News Canadian Open

BRANDON, Man. — Regina’s Glen Despins edged Dave Boehmer, of Petersfield, Man., 8-7 to win the 2003 Canadian Open championship at the Keystone Centre.

It’s the first Grand Slam of Curling title for Despins, who earned $30,000. Boehmer collected $18,000.

Despins qualified for the playoffs from the C Event and upset past Grand Slam winners Wayne Middaugh of Midland, Ont., 7-4 and Edmonton’s Kevin Martin 12-5 to reach the final.

Boehmer, who went undefeated at 3-0 through the A Event, doubled up on Edmonton’s Kevin Park 6-3 and downed Winnipeg’s Kerry Burtnyk 10-4.

Martin topped Burtnyk 7-4 in the third-place match.