VANCOUVER - Canada's Kevin Martin didn't bring his best effort but still easily defeated the U.S. today for his eighth straight win at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Martin actually gave up a steal in the first end of his game against John Shuster and was curling at a mere 38 per cent rating after the first few ends
But Canada, which already wrapped up first place going into the semifinals, took the lead for good in the fourth before coasting to a 7-2 win.
Thomas Ulsrud of Norway moved to 6-2 and has guaranteed himself a playoff position by dumping France 9-2 and Switzerland's Markus Eggler is one step closer by beating Sweden 7-3.
The other game saw Germany edge China 7-6.
The semifinals are scheduled for Thursday.
