Watson off to winning start

HEATHER WATSON will hope for a perfect birthday present today after progressing to the second round of qualifying for the French Open at Roland Garros.

The Sarnian turns 19 and is still alive in the year's second Grand Slam after yesterday's comfortable but impressive 6-3, 6-0 victory over Ioana Raluca Olaru.

Watson was never behind in the match, breaking twice in an opening set lasting a lengthy 46 minutes on the clay of court 11 against her Romanian opponent, ranked 64 places lower in the world.

• UPDATE - Watson won today's match, against Sally Peers, 6-3, 7-5. Full report in Friday's Guernsey Press.

• Read the full story in the Guernsey Press. See below for subscription details. Individual editions are also available.