Beere too strong for an off-colour Merrien

Friday 15th July 2011, 2:29PM BST.

Alison Merrien, left, lost in the opening round of her De Putron Singles defence to another former champion Lucy Beere, right. (Picture by Tom Tardif, 1013019)

ALISON MERRIEN lost her De Putron Ladies Singles crown on Saturday when, still recovering from her recent illness, she was unable to keep pace with her closest rival Lucy Beere.

The match had great significance for both players, not only in the island but in international circles as the title holder will get an invitation to the World Champion of Champions to be played in Cyprus in 2012.

Merrien, who is currently number two in the World Bowls Limited rankings, and Beere, herself rated at No. 20, were unfortunate enough to be drawn to play each other in the opening round.