Both teams had won their opening match of the tournament yesterday at the Queen’s Place Emera Centre in the city, located in Nova Scotia.

New Zealand’s victory marked an impressive start to their debut appearance at the Championships, which continued with a success against Sweden.

Both teams were tied following the 10 ends, but New Zealand secured two points in the extra end to earn a 7-5 win.

They were joined at the top of the standings by last year’s silver medallists Scotland, 8-2 winners against Germany.

Defending champions Canada bounced back for the opening day loss to the United States, the hosts overcoming Norway 6-4.

Switzerland earned their first win of the tournament by beating Italy 7-6, while China edged the United States 9-8.

The results left six teams with one victory and a loss from their opening two matches, behind early round robin leaders New Zealand and Scotland

Italy and Sweden remain without a win.

China were one of three teams to win their opening two matches as the women’s competition began today.

They opened with a narrow 9-8 win over Norway before easing to a 12-1 win against Sweden in the final session of the day.

Russia had beaten Sweden 9-8 earlier in the day and backed up their win with a 7-4 triumph against Japan.

Switzerland joined China and Russia at the top of the standings, courtesy of a 11-3 win over South Korea and a 11-6 success against Norway.

Defending champions Canada had two tightly fought matches, their campaign beginning with a  6-5 loss to Scotland.

They rebounded with a 7-6 win over the US.

Teams are hoping to secure a place in the top four in the men’s and women’s standings at the end of the round robin stage, which would earn them a semi-final spot.