Watson's step up

GUERNSEY'S Heather Watson has made another significant breakthrough in Florida. The 12-year-old former Ladies' College pupil was in devastating form to win her first USTA-sanctioned tournament of 2005 - an under-16 event in the Longwood Series.

Watson, based at the world famous Bollettieri Academy, was fearful of playing against much older girls going into the tournament. She need not have worried.

In the final four rounds she dropped only three games and in the process defeated the first, third and fourth seeds.

Remarkably, she won the final against Manuela Marin, 6-0, 6-0.

'I am always more nervous when I am playing opponents older than me, so that I always feel I have to try harder,' she said.

'But this tournament all went my way, I am surprised.

Her father, Ian, said that 'playing substantially above her age group' was now likely to be the norm.

them all the time.'

The Watsons are also counting down the days to Heather's Easter holiday in Guernsey. She can't wait to see all her friends again.

Her parents cannot wait for 19 March either.

'Heather has settled very well at the academy and I am delighted about that, but her dad and I miss her dreadfully at home,' said the player's mother, Michelle.

The move to Florida has worked out so well that the Watsons have committed to Heather spending a second year at Bollettieri.

'We plan for it to be long term and hope she can continue making good progress in such a competitive environment,' added Mrs Watson.