Below is the list of tables from the database along with their columns and datatype. Need to generate an accurate SQL query for the question.
Only use the columns present in the respective table. Only use the columns which are required to generate the SQL query. Only use table joins if required and not otherwise.

### Tables ###
TABLE: CREATE TABLE table_19630743_2 ( no VARCHAR, runner_s__up VARCHAR )

### Question ###
What is the total number of John Merrick as a runner up?

### Accurate SQL ###

SELECT COUNT(no) FROM table_19630743_2 WHERE runner_s__up = "John Merrick"