Watson eases through in Barnstaple

HEATHER WATSON dropped just three games yesterday as she eased into the second round of the women's singles at the Aegon GB Pro-Series Barnstaple.

The sixth seed had few problems in overcoming Slovakian Kristina Kucova 6-2, 6-1 at the Tarka Tennis Centre.

Watson will now face world No. 202 Ana Vrljic today for a place in the quarter-finals.

In fact, the two players are set to face each other twice this afternoon.

After their singles encounter they will meet once more in the quarter-finals of the doubles.

Watson is partnering her British Fed Cup teammate Johanna Konta while Vrljic joins forces with Kristina Barrois of Germany.

The latter pairing are the third seeds.