9 Dec 2022 – They couldn't have come any closer, but ultimately Courtney Smith and Anton Hood just missed out on qualifying New Zealand for the 2023 World Mixed Doubles Championship in this week's Qualifying Event.

Needing to steal the extra end of their final sudden-death qualifier against the Netherlands, their attempt to bury a second shot stone behind guards slipped just a little too far on the two-paced ice. That left the Dutch pair a slightly easier come-around tap of the one NZ shot stone, which they achieved for an 8-7 win and a ticket to the Worlds.

This was the Kiwi pair's second trip to Scotland in a little over 18 months. They had a great run at the 2021 World Championship, falling just one win short of a chance to directly qualify New Zealand for the 2022 Winter Olympics and finishing an impressive 12th overall.

They impressed again at this 26-team World Mixed Doubles Qualifier in Dumfries. Despite looking a little scratchy at the start of their first two games, they still dominated their pool to finish on top with a clean 6-0 record. 

The two top-ranked sides in each of the four pools progressed to a double-knockout playoff series to find the four countries to qualify. 

Türkiye stunned the NZ side in their first playoff game, stealing the last end for a 9-7 win. This left the young pair needing to win both final games, and they achieved the first by scoring two points in the last end to eliminate China 6-5.

NZ jumped out to an early lead against the Netherlands, but the Dutch fought their way back and ultimately took the prized win to join Austria, Spain, and Türkiye, completing the line-up for April's World Championship.

"This pair will be gutted for sure," said coach Peter de Boer.  Hard to bear for Courtney and Anton but the scars will heal, and they’ll be better for it the next time."

2006 NZ Olympian and now curling commentator Hans Frauenlob messaged the team, "I have personal experience in missing a trip to worlds by losing a final in an extra end. It sucked. Four years later, we were playing in the Olympics. It's all about what you do next! Great effort this week - you'll come back even better next time. And there will be a next time!"

• WCF tournament page
• WCF full results
• NZ results at World Mixed Doubles 

NZ Results