THE Stavrou jinx continues for Guernsey’s world-class bowls star Alison Merrien, who lost her hold on the World Matchplay singles title at Potters Leisure resort in Hopton-on-Sea, near Lowestoft, yesterday.

And it was England skip Debbie Stavrou from Maidenhead, who defeated Merrien in the final in 2009 and 2010, who once again proved to be the Sarnian’s nemesis – this time in the semi-final.

‘I don’t believe in all that talk of a jinx,’ said Merrien, pictured, after Stavrou had prevailed in straight sets, 9-3, 9-8.

‘I just don’t see it that way – I simply did not play well enough on the day.’