IT TOOK Heather Watson just 54 minutes to cruise through her opening match at the PTT Pattaya Open in Thailand yesterday.

Watson, seeded eight, swept aside her former doubles partner, Timea Babos, 6-1, 3-0, the Hungarian retiring injured.

Next in line for Watson is qualifier Anastasija Sevastova of Latvia, who defied 100 places in the world rankings by beating Japan’s world No. 83 Misaki Doi 6-4, 6-2.

Meanwhile, squash player Chris Simpson, pictured, came from two games down to beat Eddie Charlton 10-12, 5-11, 11-6, 11-3, 11-7 last night in the first round of qualifying at the CASE Swedish Open.

The Sarnian will face Siddharth Suchde of India today for a place in the main draw.