Canada's Einarson opens women's curling worlds with win over host Sweden

Canada's Kerri Einarson stole her way to victory to open the women's world curling championship.

Einarson defeated the host Swedes 9-4 in Sandviken on Saturday.

Trailing 4-3 heading into the ninth end, Canada stole two to take the lead. Einarson executed a tricky double takeout in the 10th to force Swedish skip Anna Hasselborg to draw against multiple Canadian stones.

Hasselborg was light to give up a steal of four and Canada secured the win.

WATCH | Einarson leads Canada past Sweden at women's worlds:

"It's really crucial. The fans were totally on their side, but I just went with it. I sang with the crowd in my head because it was very catchy," Einarson said. "We always want to start an event with a win and we're in good shape right now."

Both skips struggled with draw weight late in the game as the ice surface in Sandviken's Goransson Arena appeared to warm.

WATCH | Einarson talks worlds on CBC Sports' 'That Curling Show':

In the early going, Einarson took a 1-0 lead following the first end.

After a scoreless sixth, Hasselborg took a 4-2 edge in the seventh before Einarson cut the deficit to one.

Einarson, who edged Hasselborg for the bronze medal last year in Prince George, B.C., takes on the United States on Sunday in the 13-country tournament.