Watson raises game

HEATHER WATSON has stormed into the quarter-finals of the Ariel Junior Nationals at Bournemouth. Last year's 14-and-under national champion made the last eight of the 2007 under-18 championship with a stunning 6-2, 6-0 win over Samantha Vickers.

The Guernsey girl, who has a further three years in the age-group, has so far dropped just eight games in two matches.

Vickers, who like Watson will be a contender in next week's under-16 nationals, is the number eight ranked under-18 in the UK, with an official rating of 2.1. Watson is currently 3.1.

A day earlier, the Sarnian had beaten the number three seed.

'My first win was over Tara Moore and I go to school with her at Nick Bollettieri's. I've never beaten her before,' Watson said.

'That was my first time, which was good, and she's in the top 100 in the ITF. And today against Samantha Vickers I won 6-2, 6-0.

'I'm playing really well. I've not beaten either of those two before and I have now.

'I was confident and it's always good to be confident and being positive. I was really happy to win.'

Watson's quarter-final is against Amy Sargeant, who won a tight three-set encounter with number eight seed Hannah James yesterday.

'I just need to keep my focus. I have got a tough match tomorrow,' said the Sarnian.

'I'm just going to give it my all.'

As usual, Watson's mother, Michelle, is with her offering support.

'She had to play well in both games. We were just pleased that she qualified - everything else is a bonus,' Michelle said.

'The pressure is always on the other girls to beat her.

'She's now through to the last eight and she's now playing another player that she's never played before.

'She's got to go in with the same attitude - I'm not expecting to win and they are the ones under pressure.'