Crew GB’s males have been left to rue a stunning first finish as an cussed fightback in a throbbing Cortina Curling Stadium was not sufficient to forestall their first defeat of those Winter Olympics in opposition to hosts Italy.

After profitable their opening two matches, together with in opposition to the Swedish rink who beat them within the gold-medal match 4 years in the past, the British workforce went into their second high-grade encounter in two days in a powerful place.

Nonetheless, a horrendous first finish throughout which the Italians stole 4 factors left them chasing in entrance of a raucous residence crowd armed with horns, bells and whistles.

These British gamers are the world’s top-ranked rink for a purpose, although, and slowly reeled in Italy, levelling within the ninth finish.

Nonetheless, the native favourites held agency within the final to win 9-7 and add the scalp of GB to that of the Swedes, who they beat of their opener.

“We needed to dig deep and we performed 9 actually good ends and managed it from there, however we simply could not do sufficient to get the win,” lead Hammy McMillan instructed BBC Sport.

Seven wins from the 9 round-robin matches will assure a spot within the semi-finals – fewer might nicely nonetheless be adequate – so Mouat’s rink are nonetheless in a powerful spot.

GB’s girls are subsequent on the ice, taking part in their second match in opposition to South Korea at 13:05 GMT. The boys will return to the rink on Saturday, after they face Czech Republic, additionally at 13:05.