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.
Related posts:
- Kevin Martin Back on Track to Open BDO Classic Canadian Open
- Martin and Howard to Meet in Second Straight BDO Classic Canadian Open Final
- Howard and Martin Secure Top Seeds Heading into BDO Classic Canadian Open Quarterfinals
- Martin, Howard, Ulsrud and Middaugh Through to the Quarterfinals at the BDO Classic Canadian Open
- Martin, Howard and Ulsrud Pull Away at BDO Classic Canadian Open
Tags: BDO Classic Canadian Open, capital one grand slam of curling, kevin martin