A bittersweet day for Chinese curling team

The Chinese women's curling team failed to extend their winning streak at the World Championships after losing to hosts Canada 10-9 on Monday.

China's Wang Bingyu yells out instructions during a game against Canada in the  World Women's Curling Championships in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada, March  23, 2010. China lost 10-9. [Photo: Osports]

Defending champion China, led by Wang Bingyu, took a 5-2 lead after the break.

However, a miss of a double takeout in the sixth end let Canada back in the game.

Canada's Jennifer Jones drew in to score four before wrapping up victory for the hosts.

In an earlier game played on Monday, China beat Latvia 8-2 for their first victory in the World Championships.

With a 1-4 record, China is now tied in eighth place alongside Norway, Switzerland, Japan and Latvia in the 12-member round-robin stage.

Canada and the United States are in first and second places, respectively.

China will play Switzerland next, with them having to win the remaining six games to secure a spot in the playoffs.