Heather Watson knocked out in Hobart International first round

British teenager Heather Watson was knocked out of the Moorilla Hobart International in the first round today by Bulgaria's Tsvetana Pironkova.

The 19-year-old from Guernsey responded well after losing a lengthy first-set tie-break, but ultimately fell short as Pironkova secured a 7-6 (12/10) 3-6 7-6 (7/2) victory.

Watson, who withdrew from last week's season-opening WTA tournament in Auckland due to an ankle injury, qualified for the main draw in Hobart with a three-set triumph over Germany's Kristina Barrois yesterday.

Pironkova will play Anna Chakvetadze in round two after the Russian defeated third-seeded Romanian Monica Niculescu yesterday.

PA