Canada's John Morris and Rachel Homan successfully defended their crowns as Canad Inns Mixed Doubles Curling Classic Champions in Portage la Prairie.

They defeated China's Rui Wang and De Xin Ba 8-3 in seven ends to capture the championship for the second year in-a-row. "It feels great to win it again," says Morris. "We grinded through the 'C' event, and we weren't at are utmost confident there on Saturday and Sunday. But the ice was great Monday, and we really started to play well as a team and it was just a treat to be part of again."

Portage Canad Inns General Manager Trent Ward awarding Rachel Homan and John Morris with their prize money and trophy.

Homan and Morris took the long road to the final, earning their spot in the playoffs Sunday night in the 'C' qualifier. "I'm really proud to be able to take on the best in the world," admits Morris. "Russia won the World Championships last year, so to be able to beat them in the semi final and then take on a strong Chinese team in the final here feels good. It's nice to keep the gold medal here in Canada."

World Champions Anastasia Bryzgalova and Alexander Krushelnitsky took out Olympic Gold Medallist Jennifer Jones and her Partner Brent Laing to take the bronze. Their coach was thrilled at the opportunity to be a part of the Classic.

Anastasia Bryzgalova and Alexander Krushelnitsky receiving their 3rd place prize

"This competition was great. There were a lot of good teams playing here, and we're happy we took part in the competition. Even more happy when we got a bronze medal from the composition. We played a lot of great games against great teams."

Morris has always enjoyed his time in Portage la Prairie with the Men's Classic, and is excited to see Canad Inns stepping up and getting mixed doubles out there as well.

"Portage has been great to us. We've had such a great experience here -- not only at the Men's events -- but also now the mixed doubles. I'm really happy that Portage has really stepped up and are starting to hold these mixed doubles events because the fact that they're able to host this and provide a field for us Canadians to play the best in the world at really ups our game."

Rui Wang and De Xin Ba of China took home second place.

Up next is the Canad Inns Men's Classic October 14th to 17th. The Women's Classic follows from the 21st to the 24th. Check out pictures from the event below.