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Curling: Sweden wins women’s curling gold – AFP News : Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics

February 28, 2010 · admin · Jump to comments

Vancouver (AFP) – Defending Olympic women’s curling champions Sweden beat Canada 7-6 after a thrilling climax Friday, taking gold after forcing an extra end at the Vancouver Olympic Centre.

Earlier, China took their first curling medal with a crushing 12-6 victory over Switzerland in the bronze medal match.

Canada seemed set for gold after leading 6-4 going into the tenth end but Sweden held their nerve to win the two points necessary to take the match into an 11th.

Canadian skipper Cheryl Bernard was unable to make the last shot of the match count as Sweden celebrated.

In a tight match, Sweden led 4-2 after the fifth end but the host nation went into a 6-4 lead after the ninth, seemingly poised to win gold.

China’s world champions delivered the nation’s 10th medal of the Vancouver Olympics, one less so far than their total at Turin in 2006.

“I just waited all week for them to show up and they did today. They did everything we told them to do and more,” said China’s Canadian coach Dan Rafael.

“That’s why I’m emotional. It’s been two-and-a-half years, what can I say?

“They can do anything they want. They just aren’t consistent and, for whatever reason, they shut it on and off. It drives the coaches mad but with more experience and this kind of event, we’ll be okay.”

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