Filipino-Swiss curlers Pfister, Dubberstein lose semis, face bronze medal match

Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein secured their fifth consecutive win but fell to Japan's Tori Koana and Go Aoki, 10-2, in the semifinals of the curling mixed doubles event at the 9th Asian Winter Games on Friday.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino expressed delight at their performance earlier this week when they won against Kazakhstan with a decisive victory of 11-2.

Curling Pilipinas secretary-general Jarryd Bello highlighted that beating world-ranked teams gives Filipinos hope for securing a medal in the competition, as Pfister and Dubberstein now face Chinese Taipei in the semis qualifier set on Friday morning before losing to Japan.

The Filipino-Swiss duo's victory put them at second place behind China who qualified directly for the semifinals with an undefeated record of 5-0. South Korea also secured a playoff spot with a 3-2 record, relegating the Philippines to the bronze medal match against the losing opponent of the semis match between China and South Korea.

Kathleen Dubberstein was named one of the flag-bearers alongside speed skater Peter Groseclose during the opening ceremony held at the Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.

Pfister and Dubberstein will have another chance to secure a historic medal in their bronze medal match against the loser between China and South Korea on Saturday.