Merrien left teetering after win and loss

BIDDING for the World Champion of Champions title she lifted so memorably in 2007, Alison Merrien took one step forward and one step backwards in Kowloon yesterday.

A cracking 11-2, 15-3 win over China's Xiao Yan Yu filled the Guernsey star with confidence as she took on one of her biggest rivals, British Isles champion Caroline Brown, from Scotland.

Taking the first set 11-5 against the 31-year-old Scot, Merrien played one shot that hurt Brown hard and had everyone talking.

Brown had drawn three shots close to the jack, tempting Merrien into playing one of her trademark drives and although this time she was slightly off target, she achieved a dream result.