‘Big from here on’: Canada one step closer to clinching playoff spot with win over China on day 5 of Men’s World Curling Championships

A Canadian fan watches Canada in action against Norway at the World Men's Curling Championship in Moose Jaw, Sask. on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

In a battle of the top two teams in the standings Thursday morning, Canada came out on top with a 8-2 on day 5 at the 2025 BKT Tires World Men’s Curling Championships in Moose Jaw, Sask.

The win keeps Canada atop the tournament standings with an 8-1 record. They are the only team with just a single loss through 15 sessions.

“Everything’s big from here on out,” Skip Brad Jacobs said following the win. “We played good today. Once again, we came out with really good energy this morning.”

“Which is a tough thing to do this late in the week,” he added.

Jacobs and team would take control early in the game, earning the hammer in the first.

With his final stone in the opening frame, Jacobs would have an easy take out to score the deuce and take the early 2-0 lead.

“We just wanted to make sure we came out strong,” Canada second Brett Gallant told reporters. “And worry about our shots knowing they’re going to play pretty well.”

Jacobs would continue to put the pressure on China, even without holding the last rock in the second.

China had a draw attempt to tie in end two, but the Xiaoming Xu final shot came up short and Canada would retain their lead at 2-1.

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In the third, Canada had the 8th stacked with four stones sitting to score as Xu entered the hack for his final rock of the frame.

He would clear the rings of three red stones to limit the damage.

But left the door open for another Jacobs draw for two. Canada would lead 4-1 through three.

After China notched another point in the fourth, Xu would throw a well-placed draw with his final stone in the fifth. Not giving Jacobs an opportunity at the double and Canada would settle for a single and lead 5-2 at the break.

“We’re good at defending,” Jacobs noted. “And we’re comfortable when were up. We’ve got some good systems and game plans in place that allow us to defend well.”

“But we’re not afraid to mix it up sometimes,” the skip added.

In the sixth, Xu was heavy on a takeout with his final rock and the shooter would spill out of the rings.

Giving Canada a steal of two, extending to five at 7-2.

It was handshakes after the seventh after Canada stole again to win 8-2.

“It was a good game, good morning game. And it sets us up well for a big game tonight,” Gallant said.

“We’re rolling along,” Jacobs said. “[It] feels great to be eight and one. Still the only team with one loss. We want to try to keep it that way.”

Canada plays the second place Swiss at 7 p.m. Thursday night. A win would clinch their spot in Saturday’s semi-final and a guaranteed opportunity for a medal.