Watson shocks world No 9

Britain’s Heather Watson overcame a top-10 opponent for only the second time in her career by beating defending champion Dominika Cibulkova at Eastbourne yesterday.

Watson made light of being ranked 117 places lower to knock out world No 9 Cibulkova 7-5 6-4 in the Aegon International second round.

The victory delivers Watson a timely boost ahead of the start of Wimbledon, where the British number three needed a wildcard to enter the main draw due to her lowly ranking of 126.

British No 1 Johanna Konta will begin today against Romania’s Sorana Cirstea, who accused her of gamesmanship following their controversial Davis Cup tie in April.

British No 2 Kyle Edmund extended his disappointing start to the grass-court season by losing to American Donald Young 6-4 3-6 6-3.

Edmund also fell at the first hurdle at Queen’s last week to talented world No 193 Denis Shapovalov, before splitting with his coach Ryan Jones.

There were opening day victories for Kevin Anderson, Bernard Tomic, Robin Haase and Vasek Pospisil, while Britain’s Cameron Norrie beat Horacio Zeballos of Argentina 6-4 7-6.