ALISON MERRIEN had a close look last night at her next opponent in the WBT women’s world Match Play singles at Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk – but, while she was impressed, she was not intimidated.

If Merrien (pictured) thought she would have to play her old rival and twice champion Carol Ashby in today’s semi-final, she had to think again – the former England ace, who now lives in Scotland, was outplayed by new kid on the block from Wales, Kerry Packwood.

Packwood, a slim 23-year-old, won the WIBC women’s world under-25 title at the Hougue du Pommier stadium in Guernsey in 2006, and regained the title in Portsmouth before Christmas – and she dominated from the start.

‘I knew what a good player Carol is, and I had nothing to lose,’ said Packwood, who beat her twin sister Kelly in those world junior semi-finals in Guernsey four years ago.

‘So I got my head down and found my best form. I only hope I can keep it up against Ali in the semi-final.’

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