• WTA

Watson advances as Babos retires

ESPN staff
January 29, 2013
Heather Watson is on the hunt for more ranking points © Getty Images
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Heather Watson cruised into the second round of the Pattaya Open, as she was a set to the good when her opponent Timea Babos retired.

Watson, who this week climbed to a career high of world No. 40, was dominant from the off against a player who looked to have a problem.

To her credit, Watson retained her focus and did not let her opponent's troubles derail her. Watson broke on two occasions in the opening set as Babos had no answer to the Brit's superior power from the back of the court.

Seeded at No. 8, Watson was the favoured player in the match and she approached it as such. She was 6-1 3-0 to the good when Babos elected to offer her hand.

Up next for Watson is Anastasija Sevastova who was a 6-4 6-2 winner over Misaki Doi.

Sabine Lisicki bounced back from her Australian Open disappointment with a 6-2 6-3 win over fellow German Tatjana Malek, while the second seed Maria Kirilenko was made to work hard to beat Akgul Amanmuradova 6-3 7-5.

More to follow

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