(by Jonathan Brazeau)
SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Curling legend Kevin Martin finished his career on a high note Sunday, defeating Brad Jacobs 4-3 in the Players’ Championship men’s final to capture one final Grand Slam of Curling title.
Martin led 4-1 after four ends thanks to a pair of deuces and Jacobs struggled to find the equalizer. He blanked two ends before settling for a single in the seventh but gave up the hammer to Martin coming home.
The 47-year-old Edmonton native announced his retirement Friday night on Sportsnet and will now join the Grand Slam of Curling as a broadcast analyst and official spokesperson.
Martin is a four-time Brier champion and earned the world title in 2008. He retires as the all-time Grand Slam wins leader with 18 titles, including a record eight Players’ championships. He represented Canada twice at the Olympics winning gold in the 2010 Vancouver Games and silver in the 2002 Salt Lake City Games.