SOCHI, Russia, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Sweden built a 4-1 lead and then held on for a crucial 5-4 victory over Switzerland Thursday in the men's Olympic curling tournament.
Two-time defending champion Canada, meanwhile, survived with a 7-6 decision over Denmark that prevented the Canadian curling powerhouse from falling below .500 in the round-robin tournament.
China has an unexpected lead in the tournament with a 4-0 record and the Chinese had the day off Thursday. Sweden and Britain are both at 4-1 with the British having defeated the United States 5-3.
Only the top four countries advance to the medal round after the nine-game, round-robin tournament and Canada finds itself in danger of missing out on a chance for another gold.
Even with their win Thursday, the Canadians are still outside a semifinal position. Norway is alone in fourth at 3-1, having suffered its first loss of the tournament to Sweden. Canada is alone in fifth at 3-2.
Russia won its first match of the tournament with a 7-6 decision over Switzerland. Russia, Switzerland and the United States all have just one victory.
