Sun goes down

HEATHER WATSON gained an unexpected 11th-hour entry into the $25,000 Clearwater event this week and made the most of it in her first qualifying match.

Originally down as 13th alternate for the Sheriff Jim Coats 6th Annual Clearwater Women's Open in Florida, the Sarnian star did not expect to get into qualifying and was preparing for a tournament in Mexico instead.

However, after some late withdrawals, she was the last accepted player and in her opening match she won 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 against 13th seed Sheng-Nan Sun.

She then faced fellow Briton Georgie Stoop, the No. 6 seed, for a place in the main draw and could not repeat her opening victory.

Stoop, 22 years old and the world No. 273, won in straight sets 6-3, 6-0.

However, Watson has made it into the main draw as a 'lucky loser' and will face world No. 168 Anna Tatishvili.