Katherine Rednall began her title defence with a quarter-final victory ©Getty Images

Defending champion Katherine Rednall progressed to the women’s singles semi-finals at the World Indoor Bowls Championships in Norfolk.

The English player is seeking to secure a third consecutive title at the Potters Resort.

Rednall made a strong start to the competition as she overcame Scotland’s Melanie Darroch 9-9, 11-2 in the quarter-finals.

She will now face the challenge of Julie Forrest after the Scottish player triumphed 10-3, 10-2 against Wales’ Kerry Packwood.

Guernsey’s Alison Merrien also progressed to the semi-finals.

Merrien beat New Zealand’s Helen Carman 10-5, 21-4.

She will face the winner England’s Ellen Falkner, who beat Janice Gower.

Falkner is a three-time winner of the competition, with her last triumph coming back in 2016.

Singles, pairs and under-25 competitions are being held over the course of the 17-day event.

Competition is due to conclude on January 27.