By DAVE KOLPACK

Associated Press Writer

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) The high expectations of the Canadian men's curling team could be seen in the tears streaming down Marcel Rocque's face.

This time, he said, they were tears of relief.

The favored Canadians ended a yearlong wait for retribution by beating the 2002 Olympic gold medalists from Norway 10-5 in the finals Sunday of the World Curling Championships.

Skip Randy Ferbey's team from Edmonton, Alberta, finished fourth in the tournament a year ago.

"This is emotional," Rocque said. "Especially after losing last year. That was so disappointing."

The title was the 27th for a Canadian team since the tournament began in 1959. With more registered curlers than any other country, Canada is expected to contend every year.

"There is a lot of pressure," said second Scott Pfeifer, who was nearly perfect with his throws in the championship. "A lot of people don't realize the quality of the teams here. But we did it."

It was the second world title for Ferbey, who won as a third in 1989. He said his team peaked at the right time after struggling early in the week.

"I owe it all to the three guys who played with me for the past few years," Ferbey said. "They prepare properly, they are true professionals, I just love playing with them."

David Nedohin is the other member of the team. He throws fourth.

The Canadians never trailed after taking a 5-3 lead with two points in the fifth end. Ferbey's team stole a point in the sixth end and coasted to victory.

"I don't think they (Norway) made many mistakes," Ferbey said. "Today we were the better team."

Paal Trulsen, the Norway skip who led his team to a surprise gold medal at the Salt Lake City Olympics, could not pull off another upset.

"They just played better than us," Trulsen said. "I'm a little disappointed right now, but I feel good about what we've done this year."

Scotland defeated the United States 6-5 for third place earlier Sunday.

Scottish captain Warwick Smith scored the winning point on the last throw. It came after teammate Norman Brown cleared out two American stones.

U.S. skip Paul Pustovar from Hibbing, Minn., said the tournament was a learning experience for his team.

"We haven't been together that long," Pustovar said. "I think we're going to be that much better in the future."

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