Key points the difference as GB get underway in the mixed team wheelchair curling

Key points proved to be the difference as ParalympicsGB got underway in the mixed team wheelchair curling with defeat to Slovakia.

The team suffered 9-2 defeat in their opening match of the round robin in what proved to be a disappointing start.

But Austin McKenzie was reassured that the British team did not sit too far off the pace, with a few key shots making the defeat look heavier than it felt.

“On the whole, we weren’t too bad,” he reflected.

“There were just a couple of key shots that were missed and not taken. Other than that, we’re relatively happy with what we went out there and did.

“It’s just that those key points make a huge, huge difference.”

It allows plenty to be learned before they face Team USA on the ice on Sunday in their second-round robin clash.

And they can take motivation from their teammates in the mixed doubles, with Jo Butterfield and Jason Kean returning from two opening defeats to win their next three.

“We’ll get a quick debrief and then we’ll go back to our rooms, have a bit of rest, and do a bit of soul-searching. Then we’ll be back tonight, ready to start our competition,” said Stewart Pimblett.

And while there is lots to reflect on ahead of that clash, there is abundant capacity for improvement among a team that features three Paralympic debutants.

Skipped by Hugh Nibloe, who is at his third Games, Karen Aspey, Pimblett and McKenzie are all making their debut at a Paralympic Games in the idyllic setting of Cortina D’Ampezzo.

“It’s a massive stage to be playing on, and I’m absolutely delighted to be part of it. It’s a privilege,” said McKenzie.

“I’m just trying to get out there, suck in the atmosphere, enjoy it, embrace what we’re doing here and really hope that we can move forward and show what we’re capable of.”