Canada to seek third straight gold in men's Olympic curling

SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Canada gave itself a chance for a third straight men's Olympic curling gold medal Wednesday by downing China 10-6 in the semifinals.

After starting out 1-2 in group play, Canada will take an eight-match winning streak into the gold medal game on Friday against Britain.

The British team scored two points in the 10th end to defeat Sweden 6-5.

In the women's semifinals, Sweden and Canada set up an Olympic rematch.

The Swedes came from behind with two points in the ninth end and defeated Switzerland 7-5 while Canada jumped to a 3-0 lead before holding on for a 6-4 decision over Britain.

Sweden won its second straight women's gold medal at the Vancouver Games, defeating Canada in the championship duel. The Canadians have won a medal in all four of the women's Olympic curling tournaments, but their only gold came in 1998 at Nagano when the sport made its debut.

The women's gold medal game will take place Thursday. Britain and Switzerland will meet for the bronze.