Chinese curlers win semifinal hope with two straight victories

The Chinese team won two back to back victories on Thursday, lifting their hopes as they look to the semifinals of the World Women's Curling Championship.

Chinese skipper Wang Bingyu (C) delivers her shot during a match  against Norway in the World Women's Curling Championships in Swift  Current, Saskatchewan, Canada on Thursday, March 25, 2010. China won  8-7. [Photo:www.worldcurling.org]

The defending champions triumphed over Russia 9-7 early this morning, and then beat Norway with a narrow 8-7 victory.

China now sits in sixth place with five wins and four losses among the 12 teams.

Hosts Canada and Scotland, dominate the standings with eight wins each, and have secured their positions in the final four.

The top four teams will advance into the semifinals of the tournament.

The Chinese women will compete in the concluding round-robin games against United States and Sweden tomorrow.

China's Liu Yin watches her shot during a match against Norway in the World Women's  Curling Championships in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, Canada on Thursday, March  25, 2010. China won 8-7. [Photo:www.worldcurling.org]