Watson's deal of all deals bettered

IT WAS already the deal of all deals in local sport, but Heather Watson's emergence as a top world junior has won her a big raise.

Local firm Sportingbet is upping its support for the 16-year-old tennis sensation to £100,000 as the local youngster bids to make the transition from a top junior to the senior ranks.

Last April the local company signed a sponsorship deal with the Watson family worth £75,000 over three years, which has already played a significant part in her reaching the world's junior elite.

Sportingbet has now agreed to increase its financial support to her parents by an extra £25,000 over the next two years as she looks to take the next step towards a professional career.

The initial funding has already enabled the Commonwealth Youth Games champion to compete in more international tournaments and the opportunity to pick up junior ranking points.

The additional money will now help to provide the extra support needed to compete in the professional ranks.