Pliskova edges out Watson in Katowice
HEATHER WATSON fell at the first hurdle in the Katowice Open in Poland yesterday.
Big-serving Czech left-hander Kristyna Pliskova got off to a strong start against the Sarnian in the last hardcourt tournament before the WTA tour completes the shift to the clay and grass seasons, opening up a 4-1 on her way to taking the first set.
Watson, who is ranked 33 places higher than her Czech opponent, turned things around in the second to force a decider, but Pliskova ran away to a 3-0 lead, breaking Watson's serve twice – Watson saved four break points in the third game alone but gave up the fourth on a mishit backhand. Watson grabbed a break back, but Pliskova's lead was too great to surmount and the Czech took the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-4.
'I played well and Heather also played well too,' Pliskova said. 'So I was pleased to come through a tough third set.'
