Sochi Games: Canada, Britain move to gold-medal match in men’s curling

SOCHI, Russia — Canada maintained its grip on the men’s Olympic curling title by beating China 10-6 in the semifinals on Wednesday, setting up a gold-medal game against Britain.

The British defeated Sweden 6-5, sealing victory with a two-point last rock. Britain now is assured of its first medal in men’s curling since the sport returned to the Olympic program in 1998.

China finally fulfilled its rich potential by reaching the playoffs but was put in its place by Brad Jacobs’ rink, which is looking to secure curling-mad Canada’s third straight gold.

Tied at 4-4 after six ends, a tight game was split open by a mistake by China skip Liu Rui in the seventh that let in Jacobs for three points. The final will be played Friday.

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