Osaka Gallery: Watson's Breakthrough Victory

In her last tournament of the year, Heather Watson broke a 24-year drought for Britain. Quality.

Published October 15, 2012 12:00

Sam Stosur was the star attraction at the HP Open this year, but her road would end in the semifinals.

Chang Kai-Chen beat the No.9-ranked, top-seeded Sam Stosur in a semifinal thriller in a third set tie-break.

Chang Kai-Chen's last three rounds actually all went to third set tie-breaks - including Sunday's final.

But Heather Watson finally cracked that code, outlasting Chang Kai-Chen in a marathon final, 75 57 76(4).

Heather Watson had match point in the second set but would end up saving four match points in the third to win.

Heather Watson was the first Brit to win a WTA title since Sara Gomer in 1988 - Watson was born in 1992.

Heather Watson also had a great week in doubles, reaching the final with Japanese icon Kimiko Date-Krumm.

But Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears were too strong in the final and kept their Istanbul hopes alive.

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