Howard holds off Martin

THE CANADIAN PRESS

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. -- Glenn Howard scored three points in the first end and held on to beat rival Kevin Martin 6-5 and win the Pomeroy Inn & Suites National curling tournament Sunday.

It was Howard's second Capital One Grand Slam of Curling title of the season. Howard also won the World Cup of Curling in November.

Howard, from Coldwater, Ont., has now won 10 Grand Slam titles, putting him alone in second on the all-time list. He improved to 3-2 in Grand Slam finals against Martin.

"I'm just ecstatic," Howard said.

"It's the best-of-the-best at these Grand Slams and to win one here is unbelievable," he added. "I couldn't be happier and to beat Kevin Martin is just icing on the cake."

Edmonton's Martin has a commanding lead in overall Grand Slam titles, but he missed a chance to get his 18th win and tie golfing legend Jack Nicklaus for the most major championships in any sport.

After Howard opened up a three point lead, Martin came back with one in the second end to cut the gap to 3-1.

Howard restored his three-point cushion, scoring one in the third end.

Martin replied with two in the fourth to make it a one-point contest.

The two skips traded single points over the next four ends. Martin had the hammer in the eighth and final end but could only manage one point.

Along with the trophy, Howard takes home $25,000 in prize money.