Hobart despair for Watson

Heather Watson has been knocked out of the Moorilla Hobart International by Tsvetana Pironkova.

Brave display from British teenager

British teenager Heather Watson has been knocked out of the Moorilla Hobart International in the first round by Tsvetana Pironkova. The 19-year-old responded well after losing a lengthy first-set tie-break, but ultimately fell short as the Bulgarian secured a 7-6 (12-10) 3-6 7-6 (7-2) victory. Watson, who missed the season-opening WTA tournament in Auckland due to an ankle injury, had qualified for the main draw in Hobart with a three-set triumph over Germany's Kristina Barrois. Pironkova will now play Anna Chakvetadze in round two after the Russian defeated third-seeded Monica Niculescu 6-0 6-4. Top-ranked Yanina Wickmayer and fourth seed Angelique Kerber both came through their opening round matches unscathed. Wickmayer saw off the brave challenge of Marina Erakovic 7-5 6-4, while Kerber brushed aside Elena Vesnina 6-2 6-4. Sara Errani and Mona Barthel were also straight-set winners as they toppled Johanna Larsson and Romina Oprandi respectively. Australia's Casey Dellacqua had to dig deep, though, before overcoming Galina Voskoboeva 7-5 4-6 6-4.