NZ wins silver at curling champs

Siblings Sean and Bridget Becker have won New Zealand's first medal at a world curling championships.

The Central Otago pairing lost a thrilling mixed doubles final 7-9 to Russia at the championships in Chelyabinsk, Russia, today.

They forced the unbeaten Russians to an extra end after the scores were tied after the regulation eight ends.

Russia started strongly with a triple and a single steal, before New Zealand struck back with a single, a stolen three and then a further steal to lead by one.

The teams traded doubles over the next two ends, leaving the Russians one down coming home with last-stone advantage. Russia took the point they needed to tie the scores and force the extra end, then stole two to take the match.

The Beckers had beaten Spain 10-3 in their semifinal.

- NZPA