ALISON MERRIEN has achieved her first objective by qualifying for the knockout stage of the World Outdoor Champion of Champions singles in Kowloon, where she booked her place in the frame with two fine wins yesterday.

Completing her group programme with straight sets victories over Japan’s Nanami Yoshimoto and Macau’s Pian Lai, Merrien looked relieved last night as she prepared herself for what she called a ‘local derby play-off’ against Jersey’s Karina Bisson.

‘I knew what the greens would be like before I came, and I set myself the objective of getting into the last six,’ said the 37-year-old Sarnian.

‘I must admit there were times when I wondered if it would happen, but I’m delighted to have made it so far.’

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