Merrien falls to old nemesis

ALISON MERRIEN'S women's singles title defence at the Fred Olsen Cruise Lines World Indoor Bowls Championship is over.

The 2011 champion lost 9-3, 9-8 in a hard-fought semi-final against England's Debbie Stavrou this morning at Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk.

Merrien trailed virtually throughout the first set, but the second was much closer with the players level at eight shots apiece going into the final end, which the Sarnian needed to win to force the tiebreak.

However, Stavrou, who has beaten Merrien in all their meetings at Potters, came up with the single to wrap up a 2-0 victory.

• Full report in Thursday's Press