It's official: Merrien among the world's best

ALISON MERRIEN has been ranked number nine in the world in the first official rankings. World Bowls, the sport's global governing body, has initiated the player-ranking list ahead of next year's World Cup and the Guernseywoman found herself in ninth place.

Only last week, Merrien was crowned the British Indoor Singles champion in South Shields, a title that she previously won in 2002.

The 31-year-old Sarnian has also picked up two world mixed pairs championships, British Isles pairs championships, a silver at the 2003 European Champion-ships and two gold medals at the 2005 Shetland Island Games. At the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne last month, she finished in sixth place.

Ireland's Margaret Johnston heads the inaugural list while Steve Glasson of Australia is officially the best male bowler on the planet. Jersey's Allan Quemard is ranked 11.

Bowls Guernsey chief executive Garry Collins believes Merrien can get even better.

'Alison Merrien is a world-class player in my opinion,' he said.

'She is one of the great sporting persons within Guernsey. I consider her to be one of Bowls Guernsey's greatest assets.

'I know that her parents and friends, of which I am one, are very proud of her achievements to date, but she has at least another 30 years to achieve great things.'