Merrien taken down by world champion

GUERNSEY's Alison Merrien enters day two of the Women's World Championships in Belfast today with a 50% record after winning her first match but losing her second. In her opening game she defeated England's Theresa Darnell-Langton 6-5, 6-3 taking command 3-1 down after three ends of the first set to score a maximum count of four shots followed by a double to edge the set.

In the second Merrien scored four of the first five ends to retain the initiative and record an important win.

However last evening she was defeated in straight sets by defending champion Margaret Letham of Scotland 7-3, 8-1.

After a first set in which the outcome was always in doubt the Scot took control and collected maximum points.

'It was a tough start against two of the best players in the competition so though I was disappointed to lose to Margaret it is not the end of the world,' said Merrien.

'It just means I can't afford many slip-ups in my remaining games. I know I will have to step up a gear but hopefully I am more than capable of doing just that.'

In the men's singles, Guernsey's Nicky Donaldson edged his first contest with England's Graham Shadwell 6-3, 4-7, 2-1 after a match tiebreaker before seeing off the challenge of Bob Sellors from the Isle of Man by 11-4, 4-6, 2-1.

Earlier Merrien and Donaldson eased through to this evening's quarter finals of the World Invitation Mixed Pairs with a straight sets 12-6, 11-6 win over the Isle of Man's Mary Alderson and Bob Sellars. They now face Ireland's Audrey Doggart and Stephen Millaine.