U.S. Men Upset Switzerland, 6-2

The U.S. men’s curling team beat defending gold medalist Switzerland, 6-2, Thursday to stay in contention in the Olympic tournament.

The United States (2-3) would probably have to win its remaining four matches to qualify for one of the four spots in the medal round starting Wednesday.

The Americans jumped to a 4-0 lead after five ends--or innings.

“This game everyone played well. That’s what it is going to take--consistency,” lead John Gordon said.

In other games, Sweden defeated Canada, 6-5; Germany beat Denmark, 7-6, and Finland beat France, 6-5.

Canada and Germany are tied for first at 4-1. The United States is seventh.

The American women lost two games Thursday to fall to 2-3.

They lost, 9-4, to Denmark, then 7-6 to Switzerland.

“We have four games left and we need to win them all,” U.S. skip Kari Erickson said. “There will be a little pack of us chasing the last two spots. We need to step it up, stick to our game plan and make the other teams throw the hard shots.”

In other women’s games, Sweden beat Norway, 10-3; Canada beat Britain, 9-4, and Russia upset Denmark, 7-5.

Earlier, Norway beat Germany, 10-5; Britain defeated Russia, 8-5, and Switzerland edged Japan, 8-7.

Canada and Switzerland lead the standings at 5-0. The U.S. is seventh.

Associated Press