Team GB’s men’s curlers took a step closer to securing a Winter Olympics semi-final place as they compiled an accomplished 9-4 victory over Germany.
Bruce Mouat’s world champions have now won four of their opening five matches in northern Italy, with six victories almost certain to guarantee a place in the last four and a shot at the medals.
The Scottish quartet beat their German counterparts in both the European and the World Championships last year and were rarely in danger here.
Level at 2-2 after three ends, the British rink moved smoothly into a 5-2 advantage at the interval, then accelerated clear with a further steal of two in the seventh end.
Germany were floundering at that stage and, although they cut the deficit, Mouat closed out another couple in the ninth end to secure the win.
The men are back on the ice later on Sunday, against the unbeaten Switzerland (18:05 GMT).
Before then, the GB women will play their fourth match, with the fancied Sweden their opponents (13:05) as they try to revive their own semi-final hopes.