Merrien beats major rival

ALISON MERRIEN, seldom one to let down her supporters, kick-started her singles campaign in Melbourne this morning with a brilliant 7-3, 7-6 straight sets victory over one of her toughest rivals, Margaret Letham. A bye in the first round meant it was a long, long wait from the opening ceremony to the moment Merrien rolled her first bowl, but she powered her way to a deserved victory over the talented Scot who finished runner-up in the world outdoor singles in 2000.

But there was no way she was going to get the better of the Guernsey star who opened up a 6-1 lead in the first set and a 6-2 lead in the second, leaving Letham with too much to do.

Matt Le Ber has won one and lost one of his singles ties to date.