Merrien crashes

DEFENDING champion Ali Merrien has bowed out of the British Championships in Durham at the first hurdle.

For the second time this year, Merrien was seen off by rising young English star Rebecca Field, this time 21-13.

At Potters Leisure Resort at the end of January, Field, 23, edged out the Sarnian on a tiebreak, but this time around the Norfolk player was a more comfortable winner.

Merrien, pictured, bounced back well, however, and yesterday in partnership with Carol Ingrouille, beat the Irish pair of Helen Wilson and Liz Bruce 24-15 to reach the women's pairs final.