Watson at Italian Open

HEATHER WATSON gave herself a 17th birthday present with an easy 6-0, 6-3 win over Carolina Orsi in the first round of the Italian Open in Milan yesterday.

The Guernsey star, who is seeded seven, now plays Mallory Burdette in the second round.

The American, who is ranked 66 in the world, beat a Belgian qualifier 6-2, 7-6 in the first round.

Watson is one of only two Britons in the entire 64-strong entry, the other one being 2008 Wimbledon Junior Girls' champion Laura Robson, who is the top seed.