Another title for Watson

HEATHER WATSON has won a second major tournament in a row. A fortnight ago, the 15-year-old Guernsey tennis star took the honours at the ITF under-18s' Scottish Junior International Champion-ships.

Then at the weekend, in a draw of 64 players, she claimed the U16s' singles title at the prestigious Slazenger Winchester Tournament.

Last year's under-14 British champion did not drop a set on her way to the title.

'I felt confident throughout the rounds - my toughest match was in the final against Hanna Toro, who was very strong,' said Watson.

'I won the second set on a tiebreak 9-7. I was really focused and determined and was always confident of winning, even in the final.'

However, it did not all go her way in Winchester as before the under-16s' competition she was knocked out in the second round of the under-18s and lost out on vital world-ranking points.

The defeat came at the hands of Jennifer Rabot, 6-4, 6-0.

Watson had won her first-round match 6-0, 6-0 against Alexandra Zaniewski.

Olivia Smith, the player Watson had defeated in the final the previous week in Edinburgh, eventually won the under-18s.

Watson could not hide her disappointment.

'I just wasn't in the right frame of mind and I should have prepared better for my match against Jennifer - it was a horrible wet and windy, drizzly day, the balls were heavy and she is a very tall girl with a huge serve which I didn't cope with right through the match,' said the Sarnian.

'She handled the conditions much better than me. She is in her last year of 18s and I am in my first year of 16s, but I did have my chances and didn't take them. After losing in the 18s I was more determined to do well in the 16s.

'I would obviously have rather won the 18s but I have got to be pleased to win the 16s.

'To win two big tournaments in two weeks is incredible and makes me very happy.'

Over the last fortnight, Watson has played 13 highly competitive singles matches, winning 12 and losing just one.

Watson's mother Michelle was in Edinburgh and Winchester to support her daughter.

'I am so proud - Heather has gained a lot of valuable experience in the last two weeks, not least the ability to stay focused and cope with rain-interrupted play and bad weather,' she said.

'Heather has also proved she can compete with the U18 girls.'

This week Watson junior is in Cheltenham for the County Cup where she will be meeting up with the Channel Islands womens senior team and partnering fellow Sarnian Jo Robinson.

'It will be exciting to meet up with Jo again and play as a doubles team,' said Watson.

'We are a good team on grass and I hope all our team does well.'