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GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Feb. 8 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean mixed doubles curling team of Jang Hye-ji and Lee Ki-jeong picked up their first victory of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics on Thursday.
Jang and Lee defeated the Finnish team of Oona Kauste and Tomi Rantamaeki 9-4 at Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung.
The mixed doubles curling is being contested for the first time at these Olympic Games. Jang and Lee will have their second match against China later Thursday, the eve of the opening ceremony.
The South Koreans set the tone early by scoring three points in the first end, and added a point each in the second and third end for a 5-0 lead.
Finland cut the deficit to 5-4 after six ends, but South Korea earned four more points in the seventh end to clinch the victory.
"At first I was really nervous and felt burdened," Lee said after the match. "But I was also encouraged by the spectators' cheering."
More than 2,000 fans came to the Gangneung Curling Centre for the event.
Jang said she wished to thank the spectators for their understanding manners while watching curling events.
"They were silent when we made shots, and applaused after. They knew the rules well, and I was thankful," Jang said.
"I am glad to bring the first victory to South Korea. I hope this will inspire other athletes to make efforts too," Jang added.
The two athletes will compete against China, which won the bronze medal at last year's World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship, later in the day.
South Korean curler Lee Ki-jeong celebrates a victory over Finland in the mixed doubles event at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics at Gangneung Curling Centre in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, on Feb. 8, 2018. (Yonhap)
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