■ Curling
Norway overcomes Russia
Norway defeated Russia 10-2 in a tiebreaker in Paisley, Scotland on Friday to reach the playoffs at the World Women's Curling Championship. Sweden beat Denmark 8-1 to stay undefeated ahead of its playoff against the United States. Earlier Friday, Russia lost to host Scotland 10-4 when victory would have clinched fourth in the standings and a playoff against third-place Canada. That left it tied with Norway, forcing the tiebreaker. Norway started by stealing a double in the first end. Although Russia scored a single in the third, Norway tallied five in the fourth to take a decisive lead and Russia conceded after another three ends. Russia's fifth-place finish is its best ever result at the Worlds and secured a berth at next year's Olympics.
■ Gymnastics
Belu decides to coach
Octavian Belu announced Friday that he was ready to return as coach to Romania's gymnastics team, nearly two months after he resigned amid legal troubles and media criticism of his methods. Belu coached Romania from 1981, helping it to 272 medals -- including 104 golds -- at Olympic, world, European and other top competitions. At the gymnastics federation's annual meeting Friday, Belu told members and the media that he was ready to take back his position. "I feel the need to get involved in the situation of the Olympic team, which is not easy," he said. Federation officials said they were happy with Belu's return. Romanian gymnastics has been rocked by scandals and legal problems.
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