Erzurum is hosting the Pre-Olympic Qualification Event ©Getty Images

World Curling's first-ever Pre-Olympic Qualification Event begins tomorrow in Erzurum, with mixed doubles first on the agenda.

Three mixed doubles places at the main Olympic qualifier are on offer at the tournament in Turkey.

Men's and women's competitions are also due to take place, with three men's berths and two women's spots at the main Olympic qualifier up for grabs.

Sixteen mixed doubles teams have entered and will be split into two groups of five and one containing six pairs.

The top team in each group will go straight to a qualification final, while second and third-placed finishers face a playoff to reach one of the three qualification finals.

Domestic curling test events have been staged in China in advance of Beijing 2022 ©Getty Images
Domestic curling test events have been staged in China in advance of Beijing 2022 ©Getty Images

The three qualification finals will then be a straight shootout for a place at the Beijing 2022 qualifier proper.

The mixed doubles tournament is due to conclude on October 8.

Slovakia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania and Portugal are in Group A.

Brazil, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Slovenia and hosts Turkey make up Group B, while Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Mexico and Chinese Taipei are in Group C.