• Tennis

Watson qualifies for Indian Wells as Hutchins lands Queen's role

ESPN staff
March 5, 2014
Heather Watson had yet to win a match at Indian Wells © PA Photos
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Heather Watson will be competing in the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells after beating Teliana Pereira 6-2 6-2.

Watson had overcome Virginie Razzano in straight sets on Monday in the first round of qualifying, and the British No.3 capitalised on being handed a wildcard to compete for the opportunity to reach the main draw.

British No.2 Johanna Konta failed to join Watson in the first round proper after she lost 6-4 6-3 to Casey Dellacqua.

Ross Hutchins meanwhile has been named as tournament director for the Aegon Championships at Queen's.

Hutchins, who made his return to the circuit in January after recovering from Hodgkin's lymphoma, takes over the responsibilities of Chris Kermode, who is now the executive president and chairman of the ATP.

"I am honoured to have been given this opportunity," Hutchins said. "The Aegon Championships is one of the longest running and best tournaments on the ATP World Tour and I will do everything I can to make it even better."

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