CORTINA, Italy — February 14, 2026 — Sweden’s medal ambitions remained firmly on track as Agnes Knochenhauer and Sara McManus of Team Hasselborg played pivotal roles in a composed performance during the women’s curling group stage round five match against Italy at the Olympic Winter Games. The Swedish rink showcased its trademark precision and tactical discipline, silencing a spirited home crowd eager to see Italy seize a statement win on familiar ice.
From the opening end, Sweden applied scoreboard pressure with clinical stone placement and measured weight control. McManus, steady at lead, consistently delivered center guards to disrupt Italy’s early plans, while Knochenhauer’s sweeping proved decisive in eking out crucial inches that turned potential Italian steals into Swedish advantages. The Scandinavian side capitalized on a key multi-point end midway through the contest to establish a cushion.
Italy responded with resilience, drawing loudly from the Cortina crowd as they narrowed the deficit with accurate takeouts and a well-executed freeze in the latter stages. Yet Team Hasselborg’s composure under pressure remained evident. Communication in the house was sharp, and skip calls were executed with conviction, forcing Italy into increasingly narrow margins for error.
As the match entered its closing ends, Sweden leaned on experience. McManus delivered a crucial guard to protect shot stone in the penultimate frame, and Knochenhauer’s sweeping once again ensured perfect placement on a draw that effectively shut the door. Italy was left chasing a difficult final stone scenario, unable to manufacture the multiple points required for a comeback.
The result reinforced Sweden’s status as one of the tournament’s strongest contenders, blending tactical awareness with elite execution. For Italy, the defeat underscored both promise and the fine margins that define Olympic curling. With the group stage intensifying, Team Hasselborg’s measured performance in round five could prove instrumental in shaping the playoff picture in Cortina.
