Merrien jumps up world rankings to number four
AS A reward for her recent success in the World Champion of Champions singles in Australia, Guernsey's Alison Merrien has achieved a fantastic number four placing in the World Bowls Limited (WBL) ranking list.
AS A reward for her recent success in the World Champion of Champions singles in Australia, Guernsey's Alison Merrien has achieved a fantastic number four placing in the World Bowls Limited (WBL) ranking list. 'Not bad eh,' was her response to the news. 'I knew I was in for a bit of a leap from 15th or 16th, so yes it's pretty good,' she added.
Like all ranking lists, this one - a new departure for the WBL - is open to question, because the world's top players do not clash often enough to make a valid comparison.
The presence at the top of the pile of South Africa's Lorna Trigwell is a case in point.
Although she is undoubtedly a class player, she seems to have picked up points on the basis of being an ever-present in world events.
Fijian Litia Tikoisuva, who is second, is in a similar position, while, in third place, Siti Zalina Ahmad - though beaten twice by Merrien in Australia - is respected worldwide for winning the Commonwealth Games singles title twice.
However, the 28-year-old Malaysian presumably gained no points for that double achievement, because the Commonwealth tournament is, by definition, not open to every bowler in the world.
Players like Eastbourne's 'bowls babe' Carol Ashby are not on the list, because they play only indoors, while England's dynamic duo Amy Monkhouse and Ellen Falkner have yet to compete in the singles in any WBL events.
It is strange to see Ireland's legendary Margaret Johnston, who has won the world outdoor singles title four times, in twelfth place - but her major achievements were generally recorded too long ago.
But, whatever reservations the purists may harbour regarding the credibility of this latest list, it is hugely encouraging to see the Guernsey star so high up the world rankings.
Particularly as this list places her ahead of her rivals from such notable countries as England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as well as the antipod-eans, Australia and New Zealand.
Regardless of the workings of the rankings, the Guernsey woman feels she is among the best.
'I consider myself to be in the top 10.
'It's nice recognition to be in there. it gives you a boost.'
* WBL World rankings
1, Lorna Trigwell (RSA) 1070pts; 2, Litia Tikoisuva (Fiji) 670; 3, Sit Zalina Ahmad (Malaysia) 665; 4, Alison Merrien (Guernsey) 660; 5, Shirley Choy (Canada) 630; 6, Judy Nardella (Australia) 600; 7, Grace Chu (Hong Kong) 556; 8, Julie Saunders (England) 450; 9, Nor Iryani Azmi (Malaysia) 420; 10, Nor Hashimah Ismail (Malaysia) 420; 11, Ruthie Gilor (Israel) 380; 12, Margaret Johnston (Ireland) 350.
