Watson takes solace in consolation victories

HEATHER WATSON has taken some solace in the consolation competition after being dumped out in the opening round of the Junior Orange Bowl. The 14-year-old Guernsey star has won her first three matches in the consolation to go some way to alleviating the pain of her loss to Latvia's Alina Jermonina in the first stage of the main event.

Her initial victory at the Biltmore Tennis Center in Florida came against Germany's Kim Berghaus, whom she defeated 6-4, 6-2.

Watson, who had gone into the Florida tournament seeded number 12 in the main draw, then faced the number 11 seed Emi Mutaguchi, another top player who had suffered an early exit from the prestigious competition.

The Sarnian came through that encounter in the deciding set after the Japanese player had fought back from going a set down.

Watson enjoyed a more comfortable victory in the third round as Maria-Cecilia Pimentel was defeated 6-2, 6-2.

She now faces Kerrie Cartwright today with the winner's reward being a meeting with number six seed Katarena Paliivets.