Chemmy Alcott's bid to build on her superb 11th place in the women's downhill came to a disappointing end after the slalom section of the combined event in Sestriere.

Alcott originally earned a placing of 29th before discovering she had been disqualified due to a minor infringement relating to the size of her skis.

Alcott's Fischer skis measured 59.8mm around the bindings with the minimum required under FIS regulations being 60mm.

British ski coach Christian Schwaiger, who blamed a factory error, said: "Chemmy is disappointed but her performance wasn't great anyway and these things can happen."

Alcott is still set to race in next week's super-g and said before learning of her disqualification that she was enjoying her second Olympic experience.

Alcott said: "It's been great and I have received a lot of messages on my website. I was very excited about the slalom but it was a tough day of waiting around."

The downhill part of the combined had earlier been postponed due to high winds swirling around the Sestriere course and was re-scheduled for Saturday.

David Murdoch's curlers moved within one match of a medal play-off by hammering Sweden 8-2 in emphatic fashion in Pinerolo.

Murdoch played a superb draw to grab a three-point advantage in the third end, putting his side 7-2 in front and effectively ending the contest early.British brother and sister ice dancers Sinead and John Kerr were ranked 11th following the compulsory dance at the Palavela in Turin.