HEATHER WATSON, the rapidly-rising star of Guernsey tennis, gave another fine example of her progress when reaching the semi-finals of the Ariel British Junior National Championships.
The former Ladies ‘ College pupil, just two weeks before her departure to the Nick Bollettieri coaching academy in America, excelled in the 13-and-under category - an age group in which she was a year younger than her competitors.
‘This is the biggest competition - there were the best 64 players from all over the country, ‘ said her father, Ian.
‘Her ranking was 6.2; in the first round, Heather put out a player ranked 6.1 and again in the second round. Then in the third round, she beat a player who was ranked 4.2.
‘She reached the semi-finals without dropping a set. To say she is on a good run at the moment is an understatement. We are all so pleased for her. ‘
Watson, who was unseeded, claimed the scalps of another unseeded player, Georgia Archer-Clowes, first up.
Then she disposed of Ashlea Stewart, who was seeded 9-16, Sarah Cantlay, three, and Laura Slater, five, before coming up against top seed Hannah James.
However, James, who would go on to beat fourth-seed Emily Crack, of Cambridgeshire, 6-2, 5-7, 6-4, in the final, was too strong and won in two sets.
It was still a fine achievement from Watson, who initially was wary of taking on players a year older.
Ariel British Junior National Championships
Round one: Watson beat Georgia
Archer-Clowes (Warwickshire, 6.1) 6-3,6-1.
Round two: Watson beat Ashlea Stewart (Cheshire, 6.1) 6-2, 6-3.
Round three: Watson beat Sarah Cantlay (Kent, 4.2) 6-2, 6-1.
Quarter-finals: Watson beat Laura Slater (Surrey, 5.1) 6-3, 6-4.
Semi-finals: Watson lost to Hannah James (Warwickshire, 4.1) 2-6, 3-6.
* When Watson enrols at the Bollettieri academy, she will be able to record her thoughts as a video diary. Warren Mauger, of Spike Television, is setting up a camera in the dormitory for her.
Article posted on 16th August, 2004 - 12.00am
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