Katherine Rednall makes her World Matchplay Singles debut tomorrow knowing she has nothing to lose.

The Stowmarket High School pupil, 18, faces the experienced Eleanor Gass in round one at Potters Resort, Norfolk, having become the youngest-ever player to qualify for the event.

Rednall actually makes her Potters bow today in the Mixed Pairs World Matchplay, partnering Andy Thomson in the Mixed Doubles against Alex Marshall.

However, it is her participation in the singles event that has captured the imagination the most with bookies slashing Rednall’s odds to win the title from 14-1 to 5-1.

At such a young age, lesser players would let such hype affect them but the level-headed Baylham youngster is taking it all in her stride.

“I’m really excited to be playing at Potters,” said Rednall, whose dad John is a long-serving England international.

“I looked at the betting for the tournament and I know that a lot of people have put money on me, which is nice to know, so much so that I think I am fourth favourite now.

“I don’t really feel any pressure though and I have nothing to compare it against as it is my first time at Potters. I will just go there and enjoy the experience.”

Should she progress against Gass, Rednall will play either eight-time world champion Alison Merrien or Australia’s Karen Murphy in the semi-final.

Defending champion Rebecca Field, Victoria Bilson, Julie Forrest and Janice Gower are on the other side of the draw and Rednall knows she faces some tough competition if she is to go all the way.

“The winner of our game plays Karren (Murphy) or Alison (Merrien), which will be really tough, but I am only concentrating on my first round game for now,” said Rednall.

“Eleanor’s (Gass) husband Ronnie used to play bowls with my dad so we know her well and I am looking forward to it.”

Rednall, who was selected for the England senior team last September, will be well supported at Potters with her family and friends in attendance.

“I have got lots of people coming from Ipswich to watch me, while there are quite a few players from Diss Bowls Club, where my dad plays, coming too,” she said.

“I have also got my friend Jordan, who I play bowls with, travelling up from Wiltshire, but until I get there I don’t know how many people exactly will be behind me.”

Meanwhile, Stowmarket’s Mark Royal went out at the first round stage of the men’s open singles event.

Royal lost to Gary R. Smith on a tie-break in the third set, 2-0, having fought back to level at one set apiece.

He lost the first set 8-3, but won the second 6-5 last night.