Jordan Mercer emulates famous father Darren to win Nutri-Grain ironwoman series

Jordan Mercer has claimed a maiden Nutri-Grain series crown to emulate her famous father Darren in becoming a series champion.

Jordy Mercer and Shannon Eckstein hold their trophies aloft after winning the Nutri-grain iron woman and Ironman series titles at Cronulla Beach ,Cronulla .Picture Gregg Porteous

JORDAN Mercer has claimed a maiden Nutri-Grain series crown to emulate her famous father Darren in becoming a series champion.

Mercer won the round six eliminator final to take the title from Noosa clubmate Kirsty Higgison by 11 points.

The pair were locked in the lead heading into the final round at North Cronulla today after Higgison won yesterday’s round five race to tie up the series.

But when Higgison was knocked out in the second race of the eliminator format, Mercer was handed the title.

“It doesn’t always work out so perfectly but today it has for me,’’ Mercer said after winning the eliminator final to write a fairytale ending to her season.

Mercer’s father and coach, Darren, was a multiple ironman series and Australian titles winner from the 1980s and 1990s.

Jordan Mercer on the board leg during the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman event at Cronulla Beach ,Cronulla .Picture Gregg Porteous

Higgison was far from disappointed with finishing second in her rookie season.

“I could not be happier,’’ she said.

“To come away with three wins this season is unbelievable, I could not be happier.’’

While the women’s series came down to the wire, Shannon Eckstein sealed a record ninth title with a win in round five yesterday and underlined his dominance with victory in today’s eliminator final.

Eckstein won five of the six races in the series, with his only stumble a second placing in round three at Newcastle.