Merrien aims for quarter-final spot
IAN MERRIEN, who had made such a desperate start to his singles campaign in the Atlantic bowls championships in Johannesburg, losing 21-1 in his opening match, looked delighted after chalking up two excellent victories.
IAN MERRIEN, who had made such a desperate start to his singles campaign in the Atlantic bowls championships in Johannesburg, losing 21-1 in his opening match, looked delighted after chalking up two excellent victories.
Starting with a 21-12 win over John Woodcock from Cyprus, Merrien (pictured) was particularly pleased with his 21-10 victory over Irish hope Barry Browne, which pushed him into third place in his section.
'When I looked at the draw, I thought I might struggle against Scotland, Wales and Ireland,' said Merrien. 'But I've beaten two out of the three, and, if I keep my head, I should qualify for the quarter-finals.'
Merrien, who toppled the world-ranked Welshman Jason Greenslade 21-19 on Sunday, must not count his chickens, but he should beat his next two opponents from Cyprus and Portugal.
And, if he does, he will have already made the cut when he meets the tricky Brazilian, Patrick Knight, in his last group game.
