Olympic Medallists Kevin Martin and Cheryl Bernard Headline Grey Power Players’ Championship Field

March 5th, 2010

DAWSON CREEK, B.C., March 5, 2010 – Canada’s Olympic heroes will take to the ice in Dawson Creek! The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling announced today that 2010 Olympic gold medallist Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.) and 2010 Olympic silver medallist Cheryl Bernard (Calgary, Alta.) will compete in the season ending Grey Power Players’ Championship. The final 2009-10 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event, the Grey Power Players’ Championship is scheduled to take place at the EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, B.C. from April 13-18, 2010.

“The Grey Power Players’ Championship is one of my favourite events because it brings the year’s top teams together,” said Martin, a five-time Players’ Champion. “In this tournament, there will be no easy games. The depth of the field will be world class and it should produce some exciting match-ups and moments for the fans.”

“We’re looking forward to returning to British Columbia to compete in the Grey Power Players’ Championship,” said Bernard. “This year has been an unbelievable one for our team and we’d like nothing better than to cap it off in style by taking home one of the toughest trophies to win in our sport.”

The world’s top 13 men’s and women’s teams on this season’s Capital One Order of Merit rankings as of March 15, 2010 will automatically qualify to compete in the Grey Power Players’ Championship. The final three invitations for the men’s and women’s tournaments will be extended to curling’s gold, silver and bronze medallists from the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

During the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, Martin reached the top of the podium while Thomas Ulsrud (Olso, Norway) and Ralph Stoekli (Ittigen, Switzerland) captured the silver and bronze medals respectively.

In the women’s Olympic tournament, Annette Norberg (Saltsjö Boo, Sweden) successfully defended her gold medal with Bernard earning the silver medal and Bingyu Wang (Harbin, China) taking home the bronze.

Among the additional teams expected to qualify for the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship include World Champions Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.), Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, Man.), David Murdoch (Lockerbie, Scotland), Kelly Scott (Kelowna, B.C.), Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.) Kerry Burtnyk (Winnipeg, Man.) and Wayne Middaugh, (Midland, Ont.) as well as 2006 Olympic gold medallist Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.) and 2006 Olympic bronze medallist Shannon Kleibrink (Calgary, Alta.).

Individual tickets and ticket packages for the Grey Power Players’ Championship are available by visiting www.dawsonco-optickets.com or phoning 1-877-339-TIXX (8499). Seats are also available through the Tiger Box Office Plus and Dawson Co-op High Performance Ticket outlet.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

As part of its exclusive agreement, CBC will air live playoff coverage of the first three men’s 2009-10 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events. CBC will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals of the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship.

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Oshawa to host World’s Best Curlers for Canadian Open

February 16th, 2010

The world’s best curlers are coming to Oshawa! The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling, the World Curling Tour and iSport Media and Management announced today that Oshawa, Ont. has been awarded the hosting rights to the 2011 Canadian Open. The third leg of the men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series, the Canadian Open is scheduled to take place at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, Ont. from January 26-30, 2011.

Early bird ticket packages will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 19th at 10:00 a.m. Tickets will be available at the General Motors Centre Box Office, by phone at 1-877-436-8811, online at www.generalmotorscentre.com, or at the United Way Information Kiosk at the Oshawa Centre. Early bird ticket packages are priced at $100.00 for a Weekend Package and $160.00 for a Five-Day Package.

“We’re elated to be returning the world’s best curlers to the GTA,” said Wendy Kane, Executive Director, Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series.  “This season’s Grey Power World Cup of Curling in Mississauga was a tremendous success and we’re looking forward to carrying that momentum into Oshawa for the Canadian Open.”

An elite 18-team event consisting of the world’s top ranked curling foursomes, the field for the Canadian Open is expected to include a wealth of Olympic and World Championship medallists including Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.), David Murdoch (Lockerbie, Scotland), Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.), Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.), Thomas Ulsrud (Oslo, Norway), Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.), Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.) and Kerry Burtnyk (Winnipeg, Man.).

The event features a total purse of $100,000 (CDN).

“The management and staff of the General Motors Centre are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the 2011 Canadian Open and bring this truly remarkable world class international event to Oshawa and the Durham Region,” stated Global Spectrum’s Vince Vella, General Manager of the General Motors Centre. “As the General Motors Centre’s first curling event, the 2011 Canadian Open will be a great test for our facility. I am confident that we will exceed everyone’s expectations and demonstrate that our staff and facility can accommodate events of the highest caliber. We also look forward to working with members of our local curling clubs who have been a guiding force during the bid process.”

The Canadian Open will mark the second consecutive season that the Greater Toronto Area has played host to a Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event. In 2009-10, the Grey Power World Cup of Curling was contested at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

“What great news for Oshawa, the General Motors Centre and our downtown,” said Mayor John Gray. “Our city is absolutely thrilled to host the Canadian Open, and we welcome the world’s best curlers, and their dedicated fans. Our city and the General Motors Centre are uniquely positioned to provide a first-class event. Prepare to be amazed as Oshawa proudly shows itself off as a world-class venue and community,”

The 2011 Canadian Open will mark the 10th edition of the event.  Martin, Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, won this season’s tournament which was contested at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. in January.

The 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series will begin with the Grey Power World Cup of Curling, taking place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont. from November 3-7, 2010.  The series will continue with The National, scheduled from December 15-19, 2010 at the Wesbilt Centre in Vernon, B.C. before moving to Oshawa for the Canadian Open. The 2010-2011 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series concludes with the Grey Power Players’ Championship, a joint men’s and women’s event, scheduled for April 12-17, 2011 at the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, Alta.

As part of its exclusive agreement, CBC will air live playoff coverage of the first three men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.  CBC will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals of the 2011 Grey Power Players’ Championship.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

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World’s Best Curlers to Rock Windsor for Grey Power World Cup of Curling

February 9th, 2010

The world’s best curlers are coming to Windsor! The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling, the World Curling Tour, iSport Media and Management, and the City of Windsor announced today that Windsor, Ont. has been awarded the hosting rights to the 2010 Grey Power World Cup of Curling. The opening leg of the men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series, the Grey Power World Cup of Curling is scheduled to take place at the WFCU Centre in Windsor, Ont. from November 3-7, 2010.

Advanced ticket packages for the Grey Power World Cup of Curling will go on sale to the public on Friday, February 12 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are available online at www.wfcu-centre.com, by phone at 1-866-969-WFCU, or in person at the WFCU Centre TekSavvy.com Box Office.

“We’re thrilled to award Windsor the hosting rights to the 2010 Grey Power World Cup of Curling,” said Wendy Kane, Executive Director for the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series.  “The WFCU Centre is a first class facility and we’re looking forward to showcasing the world’s top curlers to the city in November.”

An elite 18-team event consisting of the world’s top ranked curling foursomes, the field for the Grey Power World Cup of Curling is expected to include a wealth of Olympic and World Championship medallists including Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.), David Murdoch (Lockerbie, Scotland), Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.), Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.), Thomas Ulsrud (Oslo, Norway), Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.), Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.) and Kerry Burtnyk (Winnipeg, Man.).

The event features a total purse of $100,000 (CDN).

The Grey Power World Cup of Curling will mark the first time the City of Windsor has played host to a Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event.

“Windsor is fast becoming recognized as the city of choice to hold large-scale, national and international events, and we are pleased that our city has been awarded the hosting rights for the prestigious 2010 Grey Power World Cup of Curling,” said Mayor Eddie Francis.  “Windsor and our world-class facility, the WFCU Centre, will share the spotlight as curling fans tune in to watch the world’s top ranked curling teams this November.”

The 2010 Grey Power World Cup of Curling will mark the 10th edition of the event, which was originally known as the Masters of Curling from 2001-02 to 2008-09.  Howard, who won a gold medal for Canada at the 2007 World Championships, has won the event in each of the past four years including this season’s tournament which was contested at the Hershey Centre in Mississauga, Ont.

Following the Grey Power World Cup of Curling, the 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series will continue with The National, scheduled from December 15-19, 2010 at the Wesbilt Centre in Vernon, B.C.  The dates and location of the series’ third leg, the BDO Classic Canadian Open has yet to be announced.  The 2010-2011 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series concludes with the Grey Power Players’ Championship, a joint men’s and women’s event, scheduled for April 12-17, 2011 at the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, Alta.

As part of its exclusive agreement, CBC will air live playoff coverage of the first three men’s 2010-11 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.  CBC will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals of the 2011 Grey Power Players’ Championship.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

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Individual Tickets for the Grey Power® Players’ Championship on Sale February 8

February 5th, 2010

DAWSON CREEK, B.C., February 5, 2010 – Capital One Grand Slam of Curling and Global Spectrum Facility Management operators of the EnCana Events Centre announced today that individual tickets for the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship will go on sale to the general public on Monday, February 8 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

The season’s final Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event, the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship is scheduled to take place at the EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, B.C. from April 13-18. The event will feature a separate men’s and women’s draw consisting of the world’s top 13 ranked teams from the 2009-10 season as well as curling’s gold, silver and bronze medallists from the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Individual tickets and ticket packages for the Grey Power Players’ Championship are available by visiting www.dawsonco-optickets.com or phoning 1-877-339-TIXX (8499). Seats are also available through the Tiger Box Office Plus and Dawson Co-op High Performance Ticket outlet.

Potential competitors for the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship include Canadian 2010 Olympic representatives Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.) and Cheryl Bernard (Calgary, Alta.) along with World and Olympic Champions Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, Man.), Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.), Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.), David Murdoch (Lockerbie, Scotland), Bingyu Wang (Harbin, China), Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.), Anette Norberg (Saltsjö Boo, Sweden), Kelly Scott (Kelowna, B.C.), Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.), Wayne Middaugh (Midland, Ont.) and Kerry Burtnyk (Winnipeg, Man.).

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series. As part of its exclusive agreement, CBC will air live playoff coverage of the first three men’s 2009-10 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events. CBC will also broadcast the men’s and women’s finals of the 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship.

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Glenn Howard Seizes Lead in Capital One Cup Standings

January 25th, 2010

After reaching the finals of last weekend’s BDO Classic Canadian Open in Winnipeg, Man., Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) has soared to the top of the men’s 2009-10 Capital One Cup standings.

Howard’s runner-up finish to Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.) at the BDO Classic Canadian Open gave the defending Capital One Cup champion nine additional points, for a total of 16.  Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.) currently sits in second place with 14 points while Martin and Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.), The Swiss Chalet National champion, are tied for third place with 13 points each.

Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, Man.), who captured the inaugural 2008-09 Capital One Cup, continues to lead the women’s standings with 21 points. Kelly Scott (Kelowna, B.C.) is in second place with 14 points.  Canadian 2010 Olympic representative Cheryl Bernard (Calgary, Alta.), Amber Holland (Regina, Sask.) and Cathy King (Edmonton, Alta.) are all currently tied for third place with 10 points a piece.

The Capital One Cup is a points-based competition that awards each curling team a point value based on their performance during selected Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.  Following the conclusion of the curling season, a purse totalling $170,000 (CDN) will be awarded to the top three men’s and women’s teams which record the highest cumulative results during the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.

The 2010 Grey Power Players’ Championship represents the final opportunity for teams to earn Capital One Cup points.  The season’s final Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event is scheduled from April 13-18 at the EnCana Events Centre in Dawson Creek, B.C.

In 2009-10, women will receive Capital One Cup points at the Trail Appliances Autumn Gold Curling Classic, the Manitoba Lotteries Women’s Curling Classic and the Grey Power Players’ Championship. Men will receive Capital One Cup points based on their results in The Swiss Chalet National, the BDO Classic Canadian Open and the Grey Power Players’ Championship.

Following the conclusion of the season ending Players’ Championship, the top men’s and women’s teams in the Capital One Cup standings will each receive $50,000 (CDN).  The second and third place men’s and women’s squads will each receive $25,000 (CDN) and $10,000 (CDN) respectively.

The following is an overview of the current leaders in the men’s and women’s Capital One Cup standings.

Men

Team Hometown The Swiss Chalet National BDO Classic Canadian Open (January 20-24) Grey Power Players’ Championship (April 13-18) Total Points
Glenn Howard Coldwater, Ont.

7

9

-

16
Randy Ferbey Edmonton, Alta.

9

5

-

14
Kevin Martin Edmonton, Alta.

1

12

-

13
Brad Gushue St. John’s, Nfld.

12

1

-

13
Wayne Middaugh Etobicoke, Ont.

5

7

-

12
Mike McEwen Winnipeg, Man.

5

5

-

10
Jeff Stoughton Winnipeg, Man.

5

5

-

10
Kevin Koe Edmonton, Alta.

7

2

-

9
Bob Ursel Kelowna, B.C.

3

5

-

8
Thomas Ulsrud Oslo, Norway

-

7

-

7


Women

Team Hometown Trail Appliances Curling Classic ManitobaLotteries Women’s Curling Classic Grey Power Players’ Championship (April 13-18) Total Points
Jennifer Jones Winnipeg, Man.

12

9

-

21
Kelly Scott Kelowna, B.C.

2

12

-

14
Cheryl Bernard Calgary, Alta.

5

5

-

10
Amber Holland Regina, Sask.

5

5

-

10
Cathy King Edmonton, Alta.

7

3

-

10
Kerri Flett Winnipeg, Man.

7

2

-

9
Bingyu Wang Harbin, China

9

-

-

9
Barb Spencer Winnipeg, Man.

3

5

-

8
Krista McCarville Thunder Bay, Ont.

-

7

-

7
Heather Nedohin Edmonton, Alta.

-

7

-

7
Mirjam Ott Davos, Switzerland

3

4

7

The following is an overview of the point system for the Capital One Cup.  Following the first four selected Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events, the point values are doubled for the Grey Power Players’ Championship.

Tournament Result First Four Selected Events Grey Power Players’ Championship
First Place 12 points 24 points
Second Place 9 points 18 points
Third Place 7 points 14 points
Fifth Place 5 points 10 points
Non-Playoff Teams 1 point per preliminary round win 2 points per preliminary round win

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Kevin Martin Captures Fifth Career BDO Classic Canadian Open Title

January 24th, 2010

Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, captured his record 14th career Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event title this afternoon after defeating defending champion Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) 6-4 in the finals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. The five-day event concluded with a total attendance of 43,392.

Today’s final against Howard was Team Martin’s last competitive game before travelling to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver.

“You can’t ask for better (Olympic) preparation than this, with the ice being almost perfect and probably a lot like it will be in Vancouver,” said Martin.  “I know (Team Norway) would feel the same way.  It was great for them to be here and play on those kinds of conditions and just to get ready. And you can’t find better competition than the Grand Slam either.  So the timing is perfect.”

The victory was Martin’s fifth career BDO Classic Canadian Open championship following titles during the 2002-03, 2004-05, 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.

With the win, Martin improved to 14-6 in career Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event finals while Howard dropped to 8-4.  The victory snapped a two year Slam title drought for Martin who was winless in his previous eight Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.

“It’s nice to get (another Slam).  It’s been a while,” added Martin, who concluded the event with a perfect 8-0 mark.  “Everybody is so tough in these events and to win one is huge and you just have to get back on the track. Once you start to not win them, it’s tough to get back on that winning track.”

Martin seized control of the game early, scoring two points in the first end on an open hit and adding another two points with a tap back in the third frame to race out to a 4-1 advantage.

With Martin ahead 5-2 through six ends, Howard closed the gap in the seventh frame after executing a double takeout for two points.

Holding the hammer in the eighth and final end, Martin secured the victory after Howard failed to draw around a guard and carve his rock inside the four-foot with his final stone.

“That wasn’t a great game by any stretch,” said Howard, who finished the tournament at 7-1.  “I don’t think either team played very well.  (Kevin’s team) is getting better which is good to see.”

In 2008-09, Howard defeated Martin 8-4 at the MTS Centre to capture his first career BDO Classic Canadian Open title.

Despite the loss, Howard’s second place finish propelled his team into the overall lead in the Capital One Cup standings with 16 points.  Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.) is currently in second place with 14 points while Martin and Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld.) are tied for third place with 13 points each.

The Capital One Cup is a points-based competition that rewards the top three men’s and women’s teams which record the highest cumulative results during the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.

In 2008-09, Howard’s foursome captured the inaugural Capital One Cup, earning a $50,000 (CDN) bonus.

As tournament champions, Martin’s team won $25,000 (CDN) and earned 40.000 Canadian Team Ranking System (CTRS) points. By finishing second, Howard’s squad took home $17,500 (CDN) along with 27.000 CTRS points.

The BDO Classic Canadian Open was also site of the Capital One Million Dollar Button national final.

Alma Laidlaw, 63, of Guelph, Ont. won $1,000 (CDN) in the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest today after her rock failed to land in the rings.

As the contest’s national finalist, Laidlaw had just one opportunity to cover the button for $1 million (CDN).

The final of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest aired live on CBC Television during the game’s fourth end break.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

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Guelph’s Alma Laidlaw Wins $1,000 in Capital One Million Dollar Button Contest

January 24th, 2010

Alma Laidlaw, 63, of Guelph, Ont. won $1,000 in the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest today at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man. after her rock failed to reach the rings.

“It was a lot harder not having a practice shot,” said Laidlaw following her throw. “It was hard to know what weight to throw but the whole experience has been a fabulous opportunity.”

As the national finalist of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest, Laidlaw had just one opportunity to cover the button for $1 million (CDN).

Laidlaw’s $1 million attempt aired live on CBC Television during the fourth end break of the BDO Classic Canadian Open championship game between Kevin Martin and Glenn Howard.

Laidlaw advanced to the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest yesterday after emerging from a pool of six semi-finalists when her rock landed 63.5 inches / 161.3 centimetres from the button – the closest of all the competitors.

During the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button contest, Laidlaw had an opportunity to win $100,000 (CDN) if the rock touched any part of the button.  Alternatively, $25,000 (CDN) would have been awarded if the rock touched the four-foot circle.  A prize of $10,000 (CDN) would have been awarded if the stone touched the eight-foot circle while a rock that touched the 12-foot circle was worth $5,000 (CDN). A throw that did not land on any of the rings was worth $1,000. Full contest details are available at www.capitalone.ca/button.

Last year, Ron Trottier of Osoyoos, B.C. came within 35 inches / 89 centimetres of winning $1 million after his shot slid just past the button. Trottier’s shot was good enough to earn him $10,000 (CDN) as the inaugural finalist of the Capital One Million Dollar Button.

The Capital One Million Dollar Button is Canada’s first ever million dollar curling contest.

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Martin and Howard to Meet in Second Straight BDO Classic Canadian Open Final

January 23rd, 2010

Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, and defending champion Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) will meet in the finals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open tomorrow afternoon for the second straight season after each team posted convincing victories this evening in the semi-finals of the season’s third Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man.

Martin qualified for the final after defeating Thomas Ulsrud (Olso, Norway), Norway’s 2010 Olympic representative, 6-3 while Howard overpowered Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.) 7-2 in the other semi-final.

With the victories, both teams advance to the championship game with identical 7-0 records.

On Sunday, the two squads will meet for the first time since the finals of the 2009 Canadian Olympic Trials.

“We’ve played Glenn so much but I know the last time we played was in the (Canadian Olympic) Trials final,” said Martin.  “He’ll be after us hard tomorrow.”

The final of the BDO Classic Canadian Open will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. EST and will be shown live on CBC Television and CBCSports.ca. During the fourth end break of the championship game, Alma Laidlaw, 63, of Guelph Ont. will compete in the finals of theCapital One Million Dollar Button where she’ll have the chance to throw a rock to the button for $1 million (CDN).

Martin, the all-time leader in Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event titles, will be aiming to win his 14th career title on Sunday.  A victory tomorrow by Howard would move him into second place on the all-time list with nine career Slam championships.

In the evening’s featured semi-final between the 2010 Olympic qualifiers, Martin jumped on Ulsrud early, executing an open draw for two points in the opening end.  Tied at 2-2 in the fourth, the 2008 World Championship gold medallist extended his lead with an open draw for three points, and a commanding 5-2 advantage.

Ulsrud, competing in his second career Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event semi-final, was aiming to become the first European team to reach a Slam final.

In the second semi-final, Howard seized control of the game early, scoring two points in the first and adding a steal of one in the second end to jump out to a 3-0 lead.

Leading 3-1 in the fourth, Howard locked up his spot in the final after executing an open draw for three points.

With the victory, Howard has now qualified for the final in seven of the past nine Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events.  During that span, the 2007 World Championship gold medallist has won five Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event titles, including this season’s Grey Power World Cup of Curling.

In 2008-09, Howard defeated Martin 8-4 at the MTS Centre to capture his first career BDO Classic Canadian Open title.

“Any win against Kevin and you’re pretty happy,” said Howard, reflecting on last year’s BDO Classic Canadian Open final.  “Not too many teams beat him.  We usually play pretty solid against him and hopefully it will be a good one tomorrow.”

In the afternoon’s quarterfinal draw, Howard defeated Bob Ursel (Kelowna, B.C.) 7-3 while Martin outdistanced Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, Man.) 9-5.

In other quarterfinal action, Middaugh scored a single point in the eighth end to defeat Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.) 6-5.

Ulsrud earned a spot in the tournament’s final four after scoring two points in the final end to edge Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.) 6-5. The victory by Ulsrud marked just the third time a European team has qualified for the semi-finals of a Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event.

The BDO Classic Canadian Open features a $100,000 (CDN) purse.  The tournament’s champion will earn $25,000 (CDN).

Throughout the BDO Classic Canadian Open, members of the media can access live scoring, schedule and statistical information of each draw by visiting the official Capital One Grand Slam of Curling website at www.grandslamofcurling.com.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

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BDO Classic Canadian Open Draw Results – Quarterfinals

January 23rd, 2010

WINNIPEG, January 23, 2010 – The following is an overview of the results from the quarterfinals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open, the third leg of the men’s 2009-10 Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series.

The BDO Classic Canadian Open is scheduled to take place from January 20-24, 2010 at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man.

During the course of the event, members of the media can access live scoring, tournament news, schedule and statistical information by visiting the official Capital One Grand Slam of Curling website at www.grandslamofcurling.com.

Members of the media wishing to arrange a phone interview with any of the participating athletes during the tournament are asked to contact Eric Michalko, Marketing & Communications Director at (416) 669-2401 or eric@wendykane.com.
Saturday, January 23

2:00 p.m. CT

Record

 Team Hometown

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

E

 Total
(5-1) *Thomas Ulsrud Oslo, Norway

3

0

0

1

0

0

0

2

6
(3-3) Randy Ferbey Edmonton, Alta.

0

2

2

0

1

0

0

0

5

*Denotes hammer in the first end

Next Game
Ulsrud – Semi-final, Saturday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. CT vs. Kevin Martin (6-0)

Ferbey – Eliminated from the tournament

Record Team Hometown

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

E

 Total
(6-0) *Kevin Martin Edmonton, Alta.

2

0

2

0

0

2

0

3

9
(3-3) Mike McEwen Winnipeg, Man.

0

2

0

0

1

0

2

0

5

*Denotes hammer in the first end

Next Game
Martin – Semi-final, Saturday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. CT vs. Thomas Ulsrud (5-1)

McEwen – Eliminated from the tournament

Record Team Hometown

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

E

 Total
(6-0) *Glenn Howard Coldwater, Ont.

2

0

1

1

1

1

1

X

7
(3-3) Bob Ursel Kelowna, B.C.

0

3

0

 0

0

0

0

X

3

*Denotes hammer in the first end

Next Game
Howard – Semi-final, Saturday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. CT vs. Wayne Middaugh (5-1)

Ursel – Eliminated from the tournament

Record Team Hometown

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

E

 Total
(5-1) *Wayne Middaugh Etobicoke, Ont.

0

0

2

0

0

3

0

1

6
(3-3) Jeff Stoughton Winnipeg, Man,.

1

0

0

2

0

0

2

0

5

*Denotes hammer in the first end

Next Game
Middaugh – Semi-final, Saturday, January 23 at 6:00 p.m. CT vs. Glenn Howard (6-0)

Stoughton – Eliminated from the tournament
The finals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open is scheduled for Sunday, January 24 at 12:00 p.m. CT. An overview of the tournament’s complete draw schedule can be found by visiting www.grandslamofcurling.com

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Howard and Martin Secure Top Seeds Heading into BDO Classic Canadian Open Quarterfinals

January 23rd, 2010

Defending champion Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) and Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.), Canada’s 2010 Olympic representative, will enter the quarterfinals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open as the top two seeds respectively after completing round robin play with perfect 5-0 records during the season’s third Capital One Grand Slam of Curling series event, taking place at the MTS Centre in Winnipeg, Man.

Howard kept his perfect record intact this evening with a dramatic 5-4 come from behind victory over Pat Simmons (Davidson, Sask.).  Trailing 4-3 after seven ends, Howard stole consecutive points in the eighth and extra ends to pull out the victory.

Howard, the defending Capital One Cup champion, qualified for the quarterfinals earlier in the day after squeezing past John Shuster (Duluth, Minnesota), the United States’ 2010 Olympic representative, 4-3.

Martin put the finishing touches on his fifth straight victory this evening with a convincing 7-3 decision over Brad Gushue (St. John’s, Nfld). This afternoon, Martin qualified for the playoff round after edging Bob Ursel (Kelowna, B.C.) 6-4.

Thomas Ulsrud (Oslo, Norway) and Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.) secured the third and fourth playoff seeds respectively after finishing the preliminary round at 4-1.

Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.), Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.), Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, Man.) and Bob Ursel (Kelowna, B.C.) were the final four teams to qualify for the quarterfinals after concluding round robin play at 3-2.

CBC Television will air live coverage of the tournament’s quarterfinals on Saturday, January 23 at 3:00 p.m. EST.  The event’s semi-finals are set for later that evening at 7:00 p.m. EST and will air on CBC’s digital channel, bold. CBC Sports will also provide live broadband coverage of all playoff draws, exclusively at www.CBCSports.ca.

Saturday’s quarterfinal match-ups for the BDO Classic Canadian Open are as follows.  Note: Number in bracket denotes playoff seed.

BDO Classic Canadian Open – Quarterfinal Schedule

(1) Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) vs. (8) Bob Ursel (Kelowna, B.C.)
(4) Wayne Middaugh (Etobicoke, Ont.) vs. (5) Jeff Stoughton (Winnipeg, Man.)
(3) Thomas Ulsrud (Oslo, Norway) vs. (6) Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.)
(2) Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.) vs. (7) Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, Man.)

The finals of the BDO Classic Canadian Open will take place on Sunday, January 24 at 1:00 p.m. EST and will be shown live on CBC Television. As part of the festivities surrounding the tournament, the BDO Classic Canadian Open will once again host the finals of the Capital One Million Dollar Button, a national contest where one lucky Canadian will win the chance to throw a rock to the button for $1 million (CDN), live on CBC Television during Sunday’s championship game.

The BDO Classic Canadian Open features a $100,000 (CDN) purse.  The tournament’s champion will earn $22,500 (CDN) plus an additional $500 for each round robin victory.

Throughout the BDO Classic Canadian Open, members of the media can access live scoring, schedule and statistical information of each draw by visiting the official Capital One Grand Slam of Curling website at www.grandslamofcurling.com.

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling features the world’s best players in one series.

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