Merkel survives challenger's onslaught to win election TV debate

By Paul Carrel and Michael NienaberBERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared to hold her ground in a television debate ahead of German elections, under attack from her Social Democrat (SPD) rival on refugee policy, ties with Turkey and her handling of U.S. President Donald Trump.Merkel was some 14 points ahead of Martin Schulz in opinion polls before the debate.A survey by Infratest Dimap for ARD television showed her overall performance was viewed as more convincing by 55 percent, co