Merrien’s number two spot is rubber-stamped

Thursday 8th May 2008, 2:29PM BST.

The top two female bowlers in the world, Guernsey’s Ali Merrien, left, and New Zealander Val Smith. (Picture by Cara Loach, 0565412)

ALISON MERRIEN has been confirmed as the world’s second best female bowler.

Her victory in the recent WBL indoor World Cup at Warilla earned her 600 ranking points and has lifted her above Malaysian Siti Zalina Ahmed and South African Lorna Tringwell into second spot, 180 behind the world’s top player.

That is New Zealander Val Smith, whom Merrien defeated in Warilla. The Guernseywoman was not surprised to learn of her elevation. ‘They had worked it out before we left [Australia], but it’s still nice to be bumped up a couple of places.’