Heather Watson rues missed chances following Auckland exit

British number one beaten by Holland's Kiki Bertens in the second round of the ASB Classic

Heather Watson (GETTY IMAGES)

Heather Watson was left to rue missed chances as she slipped to a 6-4 3-6 6-3 defeat against Holland's Kiki Bertens in the second round of the ASB Classic in Auckland.

The British number one, who overcame fifth seed Sorana Cirstea in the first round, converted five of 12 break-point chances in the match against an opponent ranked 14 places beneath her at 63rd in the world.

Watson also struggled on second serve, winning just four points in the first and third sets combined in a match which lasted two hours and 14 minutes.

The Guernsey player will remain in Auckland as she and partner Marina Erakovic are into the quarter-finals of the doubles, before heading to Hobart for her final tournament ahead of the Australian Open.

PA