The Scottish rink, skipped by Ross Whyte, followed up their triumph over defending champions and hosts Canada last night by overcoming New Zealand 6-2 at the Queen’s Place Emera Centre in the city in Nova Scotia. 

The result saw Scotland claim their fifth straight victory and moved them further clear at the top of the round-robin standings.

Canada, who beat Scotland in last year's final, bounced back from their loss to Whyte's team by thrashing Italy 10-3.

The reigning champions are locked in a five-way tie for second place, joining Norway, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States on a record of three wins and two defeats.

"It’s big for us to come back after a game like that against Scotland," Canadian skip Tyler Tardi said.

"Last night we played a really great team and had some problems, but we got them fixed up today and came out with the win there. 

"I hope we can keep it up."

In the women's competition, Switzerland are the only team with a 100 per cent record after the first five matches as they dfeated Russia.

Switzerland earned a narrow 7-6 triumph to edge clear of Russia, who had won their opening three games before taking on the Swiss, in the battle for top spot.

South Korea joined Russia on a three wins and a loss with a 9-6 success against the United States.

China are also in the mix as they picked up their third victory by dispatching Japan 9-3.

Teams who finish in the top four on each of the men's and women's standings will secure a place in the semi-finals.