Carol Ashby has created history by becoming the first woman to beat a male player in a World Bowls Tour ranking event.

The 38-year-old from Eastbourne triumphed in a sudden death shoot-out against Australian Mark McMahon to reach the last 16 of the Engage Mutual International Open.

Ashby swooped with a killer wood two inches behind the jack to gain the verdict in a thrilling decider, winning the battle 3-8 9-6 2-1.

The twice women's world indoor singles champion was today playing Welshman Robert Weale for a place in the quarter-finals.

Ashby, the controversial glamour girl of the green, sported a tattoo of a lizard on her ankle and treated herself to some retail therapy buying a furry waistcoat in preparation for her big match against McMahon.

She said: "From a female bowler's point of view it's my biggest victory, there's a bit of striking a blow for girl power."

Asked whether she could go all the way and capture the title, Ashby added: "There will be no easy rides in my next games but if I bowl like I did today I've got as good a chance as anyone."

Of her match against Weale today, she said: "I hope I don't play like a plonker as it will be in front of the television cameras.

"But I feel I am in good form and will do myself justice, although I will be nervous.

"It feels fantastic to be the first woman to beat a man but there should not be any difference between men and women when it comes to playing bowls and I have proved it.

"It was not an empty victory because my opponent played well. It was a good match.

"Mark used to get the better of me when we practised at Denton a few years ago when he lived in Brighton.

"But I have had plenty of experience since then.

"He was a real gentleman about it. There is not an ounce of chauvinism in his body.

"Generally most of the male competitors are very good. They are friendly and encouraging although some of them don't relish playing against a woman because they don't want to lose."

She added: "It should not be about anything to do with being either a sex symbol, what you wear or a woman beating a man. It should be about player versus player.

"Bowls is a sport everyone can compete in.

"I think Michelle Wie is trying to show that in golf."

Ashby, a business development manager for Posturite, who deal in ergonomic office equipment, added: "Robert is ranked three above Mark in the world rankings but I will be ready."