News Canadian Open

MEDICINE HAT, Alta. — Edmonton’s Kevin Martin scored four points in the seventh end to secure an 8-6 victory Thursday night over Saskatoon’s Steve Laycock in Draw 5 action at the Canadian Open.

Martin improved to a 3-0 record in the round-robin portion of the second Grand Slam of Curling event.

Winnipeg’s Jeff Stoughton and Calgary’s Kevin Koe also improved to 3-0. Stoughton posted three-enders in the first and seventh ends during an 8-4 win over Winnipeg’s William Lyburn (0-3) and Koe scored a single in the extra end to win 6-5 versus Winnipeg’s Mike McEwen (1-2).

Switzerland’s Peter de Cruz (2-1) scored two in the seventh and stole one in the final end for an 8-5 victory over Brad Gushue (1-2) of St. John’s, N.L.

Rob Fowler (1-1) of Brandon, Man., stole one in the sixth and two in the seventh to swipe a 5-3 win from Edmonton’s Brendan Bottcher (0-3).

Round-robin play resumes Friday in the 18-team tournament. The top eight teams overall qualify for Saturday’s quarterfinals.