Heather Watson through to second round in Nottingham

Heather Watson has recorded a comfortable win over Danielle Lao to reach the second round of the Nottingham Open.

Watson requires a strong grass-court campaign to retain her status as British number two and remain in the world's top 100, and a 6-1 6-3 triumph over Lao has helped the 26-year-old's cause.

The Guernsey-born player raced through the opening set, recording two breaks of serves to establish an early advantage over an opponent who had come through qualifying.

Lao was more competitive in the second but the American was unable to withstand Watson's greater power and the world number 91 secured the win in just over 73 minutes.

Watson will play either compatriot and British number one Johanna Konta or Japan's Kurumi Nara in the last 16.