Allowed 2 Points in the Final 8th End
Defeated 6-7
The Korean curling team of Kim Kyung-ae and Sung Ji-hoon won the silver medal after conceding a comeback in the final 8th end to the Japanese duo of Goana Tori and Aoki Ko.
Kim Kyung-ae and Sung Ji-hoon narrowly lost 6-7 to the Japanese team in the mixed doubles curling match at the 2025 Harbin Winter Asian Games held on the 9th at the Pingpang Curling Arena in Harbin, China.
The Korean curling team Kim Kyung-ae and Sung Ji-hoon are shaking hands with their opponents after losing 6-7 to Japan in the mixed doubles curling final held on the 8th at the Pingpang Curling Arena in Harbin, China. Photo by Yonhap News
The start was promising. Despite having the hammer in the 1st end, Kim Kyung-ae and Sung Ji-hoon capitalized on consecutive mistakes by the Japanese team to steal 2 points and take an early lead.
Although they conceded a tie in the 2nd end, Korea regained the lead 3-2 by scoring 1 point in the 3rd end, where they had the hammer for the first time.
The momentum shifted starting from the 4th end. With the disadvantage of having the hammer, Korea gave up 2 points, allowing Japan to take a 4-3 lead. In the 5th end, despite having the hammer, a mistake on the first shot made it difficult for Korea to recover, and they ended up being stolen 1 point, widening the score gap to 3-5. In the 6th end, Kim Kyung-ae and Sung Ji-hoon attempted to turn the tide by using the power play. The power play allows the team with the hammer to place the guard stones not in the center but on the sides, aiming for a big score in a favorable situation. However, Korea managed to score only 1 point in the 6th end, failing to make a comeback.
Korea regained momentum in the 7th end. On the final shot of the 7th end, Kim Kyung-ae executed a big shot by knocking out two opponent stones and positioning three of their stones in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions. Japan aimed for 1 point by targeting the center of the house (the button) on their last shot but had to take a wide route, resulting in insufficient force to occupy the button. Ultimately, Korea secured the 1st and 2nd stones, successfully stealing 2 points and taking a 6-5 lead.
However, they unfortunately conceded a comeback in the final 8th end. Japan occupied the 1st and 2nd stones with precise shots, and although Kim Kyung-ae’s last shot aimed to allow only 1 point to force an extra end, the strategy failed, and Korea lost the gold medal.
There are three gold medals at stake in curling at this tournament. The remaining gold medal for the men’s and women’s four-person teams will be decided on the final day of the competition, the 14th.
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