Watson's big gain

DESPITE crashing out of the first round of the Sony Ericsson Open, Heather Watson has received her biggest payday to date in her fledging career.

The Guernsey-born star made history on Wednesday when she became the youngest British woman at 17 years and 10 months to play at prestigious competition at Key Biscayne, Miami, when she took on the far more experienced 22-year-old Tsvetana Pironkova.

The former world number 40 from Bulgaria, who is currently ranked 117th in the world, defeated Watson 6-4, 6-2.

The island star, who is based at the Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy in Florida, had three break points on Pironkova's serve in the first set but failed to convert them. Pironkova on the other hand had one break point only, but she took it.

Just by appearing in the opening round, Watson, who is ranked just outside the top 400, will receive close to £5,000, almost doubling her career prize-money.

But Watson gained far more than just financial reward at the premier-mandated WTA competition, which is one event below a Grand Slam.

'I've gained experience from this tournament and I've really enjoyed it,' she said.

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