Canada suffers stunning loss to South Korea in women's curling opener

There was drama in the women's curling event on Thursday in PyeongChang, as the top-ranked Canadian team skipped by Rachel Homan was stunned 8-6 in its opener by the host South Korea.

The defending world champion entered the tournament as the betting favorite but started off slow against the host country, falling behind 4-1 after the fifth end.

Homan's squad would level the match after the seventh end, but a single by the South Koreans would give them a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth. It was there that a crucial mistake by Homan would seal the victory for the home team. The veteran skip would miss her last rock of the end, sending the Canadian stones to the edge of the house, leading to a steal of three for the South Koreans.

The final end would be a formality only as the South Koreans ran the Canadians out of stones and walked away with the stunning win, much to the delight of a raucous home crowd.

The Canadians won't have much time to stew over their loss, as the team is back in action later on Thursday against Sweden.