The Russian team claimed comfortable 10-5 and 7-2 wins against Turkey and Chinese Taipei respectively in the final two round robin sessions at the Kisakallio Sports Institute.

That made it five victories out of six and ensured they topped the men's standings.

In a crucial first men's match of the day, The Netherlands leapfrogged Finland into second place with a 6-4 triumph over the host nation, granting them two opportunities to reach the World Curling Championship via the playoffs.

The result meant the Dutch could afford a 6-4 defeat to fifth placed Japan in the final match of the round robin.

Russia will take on The Netherlands for a guaranteed spot at the World Championships in the first playoff match, while the losers will face third-placed Finland for the final place.

The Finns did record a 7-4 victory over Russia earlier in the World Qualification Event.

The day's other match was between the bottom two sides, and Spain consigned Chinese Taipei to the wooden spoon by beating their opponents 9-6.

Norway clinched a top three finish in the women's tournament yesterday, and concluded their round robin by preserving their perfect record with a 10-4 victory after nine ends against Latvia.

They will face Denmark in the first playoff match.

The Danes were rampant as they vanquished Finland 12-4 and Hong Kong 20-2 to ensure they finished second.

Latvia placed third, and will face the losers of Norway against Denmark in their playoff match, having lost 10-4 to both sides in the round robin.

The day's other three matches were due to involve Czech Republic against Latvia and Brazil, but they withdrew before the start of the qualifier due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

Finland finished fourth, Hong Kong fifth and Brazil sixth.

The playoffs are due to be held tomorrow in Lohja, with the Women's World Championship in Prince George, Canada, scheduled for March 19 to 27 and the men's equivalent for April 2 to 10.