Defending Olympic champions Sweden beat Canada 7-6 in a thrilling climax to the Olympic women's curling competition on Friday, taking gold after forcing an extra end when staring defeat in the face.

Canada were on the verge of the title after taking a two-point lead into the tenth end but Sweden stayed cool to draw level before sealing the match and silencing a capacity crowd at the Vancouver Olympic Centre.

In a tight match, Sweden led 4-2 after the fifth end but the host nation then edged ahead, going into the tenth with a 6-4 lead in front of a stadium packed with home fans.

But Canadian skipper Cheryl Bernard was unable to make the last shot of the match count, sparking celebrations in the Swedish camp, as King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia looked on.

Canada, supported by Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, romped through their qualifying group, with eight wins out of nine, before beating Switzerland in the semi-final.

Sweden had seven wins and beat China in their last-four clash.

Their skip Anette Norberg said she was proud of her team, who she described as sisters.

"It was an extraordinary game," she said, adding that winning back-to-back Olympic gold was a long-held dream.

"That was the goal four years ago. We had a great week but we weren't happy just being in the final. Winning gold again is absolutely unbelievable.

"The team are my best friends. All of them are like my sisters."

Earlier, China took their first Olympic Games curling medal with a crushing 12-6 victory over Switzerland in the women's bronze medal match.

China's world champions delivered the nation's 10th medal of the Vancouver Olympics, one less so far than their total at Turin in 2006.

"I just waited all week for them to show up and they did today. They did everything we told them to do and more," said China's Canadian coach Dan Rafael.

"That's why I'm emotional. It's been two-and-a-half years, what can I say?

"They can do anything they want. They just aren't consistent and, for whatever reason, they shut it on and off. It drives the coaches mad but with more experience and this kind of event, we'll be okay."

AFP