Scotland start European curling defence with win

Holders Scotland got off to a flying start as they breezed past Norway in their European Curling Championship opener in front of a home crowd.

Victory should boosts the Scots' confidence ahead of their meeting with Sweden on Sunday (09:00 GMT live on the BBC Sport website, app & iPlayer), before they face Czech Republic later on.

"We obviously had a wee bit of knowledge coming into the event with playing in Aberdeen quite a lot, so it was nice to feel that home environment with some fans in the stands making some noise," said Mouat.

"Things you don't necessarily think of come into play being here.

"We've stayed in the hotel we're in before and eaten in restaurants we know are around the area, so that extra knowledge all helps make you feel at home."

The women's side were similarly impressive as they got their tournament under way, seeing off Turkey 8-4 earlier in the day.

Scoring additional points in both their first and final end saw Scotland claim a commanding win, with Italy next up on Sunday (14:00, also live on the BBC Sport website, app & iPlayer).