MURPHY OUT AS BID FOR NO.7 ENDS IN THRILLER

KAREN Murphy’s bid for a seventh Australian Indoor title at Tweed Heads ended in a thriller yesterday when trumped by Canadian Kelly McKerihan.

With little between the pair throughout the match, McKerihen prevailed 9-7, 5-6, 3-2.

McKerihen, a 31-year-old Toronto-born bowler, is showing that Canada’s firepower comprises more than just Ryan Bester, who has been the country’s outstanding flag-bearer in bowls over recent years.

A bronze medal in last year’s world championships singles in Christchurch – won by Murphy – stamped McKerihen’s credentials.

In other matches yesterday at the indoor title at Tweed Heads, evergreen Australian campaigner Lynsey Clarke bowed out in a tie breaker to Sara Rodger.

Clarke looked in imposing form first-up with a convincing win over Lisa Buchanan but could not repeat the dose.

Defending champion Natasha Scott made a surprise departure on the opening day.

Picture: AIDAN DAVIS Jeremy Henry at the Indoor Bowls Titles. Karen Murphy (below left) and Ellen Ryan were also in action.