Kevin Koe defeated Kevin Martin by a score of 9-4 in the final of the 2012 Canad Inns Prairie Classic. The rink from Calgary, Alberta received $18,000 in prize money for their victory at the Portage Curling Club in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba.
Koe scored three in the first and third ends to take a big early lead.
"The scoreboard is a little deceiving actually", stated Koe. "Kevin [Martin] just missed his last shot in both ends and all of a sudden we have shots for three".
If Martin makes his shots, Koe would have to settle for one point in those ends and we have a much closer game.
"[Martin's misses] was uncharacteristic for him for sure.", said Koe.
Koe beat Manitoba's Jeff Stoughton and the two-time defending champion Mike McEwen in the playoffs on their way to the final.
Runner-up Martin defeated Ontario's Glenn Howard and Newfoundland's Brad Gushue in the playoffs on his way to the final. Team Martin received $10,000 for their efforts.
"This was the toughest field of the year", exclaimed Koe. "This win gives us confidence for the upcoming Brooks and Slam events."
