rankings mountain!

DAY 3 - Efficiency Ratings

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 5-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: BYE, CAN, BYE

Play 1 game. Steal 4 consecutive ends to build a 9-0 lead at the break. Shake hands after 7. Add another lopsided W 9-1, this time over Germany. The Swiss continue to look dominating. And the #StealPants point made in this very space for the Opening Weekend Power Rankings yesterday (archived below) sure seems relevant. 12 stolen ends total. 17 stolen points for. 0 stolen ends against. Add in a Last Stone Efficiency of 73% (1st overall, 2nd place is 46%) and a Force Efficiency of 80% (T2nd overall) and yup, that sounds like a 5-0 recipe for success. BIG game tomorrow though vs. Canada.

2. Canada - Team Einarson, 4-1 (LR: #3)

Up Next: BYE, SUI, NZL

Solid day at the office for Team Canada. They grabbed control of both games in the early ends and secured two big wins to sit alone in second place. From an efficiency lens, Canada needs to improve if they are to knock off these main championship contenders. Force Efficiency of 54% puts them middle of the pack thus far but Last Stone Efficiency of 30% puts them 4th overall. When compared to those stats for their first opponent tomorrow though, it is an uphill slide on paper. And do not overlook the Kiwi's. This is essentially what we call a #TrapGame. Canada will be focused on the big battle for the top and, depending how the result goes, New Zealand could be feeling opportunistic.

3. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 3-2 (LR: #10)

Up Next: BYE, TUK, SWE

Well apparently Team Fujisawa did not like their Power Ranking spot yesterday and went on a revenge tour today. They dominated USA and Norway, winning 8-3 and 10-3 respectively. 6 combined stolen ends in 2 games. 0 stolen ends against. And they were in control the entire time. The Last Stone Efficiency rating is still a concern, sitting only at 21%, 12th overall. Similar with the Force Efficiency at 36%, 11th overall. But, on the positive, both of those stats improved with the wins today. This is the Japanese team we expected and they are coming into fine form. The late game tomorrow vs. Sweden is going to have HUGE playoff implications already.

4. South Korea - Team Ha, 3-2 (LR: #7)

Up Next: BYE, GER, BYE

Start slow, finish fast. Team Ha took a bit of time over the opening weekend to get accustomed to world championship ice. Well for the teams who have yet to face them, luck may not be on your side now. This team has the ship sailing in the right direction with 2 big wins over New Zealand and Scotland. Again, they started slow vs. NZL, giving up 4 straight stolen ends and finding themselves down 0-5 after 4. But they rebounded, stole in 10 and 11 to pick the Kiwi pocket for a win. Efficiency wise, they have room for improvement with a 22% Last Stone (T10th overall) and 50% Force (9th overall). But similar to their Asian counterparts above, those stats are slowly increasing as they climb up the standings. Their lone game on Tuesday vs. Germany is a game they must win to feel comfortable in the playoff fight.

5. Norway - Team Rørvik, 3-2 (LR: #4)

Up Next: BYE, SCO, BYE

A mixed day at the office for Norway sees them take a small tumble down the mountain but only 1 position. They scored a huge W over fellow playoff contender Denmark before being blitzed off the ice by an on-fire Japanese team. Stats wise, they remain one of the best in the field. They own a 37% Last Stone Efficiency (3rd overall) and a 62% Force Efficiency (6th overall). If they can hold on to those numbers, a 5th or 6th place RR finish looks promising...and thus a playoff spot. They draw a struggling Scottish side in their lone game on Tuesday, an opportunity to create some distance in the standings with a big win.

6. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 2-2 (LR: #9)

Up Next: GER, BYE, JPN

The Swedes took some aggression out on Turkey in the afternoon draw on Monday, dominating them from the beginning and picking up a 7-2 victory. Team Hasselborg is lighting up the efficiency rating stat sheet as well. They now sit with a Last Stone rating of 46% (2nd overall) and a Force rating of 67% (5th overall). Both ends with hammer vs. Turkey they scored multiple points (2 in 1 and 3 in 7). Plus they held Turkey to a single in 4 and stole from them in 3 and 8. They did give up a steal in 5 though so the #StealPants is still a cause for concern as their Stolen Ends For / Stolen Ends Against ratio is almost identical (4:3). Both games on Tuesday will be telling to where this team finishes in the RR. Go 2-0 and you are looking good for the playoffs. A 1-1 record keeps you in the thick of the pack but 0-2 and your back is against the wall. Germany's Jentsch and Japan's Fujisawa would be very happy to take the home team out of the playoff equation early.

7. Italy - Team Constantini, 3-2 (LR: #5)

Up Next: DEN, BYE, SCO

A mixed bag of emotions for the Italians on Monday. They were unable to hang with Canada for the majority of their morning game and had to hold on for dear life late in their game vs. New Zealand. Against NZL, Italy was up 5-2 after 7 but gave up single steals in 9 and 10 to allow the Kiwi's back into the game and go to the extra end. Strong efficiency overall vs. NZL, minus the stolen ends stat of course. Overall, the Italians are strong with one efficiency stat (Force Efficiency 80%, T2nd overall) but are struggling with another (Last Stone 23%, 9th overall). And their steal ratio is 7:9 (For:Against). Interesting how they are forcing their opposition but unable to capitalize with hammer the next end. Or, even worse, giving up critical stolen points. They have a similar schedule on Tuesday to Monday, big morning game against a fellow playoff contender followed by a bye and a night game against a team near the bottom of the standings. They went 1-1 on Monday. Similar result on Tuesday to stay in the hunt?

8. Denmark - Team Dupont, 2-2 (LR: #2)

Up Next: ITA, BYE, USA

When you only play one game and take a loss against a fellow playoff bubble team/challenger, you are going to take a stumble down the mountain. And while the team enjoyed their two bye's on Monday, their opposition was collecting wins and passing them on the leaderboard. They have similar stats to their Tuesday morning opponents, Italy. A strong Force Efficiency (73%, 4th overall) but a lower Last Stone Efficiency (22%, T10th overall). Something has to give in the morning game, right? Tuesday may be the make or break day for the Danes. A 2-0 day puts you right in the playoff conversation. 0-2 against playoff bubble teams could make for a stressful last few days of RR play.

9. Germany - Team Jentsch, 2-2 (LR: #6)

Up Next: SWE, KOR, BYE

Similar to Denmark above, when you only play 1 game and take a loss (a tough loss at that vs. Switzerland), you are going to slip up on the mountain. But Team Jentsch can still find their footing and make a push for the playoffs. Notice the Force Efficiency stat being discussed throughout these Power Rankings. Notice the #1 team has not been revealed yet? That's because that honour belongs to Germany, sitting at 89% over 4 games. They have held their opposition to single points 11 times already and have not conceded a blank end without hammer. The issue is the Last Stone Efficiency (22%, T10th overall) and the #StealPants ratio (4:9). They are not converting with hammer and are giving up too many stolen ends. It seems they can apply the force but then get their pocket picked as well. Those two do not go hand in hand for wanting a playoff ticket. HUGE opportunity on Tuesday though vs. Korea and Sweden. Even a 1-1 day keeps them well in the playoff discussion.

10. USA - Team Peterson, 2-3 (LR: #11)

Up Next: NZL, BYE, DEN

Going 1-1 on the Monday of a world championship sounds like a solid day at the office. And one you cannot complain about. So why is USA sitting with a #10 ranking next to their name? The difference is the 1 win was against a team below you in the standings (Turkey) and the 1 loss was to a team who has now passed you in the standings (Japan). Efficiency stats wise, USA ranks in the middle of the field for both: Last Stone - 29% (5th overall) and Force - 46% (10th overall). If you take the average of those ratings, USA sits around 7th or 8th place in the standings, which is outside the playoff cut line. Tuesday will feel like Monday for their schedule. A game against an opponent below you (New Zealand) and a game against an opponent right above you (Denmark). A 2-0 day will add some energy behind a possible playoff push.

11. Scotland - Team Morrison, 1-4 (LR: #8)

Up Next: BYE, NOR, ITA

A Blue Monday for the Scottish Blue's. A tough 0-2 day against playoff contenders Korea and Canada drops Scotland near the bottom of the table and already sitting at 4 losses. We know 5 losses is kind of the unofficial cut line so they need to almost run the table now to have a sniff at the playoffs. Similar to USA above, their efficiency ratings match their place on the leaderboard. A Last Stone rating of 26% (7th overall) and Force rating of 53% (8th overall) would place them right on the playoff bubble, should those stats remain consistent for the rest of the week. Unfortunately, with 4 losses already, the status quo is not going to cut it. They need to improve both stats over the next few days. Tuesday could be the advantage day though. They draw similar playoff bubble teams who they have defeated earlier this season at the European Curling Championships, Norway (RR) and Italy (Bronze medal). Tomorrow is Scotland's make or break day.

12. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-5 (LR: #13)

Up Next: USA, BYE, CAN

Ok they may be the only winless team in the field BUT do not let the overall record distract you from the work they are putting in. Sure they went 0-2 on Monday BUT both games went to an extra end with Korea needing the #StealPants comeback and Italy holding on for dear life against the Kiwi #StealPants attack. Yes they took 2 losses but the way they fought against 2 strong, possible playoff teams, is a sign of positivity. Today's games also marked the first extra end games we have seen thus far and who thought New Zealand would be the team to do it...twice...in one day!?! Efficiency wise, the team's overall record is reflected as they have a Last Stone rating of 18% (13th overall) and Force rating of 27% (12th overall). If they are going to make #HERstory and secure that first W, they need to be better at both of those stats in one game. On the plus side, their #StealPants ratio is a positive now (9:7). Unfortunately, Tuesday brings them their Pan Continental opponents, USA and Canada. At #PCCC2022, they lost both games with scores of 2-9 (vs. USA) and 3-11 (vs. Canada).

13. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 1-4 (LR: #12)

Up Next: BYE, JPN, BYE

This may seen cruel to bump Turkey down to #13 when they have a win over winless New Zealand; however, from an efficiency standpoint this is where they rank. The team struggled in their games on Monday, losing to Sweden (2-7) and USA (4-11) in games that were really not that close, with all due respect. Their Last Stone efficiency took a hit today, dropping to 25% (8th overall). Their Force efficiency is where they are struggling, sitting at 8% (13th overall). They are struggling to apply the force pressure, which may be indicative of their all-offense, all the time strategy. And that #StealPants ratio? Tough to win games when you are losing that stat (2:10). When you conceded 18 points from 10 stolen ends in 5 games, picking up Ws is going to be a challenge. But, remember the run this team went on at #ECC2022? They lost games early and by mid-week were reeling off 5 straight wins to get into the playoff conversation. They will need a similar result now...and it gets started against one of the main championship contenders Japan.

After a few days of action, what say you rockheads? Who are your Top 6 as we approach the halfway point of the competition?

Special shout out to Canadian curlers participating in the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championships. The event hits the ice Tuesday as we prepare to crown the #CMDCC2023 Champion!

Stay up to date with all the scores and standings at the event page HERE.

And come back to this blog space DAILY for the Updated Power Rankings!

As we saw at the Scotties and the Brier, steals can be a difference maker in collecting those wins or giving up surprising losses.

And we have seen the impact of wearing the #StealPants on the ice already in Sweden.

For the opening weekend, we will use the pre-event rankings found in the #WWCC2023 Preview post.

Yes, this will become a LONG post by the end of the competition.

BUT, you really only have to read the first section each day. Got it?

Lets get going.....

OPENING WEEKEND - #StealPants

1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, 4-0 (Last Ranking: #1)

Up Next: BYE, GER, BYE

The champs have looked like...well the champs. They were pushed in their opener vs. USA but since have seemed to be operating on cruise control. Not only are they outscoring their opposition by a large amount (+22), they also are near the top of the field is stolen ends (7). And they already have dominating wins over Japan and Sweden, two of the expected main challengers for the title heading into the event. And that opener against USA? Stolen singles in the opening 2 ends and then again in 5, 6 and 10 FTW. Amazing! They score at will. They pick your pocket at will. They win at will. The champs are the class of the field thus far.

2. Denmark - Team Dupont, 2-1 (LR: #8)

Up Next: BYE, NOR, BYE

When the Euro champs opened the competition with a victory over the Pan Continental champs Japan, people were starting to take notice and say "Hmmm, maybe that Euro win wasn't as big of an upset as we thought?!" They have 5 stolen ends in 3 games, tied for 4th overall. But it is not just collecting steals, it is the timing of when they do it. Against Japan, down 2-6 after 6, they stole 2 in 8 and 1 in 10 for the 7-6 comeback victory. Against Scotland, 4 stolen points in the opening 2 ends to build a lead and a stolen point in 10 to cement the win. Their loss to Korea? No stolen points and the L. Hmmm, coincidence?

3. Canada - Team Einarson, 2-1 (LR: #4)

Up Next: ITA, BYE, SCO

The Canadians have not looked great through the opening weekend, at least by the standards Canadian fans place on them. But they are 2-1 and near the top of the table so what is there to complain about? When you can pick the pocket of Sweden for 6 points in the final 2 ends of play to *literally* steal a win, you must be doing something right. They gave up 2 early steals to USA to find themselves down 0-3 after 3 but battled back before USA's Peterson made a pistol with her last FTW. And in their game vs. Norway, a stolen point in 4 applied early pressure and the win was solidified with a key steal of 3 in 10 (when tied at 6 without hammer). The 5 stolen ends overall is tied with 4th overall and has been a key game saver thus far. But are they playing with fire too early, too often?

4. Norway - Team Rørvik, 2-1 (LR: #10)

Up Next: BYE, DEN, JPN

Give credit where credit is due for how strong Norway has played opening weekend. Similar to Denmark and Canada above them, they have also collected 5 stolen ends thus far and have seen the benefits of those results. But also conceded a key steal to suffer their first loss. In the game vs. Canada, they stole in 6 and 8 to gain control back of the game but could not convert with hammer in 10. Key steals can save a game but giving up key steals at the wrong time can cost you. Will this team continue to surprise and be #TeamUpset or will the stolen game against Canada be the key one that got away and send them spiraling?

5. Italy - Team Constantini, 2-1 (LR: #11)

Up Next: CAN, BYE, NZL

People may be surprised with the strong start for Italy but, if you read the preview post, you really should not be shocked. They have put together a strong season and should be in the playoff hunt all week. They are also wearing the #StealPants thus far, picking up 6 stolen ends overall (3rd in the field). They stole 4 ends for 9 points in their opening win vs. Turkey. In fact, they only had hammer for 1 end in the entire game...and they won 12-1 after 6 ends of play. How'd they do with hammer you ask? They scored 3. We also saw them score key steals in 5 and 8 vs. Korea to record their second win. But no steals against Germany, combined with giving up stolen ends, resulted in their first loss. They need to apply the pressure before the opposition, continue picking pockets and see where the result takes them.

6. Germany - Team Jentsch, 2-1 (LR: #9)

Up Next: BYE, SUI, BYE

Is this the quietest 2-1 team ever? Nobody seems to be talking about them yet...and maybe that is a good thing for them to just fly under the radar. Stolen ends have played major factors in their 3 games. Against Scotland in their opener, they conceded 4 stolen ends for a total of 8 points in a 5-12 loss. Too many steals and too many points picked from your pocket make winning nearly impossible. However, they rebounded against New Zealand in not allowing any stolen ends and stealing 2 ends of their own. And against Italy, 3 stolen points in back-to-back ends gave them the lead mid-game and they held on to hand Italy their 1st loss and bring Germany into the top half of the standings. Those are the types of games Jentsch needs to win if she is to make a playoff push. Solid start and gaining momentum.

7. South Korea - Team Ha, 1-2 (LR: #3)

Up Next: NZL, SCO, BYE

A 1-2 team who could easily be 3-0. Don't let the opening weekend record fool you. This is still a strong playoff contender. And this is their debut world championship appearance so maybe some butterflies in the stomach and early tricky ice reading got the best of them. Korea has only recorded 3 stolen ends, a stat line they need to improve upon. By contrast, they have only conceded 3 stolen ends so it balances out right now. We saw this team steal 17 ends at the Pan Continental Curling Championships, tied for the lead with the other 3 playoff teams. And we saw them steal in 10 to push the gold medal final to an extra, regrouping after giving up a few steals earlier in the same game. They know how to wear the #StealPants. If they find them in their laundry bag for the rest of the week, they should start stringing together the wins and crawl back up the standings.

8. Scotland - Team Morrison, 1-2 (LR: #6)

Up Next: BYE, KOR, CAN

Another 1-2 team who could be 2-1 or 3-0 even. They have played some great curling already and, minus one or two bad ends, could have found themselves atop the standings. They actually lead the field in stolen ends with 8, with 5 of them coming in their opening game W vs. Germany. They stole once against Denmark and twice against Japan. Of course Japan played a tremendous 10th end to score 4 and pick up the 9-8 comeback win and Denmark's early steal of 3 in 2 gave them a lead Scotland had to fight against all game. The Scots did battle back to tie and were done 1 with hammer playing 10 but, surprise, Denmark applied the pressure and stole in 10 to secure the W. You erase those stolen ends in both losing games and the result might have been flipped.

9. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, 1-2 (LR: #2)

Up Next: BYE, TUR, BYE

The #9 ranked team in the world finds themselves sitting #9 on the Power Rankings mountain after opening weekend. A bit surprising, no? Perhaps more surprising is how they got here. They were in control against Canada until falling apart late, giving up the key steals of 2 in 9 and 4 in 10 for the 4-9 loss. Those two ends cost them the W. Of course, earlier in the day in the opening draw, they stole 6 points in the 4th end en route to defeating debut New Zealand 14-2. They only have 2 stolen ends through their opening 3 games, ranking 11th in the field. They will need to turn that stat around. And while they are not conceding stolen ends, those 2 ends vs. Canada were the only ones thus far but they were the difference makers. Losing to Canada and Switzerland is not cause for concern right now but they need to right the ship now heading into the week. You cannot hand top opposition wins, especially in games you controlled early on.

10. Japan - Team Fujisawa, 1-2 (LR: #5)

Up Next: USA, BYE, NOR

Nobody saw this coming. Japan's Team Fujisawa struggled mightily on opening day, taking two tough losses to Denmark and Switzerland. The loss to Denmark was shocking due to the leads they build early, from 4-0 after 3 to 6-2 after 6. They let the Danes back in and those stolen ends in 8 and 10 sunk them. They gave up 2 more stolen ends to Switzerland but they were also playing catch up after giving up 6 in 2 and falling behind early. Those stolen ends almost are negated by the strategy needed to try and mount a comeback. And, after conceding 2 stolen ends vs. Scotland for 3 points, they continued to fight and claw their back into the game with the big 4 in 10 with hammer for their first win. They have recorded 4 stolen ends themselves so they can pick your pocket at any time. Me thinks this big comeback win vs. Scotland is going to re-energize them going forward. And they seemed to have rediscovered their smiles...and that makes them dangerous once again.

11. USA - Team Peterson, 1-2 (LR: #7)

Up Next: JPN, BYE, TUR

With all due respect, this team should be sitting 0-3 right now. If it was not for skipper Tabitha Peterson's final shot to "steal" the win against Canada, this team would be at the bottom of the table. They have only recorded 3 stolen ends to their credit but they have not been in clutch ends, doing so early vs. Canada and mid-game vs. Norway. The problem is giving up 7 stolen ends thus far. They challenged Switzerland in the opening draw but when you give up 5 stolen ends, even if only single points, to the world champs, you are going to have a hard time winning. And they were unable to convert with hammer in 10 vs. Norway, conceding the steal instead and taking the 5-7 loss. Perhaps a bit of luck working against (and for vs. Canada) them thus far. It will be interesting to see how they respond from a slightly disappointing opening weekend. 

12. Turkey - Team Yildiz, 1-2 (LR: #12)

Up Next: BYE, SWE, USA

The only reason Turkey sits ahead of New Zealand is due to the RR win over them Sunday morning. A game with a final score of 13-10, highlighted by Turkey scoring 5 in 10 with hammer to pick up the comeback victory. Turkey remains the only team in the field WITHOUT a stolen end to their credit. And they have conceded 6 stolen ends. They are giving up big ends. They are giving up stolen ends. And they are not applying the force as well as they need to when they do not have hammer. But, on the flip side, this is the playbook that got you hear. They played the European Curling Championships with lots of rock in play and all-offense, all the time. The difference being at #ECC2023 they stole 12 ends of their own. They need to find that page in the playbook here if they want to make a move.

13. New Zealand - Team Smith, 0-3 (LR: #13)

Up Next: KOR, BYE, ITA

It was tempting to move New Zealand actually AHEAD of Turkey. If we focus solely on the Key to Success topic over opening weekend, New Zealand does have a stolen end to their credit, against Turkey, compared to Turkey being the only team at 0. BUT, New Zealand did allow Turkey back into their RR game and giving up 5 in 10 to take a loss cannot be ignored either. New Zealand is certainly getting the "Welcome to World's" greeting many expected, taking some lopsided losses early and having a shoutout with Turkey. If they want to put some numbers in the Win column, they will need to find their #StealPants and toss them on against these top teams. It might be the only way to slow them down.

What say you rockheads? Agree with the opening weekend Power Rankings? Disagree?

Any surprises?

#StayTuned

Remember, the blog will be updating this post DAILY. Come back often and see how the mountain changes based on the results.

Can Switzerland maintain their lead at the top?

Will New Zealand make #HERstory and chase down their 1st ever world championship win?

And the middle of the pack is already crowded. Who knows how that is going to play out?!?!

Enjoy the 2023 World Women's Curling Championships!!