PYEONGCHANG 2018: Before the Opening Ceremony had commenced on Friday evening, athletes from around the world had already taken part in some of the first events of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Games.

Figure skaters took to the ice at Gangneung Ice Arena in the team event, with Canada confirming their status as the favourites finishing the day in first place on 17 points, three ahead of the USA who were in second.

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Japan is currently in third place on 13 points while the Olympic Athletes from Russia (OAR) finishing fourth.

The figure skating team competition continues on Sunday 11 February with the short dance, ladies' short programme and pairs free skating.

Curling was also underway on Day 0 with Canada and Norway surging forward in the mixed doubles, leaving the competition poised with a four-way tie at the top after four sessions of round-robin play.

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The unbeaten record of World Champions Switzerland was put to an end by Norway whose 6-5 victory came down to the final stone of the eighth end.

The mixed doubles competition continues on Sunday 10 February with Switzerland, Norway, Canada and OAR in joint first on three wins out of four. 

David Barden
olympics.com.au