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Sweden Dominates Early Curling Round Robin

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, February 11th 2026 at 3:55 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: ITALY, CANADA, SWITZERLAND, UNITED STATES, DENMARK, SWEDEN, JAPAN, CHINA

Milan/Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - February 11, 2026 - The men's curling competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics is already proving to be a thrilling showcase of skill, strategy, and precision. As the round robin stage progresses, Sweden has established itself as the team to beat, remaining undefeated after three matches. The competition, held in a dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere, is captivating audiences both in the arenas and watching remotely via live streaming on Peacock.

Current Standings and Early Analysis

As of today, February 11th, Sweden sits atop the leaderboard with a perfect 3-0 record, demonstrating dominant form. Canada and Switzerland are close behind, both with 2 wins and 1 loss, setting the stage for crucial matchups later in the week. The parity amongst these top teams is evident, and even slight miscalculations or perfectly executed shots are proving decisive. Norway, Scotland, China, Japan, and the United States all currently hold 1-2 records, making them contenders for the playoff spots, but they will need to string together consistent performances to climb the rankings. At the bottom of the table, Italy, Czech Republic, and Germany are yet to secure a win, facing an uphill battle to remain in contention.

Here's the updated standings table:

Upcoming Schedule - Key Matches to Watch

The schedule continues to be packed with exciting matches. Tomorrow, February 13th, will see a clash between Canada and Switzerland (9:05 a.m. Eastern), a match that promises high-level strategic play and intense competition. The following day, February 14th, Sweden will face Norway (9:05 a.m. Eastern) - a critical game for both teams, potentially solidifying Sweden's position or allowing Norway to regain momentum. On February 15th, the United States will take on China (9:05 a.m. Eastern), a matchup where both teams will be desperate for a win to improve their playoff chances.

Understanding the Nuances of Curling

For those new to the sport, curling is a captivating blend of chess and physical activity. Teams of four players alternate sliding polished granite stones across a sheet of ice toward a circular target, known as the "house". The objective is to accumulate points by having more stones closer to the center of the house ("the button") than the opposing team. Each team throws eight stones per end (round), and a full game typically consists of ten ends. Points are tallied at the end of each end, and the team with the most points after ten ends wins.

The Importance of the "Hammer"

A key strategic element of curling is the "hammer" - the last stone thrown in each end. Possessing the hammer is considered a significant advantage. It provides the team with the final opportunity to either score points or prevent their opponent from doing so. Teams will often strategically navigate the earlier stones in an end to either maintain or gain the hammer for subsequent ends. This adds a layer of complexity and tactical depth to the game.

Looking Ahead

The coming days will be crucial as teams battle for playoff positioning. The competition is fierce, and any team capable of consistent, accurate stone delivery and intelligent strategic decision-making has a chance to reach the podium. The atmosphere in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo is electric, and curling fans worldwide are eagerly anticipating the continued drama and excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics.