The 24-year-old Leamington star swept aside GB team-mate Charlotte Burgess 110-96 in Beijing on Tuesday to reach the closing stages of the event, to be contested on Thursday.

Folkard, ranked eighth in the world, was never in danger against Burgess. She produced a consistent performance, leading by seven points after the first end, 12 after the second and ten with one to go.

She said: "It's never nice to beat your team-mate and friend. We were extremely disappointed after the team competition, but now I've got the biggest smile on my face and I'm ready to take each match as it comes on Thursday."

Earlier, Athens bronze medallist Alison Williamson – the third member of the GB tream that finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to France – was knocked out by American veteran Khatuna Lorig.

Burgess had beaten local favourite Guo Dan by 106-104 in the previous round, setting up an all-British second round after Folkard had swept aside Eygpt's Soha Abed Elaal 107-95.

The duo had just missed out on the bronze medal in the women's team event, alongside Williamson, losing 203-201 to France.