Men's curling at Beijing 2022 Olympics Day 6 round-up: Sweden close in on medal matches with sixth consecutive win

Sweden tightened its iron grip on the top of the men’s curling round-robin standings after posting a 7-5 victory over ROC to move 6-0 on Monday (14 February).

A one-point steal in the fifth end, followed by a sublime takeout shot in the seventh by skip Niklas Edin meant that, going into the eighth, the Swedes had a commanding 6-3 lead.

A two-point score in the ninth end by ROC, however, closed the score-line deficit to just one putting pressure on the final end.

With the advantage of the hammer, the so-far unflappable Edin stayed true to task and delivered the one-point blow Sweden needed to take the win and maintain their perfect record at Beijing 2022.

Tomorrow, they face familiar European rivals Great Britain in an hotly anticipated match-up. The two will meet in tomorrow’s evening session.

Sochi 2014 champions Canada, meanwhile, strengthened their position ahead of the medal matches following a 7-3 victory over Italy in nine ends.

The Canadians, skipped by Brad Gushue, flexed the same form that saw them dismiss the defending champions United States just yesterday.

The last time Gushue met his Italian counterpart Joel Retornaz was at Turin 2006 where the hosts produced an almighty round-robin upset to defeat the eventual gold medallists.

16 years later, there were no signs that such an upset would be repeated.

The first blow came at the opening when Team Canada stole the first end.

After then posting a score of two to move 4-2 at the close of the fourth end, the Canadians never relinquished the lead. A decisive ninth end score of three by Gushue, with the hammer, sealed Italy’s fate.

Sitting 1-5 overall Italy join Denmark in being officially eliminated from playoff contention.

A 6-5 victory over Switzerland with the