Overjoyed Watson earns Osaka success

Monday 15 October 2012

Overjoyed Watson earns Osaka success

HEATHER WATSON revealed her pride that years of hard work had finally paid off as she became the first Briton in 24 years to win a singles title on the WTA tour with success in the HP Open in Osaka.

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By TONY BATTEN

The 20-year-old saved four match points in a match against Chang Kai-chen that she looked to have thrown away before claiming the 7-5 5-7 7-6 (7/4) win in three hours and 11 minutes.

The victory was Britain's first on the tour since Sara Gomer won in 1988, and Watson was overjoyed post-match.

"It's just starting to settle in," she said. "I've worked so hard for this moment my whole career. That's why I practised so hard, ran all those miles and lifted all those weights.

"Britain has been breaking a few records recently, so I'm happy I could break another one today. I'm proud to do this for my country."

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