DEFENDING champion Alison Merrien yesterday suffered her first defeat in the Women's World Cup for two years.
The Sarnian, who won the 2012 with a 100% record, was beaten by hometown hero and reigning world outdoor singles champion Karen Murphy at the Warilla Bowls Cup in Australia.
Merrien, pictured, who eliminated Murphy at the semi-final stage last year, started well and was 5-2 up after three ends of the first set.
However, from that point on the two-time champion managed to win just four of the remaining 15 ends as the Aussie star embarked on a scoring spree to claim the match 9-8, 13-3.
'It's only one match and there's plenty of bowls to be played before this event is over,' said Merrien.
