China's curlers celebrate after defeating South Korea 9-4 in the bronze medal contest at the World Women's Curling Championship in Uijeongbu, South Korea, March 23, 2025. /VCG

China defeated hosts South Korea 9-4 at the World Women's Curling Championship in Uijeongbu, South Korea, on Sunday, earning third place at the tournament and securing qualification for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy.

All four Chinese curlers reached the World Championship semifinals for the first time, before coming up short against Switzerland.

They rebounded in the bronze medal contest by sitting level with the tournament hosts, 2-2, after five ends. South Korea launched a series of sharp attacks in the sixth end to add two more points, but China immediately responded with two of its own in the following end to tie the contest for the third time.

The Chinese curlers relied on solid defense from the seventh end, and rejected all scoring attempts by the opposing rink. Meanwhile, China stole five points over the final three ends, sealing a huge win and their first trip to the medal stand at the World Championships in 14 years.

Switzerland and Canada will face off for the title later on Sunday.