News Canadian Open

MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Calgary’s Kevin Koe remains undefeated in the Grand Slam of Curling’s Canadian Open following a 7-1 rout in five ends Friday over Rob Fowler of Brandon, Man.

Koe improved to 4-0 and has secured a playoff spot with one round-robin game in hand.

It was all Koe right out of the gate scoring four in the opening end. After Fowler (1-2) settled for his single in the second, Koe took two in the third and stole one in the fifth leading to early handshakes to end the Draw 6 match.

Glenn Howard of Penetanguishene improved to a 3-1 record with his third consecutive victory defeating Rob Rumfeldt of Guelph 5-2 in an all-Ontario match. (2-1). Howard won his 13th career Grand Slam title as skip at the Masters two weeks ago as he eyes the $1-million bonus if his team can sweep all four events this season.

Edmonton’s Brendan Bottcher (1-3) earned his first win in the Grand Slam of Curling series edging John Morris of Vernon, B.C., 4-3 in the extra end. Morris, who joined Jim Cotter’s club this season throwing third and calling the game, dropped to a 1-2 record.

Reigning world champion Niklas Edin (1-2) scored a three-ender in the seventh and defeated Oskar Eriksson 7-3 in a battle of Swedish squads. Eriksson (1-3) is the alternate for Edin’s team at major international events.

Saskatoon’s Steve Laycock (1-3) earned his first win of the round-robin thanks to a four-ender in the seventh during a 7-1 victory over Winnipeg’s William Lyburn (0-4).