Watson puts her island before tour

Monday 11th January 2010, 2:30PM GMT.

Heather in action during the US Open. (PA Wire)

Heather in action during the US Open. (PA Wire)

HEATHER WATSON will miss out on vital world ranking points to represent Guernsey at the Commonwealth Games.

The 17-year-old Guernsey-born star, who sensationally won the US Junior Open last September, will become a full-time professional after she completes her academic studies in May.

It is expected that she will receive a wildcard entry into Wimbledon as her aim is to break into the world top 200 by the end of the year.

But the Florida-based Watson, who is sponsored locally by Sportingbet, is prepared to miss some WTA ranking tournaments to take part in the Commonwealths in Delhi at the start of October.

Watson reached the decision after discussions with her management company IMG, with whom she signed terms after the US Open.

The teenager won the singles gold at the 2008 Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune, India.

Watson is fiercely proud to be Sarnian.

‘Her attitude is that she gets few opportunities to represent Guernsey so she wants to take them whenever she can,’ said her father, Ian.

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