Second set blues

A NIGHTMARE second set saw Heather Watson bow out of the Aegon International against Lucia Safarova in Eastbourne yesterday.

Having pushed the Czech world No. 21 every step of the way in a tense first set tie-break and then going ahead early in the second, Watson lost her way spectacularly.

Safarova rattled off six straight games to prevail 7-6 (5), 6-1 and end the 20-year-old Sarnian's final singles tournament before Wimbledon begins on Monday.

However, the defeat should not prevent Watson becoming British number two, as the 60 ranking points earned should see her overtake Elena Baltacha in next week's list.