Ruthless Watson clears first hurdle

HEATHER WATSON comfortably overcame her first hurdle in pursuit of French Open glory on the clay courts of Roland Garros.

In yesterday's first qualifying round, the 20-year-old Sarnian cruised past Sharon Fichman 6-1, 6-2.

'Feels great to be back competing at Roland Garros,' Watson said afterwards.

After breaking in the fourth game of the day to lead 3-1 in the first, the world number 109 did not look back, seeing out the set before again breaking early in the second.