China Curling Pair Fall Short as Olympic Mixed Doubles Dream Ends
China’s hopes of qualifying a mixed doubles curling team for next February’s Winter Olympics came to an end after a defeat to South Korea at a decisive qualification tournament in Canada, closing the door on a late push toward the Milano Cortina Games.
The Chinese pairing of Ye Zixuan and Yu Sen were competing in a high pressure, winner take all event that offered the final Olympic berths in curling. Despite flashes of promise, the young duo were unable to overcome their South Korean opponents and were eliminated from contention, bringing China’s mixed doubles campaign to a halt.
The two week tournament represented the final opportunity for teams that had missed earlier qualification routes to secure places at the Winter Olympics in Italy. Two spots were available in each of the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles categories, attracting strong competition from around the world. In the mixed doubles event alone, sixteen teams were battling for just two remaining tickets.
South Korea ultimately claimed the last available mixed doubles spot. Curlers Jeong Yeong seok and Kim Seon yeong confirmed their Olympic qualification by defeating Australia’s Tahli Gill and Dean Hewitt 10 5 in the final on Thursday. Their victory came a day after the Czech Republic’s pairing secured the first of the two available Olympic places, leaving no remaining opportunities for other teams.
For China, the result was a disappointment but not without context. Ye, who is just 20 years old, and Yu, aged 21, only formed their partnership earlier this year. Despite their limited time together, they showed encouraging signs on the international circuit. In October, the pair captured a bronze medal at the Mixed Doubles Bern tournament, part of the ISS Mixed Doubles World Curling Tour, signaling potential for future success.
Observers noted that the lack of long term experience as a pair may have played a role in their elimination. Mixed doubles curling demands strong communication, tactical cohesion and familiarity built over time, qualities that more established teams often hold as an advantage in high stakes matches.
China has traditionally been more competitive in women’s curling and team events, while mixed doubles remains an area still under development. The failure to qualify a mixed doubles team for Milano Cortina will likely prompt reflection within the sport’s national program as it looks ahead to future Olympic cycles.
Despite the setback, Chinese curling officials are expected to continue investing in younger athletes, with Ye and Yu viewed as part of a broader generation that could mature into strong contenders over the coming years. Their early international exposure and podium finish earlier this season suggest that the partnership, if continued, could benefit from greater stability and experience.
As the field for the Winter Olympics takes its final shape, China will now turn its attention to other ice sports and disciplines where qualification has already been secured. For Ye and Yu, the focus is likely to shift toward development and preparation, with the long term goal of returning stronger in future global competitions.
