The home player went down 7-5 to the rink skipped by Scotland's World Championship bronze medallist Ross Paterson, as the tournament began in Yorkton.

Five men's matches were held on the opening day at Gallagher Centre.

Canada's Sochi 2014 Olympic champion Brad Jacobs enjoyed a fine start, seeing off the team headed by 57-year-old veteran Glenn Howard.

Jacobs, who ended 2019 by winning back-to-back titles in the men's elite series, saw off the four-time world champion 7-5.

"We were excited to come here to Yorkton to play, especially after a month off," Jacobs said. 

"It was nice to get that refresher and recharge over the holidays and get some work in, some good practice.

"It's a big first win for us, Howard is always a tough opponent."

Brad Gushue, who won Olympic gold at Turin 2006 and the world title in 2017, also opened with victory, defeating fellow Canadian Jason Gunnlaugson's team 6-2.

In another all-Canadian duel, John Epping's rink beat Kirk Muyres 5-4.

There was also victory for Switzerland's Yannick Schwaller, 6-2 over Canada's Mike McEwen.

Action continues tomorrow with the women's competition also starting.

The Canadian Open uses a triple knockout format instead of curling's normal round-robin.

The event runs until January 19.