Murphy Exits In Semis

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday October 1, 2008

Joel Ritchie

KAREN Murphy's NSW Open women's singles campaign ended with a loss to 19-year-old Sam Shannahan in the semi-final at Taren Point.

Murphy, Australia's No 1 ranked woman bowler, lost in straight sets to the Victorian, who went on to win the event.

Shannahan showed no sign of nerves as she won a tug-of-war with the three-time Commonwealth Games representative.

The Geelong West bowler secured two shots on the opening end, before adding a single to her tally shortly after.

Murphy was able to counter with four shots of her own, but Shannahan continually applied pressure to her more credentialled opponent and grabbed the ascendancy thanks to some strong draw play.

With scores locked at 6-6 going into the final end of the first set, Shannahan drew to within a couple of inches, taking an early lead which she wouldn't give back.

During the opening stages of the second set, Shannahan looked headed for a runaway victory before Murphy fought back.

Down 6-0 on four ends, the Shellharbour resident drew level, but Shannahan refused to be rattled.

With a berth in the final up for grabs, she secured a single on the eighth end, and while Murphy was able to draw one on the last, it wasn't enough for her to progress.

© 2008 Illawarra Mercury

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