Michael McCreadie's team were crushed 9-2 by Canada in the opening match of the tournament - a re-match of the gold medal game in Turin four years ago - and then went down 7-5 to Norway.

Britain led early on against Canada but were then overwhelmed against a team who received raucous support from a home crowd.

Britain stole one in the first but after putting up two points in the second end, Canada went on to steal in both the third, fourth and fifth ends and never looked back.

Sonja Gaudet, the only member of the Canadian wheelchair curling team at the Paralympic Games that also competed on the gold medal team in Turin four years ago, was not surprised that the crowd had helped inspire the home team.

She said: "I told them to expect the larger crowds and the noise."

Ten teams are competing here, up from eight in 2006 in just the second time wheelchair curling will be contested as a medal sport at the Paralympics.

Germany, Korea and Japan are making their Paralympic debuts today.



Canada followed up that victory against Britain with a 10-5 win over the United States to confirm their position as gold medal favourites.

Gaudet said: "We're happy about our two wins.

"We've got some things to work on just figuring out the ice a bit, but we've got the first day under our belt so we're happy with that."