Alberta’s Kevin Martin falls to Quebec at Canadian men’s curling championship

EDMONTON – Alberta’s Kevin Martin lost his second game in a row to open the Tim Hortons Brier.

Quebec’s Jean-Michel Menard doubled the host team 8-4 in the morning draw. Martin’s Edmonton foursome is one of the favourites at the Canadian men’s curling championship, but fell in an extra end to Manitoba in their first game of the tournament.

Quebec joins Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador, Northern Ontario’s Brad Jacobs, Manitoba’s Jeff Stoughton and Ontario’s Glenn Howard all at 2-0.

Saskatchewan’s Brock Virtue and Jamie Koe of the Territories are tied at 1-1.

Alberta, New Brunswick’s James Grattan, Nova Scotia’s Paul Flemming, B.C.’s Andrew Bilesky and Prince Edward Island’s Eddie MacKenzie are winless with two draws remaining in the day.

Northern Ontario downed B.C. 9-3, Ontario defeated Saskatchewan 7-5 and Manitoba beat Nova Scotia 9-4 in the morning draw.