Winter Olympics: Curling capsule outlook
By Chris Erskine
Los Angeles Times
Curling
Vancouver Olympic Centre
Men, Feb. 16-27
Best of the U.S.: John Shuster is the only returning member to the U.S. team, which won the bronze four years ago. The U.S. finished fifth at the world championships; most expect them to finish in the middle of the pack.
Best of the rest: Curling is a niche sport almost everywhere but Canada. But the Brits won the world championship last year and could unseat the defending champions.
Prediction: 1. Canada. 2. Britain. 3. Norway.
Women, Feb. 16-27
Best of the U.S.: Look for the women to also finish in the middle of the 10-team round-robin tournament.
Best of the rest: If the Canadians waver, the up-and-coming Chinese will be ready to pounce.
Prediction: 1. Canada. 2. China. 3. Sweden.