Canada started the match comfortably and were leading for long periods but a few costly turnovers in the vital stages of the game allowed the Swedes to get back in the contest and ultimately break the hearts of the partisan crowd.

The result was a bitter blow for Canada, who now face the daunting prospect of having to beat reigning world and Paralympic champions the United States tomorrow in order to advance to the medal round.

Canada’s Trevor Hirschfield said: "We had the chance to turn the knife and we let off a bit.

"We took our foot off the gas.

"The competition is so much better now so if you let up the teams catch up to you."

In complete contrast, a delighted Swede captain Tobias Sandberg stated: "It was a really big win, amazing actually.

"We’re ranked number six and they’re ranked number three, so every team ranked higher is a big win.

"One thing we have is heart, that’s why we won today."

Elsewhere, in another upset, tenth-ranked Poland beat the fifth-ranked New Zealand 45-43 while Japan beat Belgium 60-59 in a tight encounter.

Britain secured their first win in Vancouver with a 48-46 win over Germany while Beijing 2008 Paralympic silver medalists Australia saw off the challenge of New Zealand with 53-43.

However, the outstanding performances on day three came from the Americans, the favourites.

The top seeds started the day with a comfortable 65-44 win over Finland before destroying Sweden 62-27 in the evening session.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]

Picture: BCWSA/Kevin Bogetti-Smith


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