Tennis: Elena Baltacha withdraws after twinge

British No 1 Elena Baltacha has withdrawn from the Internationaux de Strasbourg in France with a back problem.

The Ukrainian-born 27-year-old was due to play top seed Marion Bartoli in the second round, but has pulled out after suffering discomfort in her back.

The decision was taken as a precaution ahead of the French Open which starts on Sunday.

"I'm very disappointed because I was really looking forward to playing Marion," Baltacha said. "Unfortunately I felt a twinge in my back before the match and I withdrew as a precaution. At a tournament of this importance and against such a strong opponent you need to be fully fit.

"The WTA medical team here have been great and they expect it to settle down quickly with a couple of days' rest, which is good news ahead of the French Open."

Meanwhile, Guernsey teenager Heather Watson made a fine start in her bid to qualify for the main draw at the French Open as she breezed through her first qualifying match yesterday.

Watson, who celebrates her 19th birthday today, was too good for Romania's world No 183 Ioana Olaru and cruised to a 6-3, 6-0 victory.

Watson faces Australia's Sally Peers in the second qualifying round.