Predictions

Men: Canada is the traditional power, but Switzerland upset the Canadians in the gold-medal game at Nagano, and Sweden won the world title last year. Peter Lindholm, winner of two world championships, skips the Swedish team, and Canadian skip Greg McAulay led his rink to the world title in 2000. The veteran Somerville curlers, representing the U.S., figure to be in contention for a medal.

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Women: Again, Canada is the power, as defending Olympic champion and world champion the last two years. Four-time world champion Elisabeth Gustafson skips the dangerous Swedish team, and skip Dordi Norby of Norway has won 77 times in world competition. Kari Erickson’s team could earn new respect for the U.S. by making the medal round.

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Mike Kupper