Watson so close to upset

HEATHER WATSON came within two points of upsetting third seed Mona Barthel last night in the Bell Challenge WTA event in Quebec City.

The Sarnian was two points from victory in the second set tie-break at 5-4 and 5-5, but Barthel, the world No. 36, rallied and then rolled in the third set en route to a 6-7(5), 7-6 (5), 6-1 triumph that was the longest match of the day at 2hrs 38min.

Meanwhile, British No. 1 Watson has dropped one place to 72nd in the world rankings, three spots ahead of fellow Brit Laura Robson.