Wuhan Open: Heather Watson and Johanna Konta win qualifiers

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Heather Watson reached a career-high singles ranking of 38 in January

British duo Heather Watson and Johanna Konta reached the main draw of the Wuhan Open with comfortable victories in qualifying in China.

British number one Watson, 23, broke the serve of Russian Yulia Putintseva six times in a 6-2 6-4 victory.

The world number 59 will next play Serbia's Jelena Jankovic, ranked 25, in the first round on Monday.

Konta, 24, will face Germany's Andrea Petkovic after thrashing American Irina Falconi 6-2 6-1 in an hour.

"Yes it's definitely good times [for British tennis]," said Konta. "Heather played two really good matches and she came through really strongly and that's all positive things for her too going into the main draw."