Sweden takes lead in men's Olympic curling

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- Sweden emerged from the opening day of the men's Olympic curling tournament Monday as the only team with a 2-0 record.

The Swedes defeated Switzerland 7-5 and then overcame Britain 8-4 to take the early lead in the 10-nation competition. The tournament consists of a complete nine-game round-robin phase, after which the top four teams will earn spots in the semifinals.

Six of the 10 teams played twice Monday and the competitive nature of the tournament was displayed by the fact that four of those teams -- Canada, Denmark, Britain and Switzerland -- split their two matches.

Russia was the only team to lose twice and the second of those setbacks was an 11-10 disappointment at the hands of Denmark that went an extra end.

China and Norway won their only matches of the day, China defeating Denmark 7-4 in the morning and Norway getting the best of the United States in the evening 7-4.

The Canadian men have won gold at the last two Olympics.