Watson has risen 51 places in the world junior rankings in the past month

Guernsey's Heather Watson is guaranteed to be seeded at least 12th for the junior Australian Open next month.

The 16-year-old has risen up the world junior rankings to number 23 in recent weeks, enough to guarantee her entry into the Grand Slam events.

"She's a minimum of 12th seed but a lot could happen between now and the start of the tournament," said Hugh Raymond from the Channel Islands LTA.

Should any players above her pull out then Watson could be ranked higher.

The tournament starts on 25 January in Melbourne with junior Wimbledon finalist and world junior number one Noppawan Lertcheewakarn from Thailand the highest-ranked player.

Watson is the second-highest ranked British player behind junior Wimbledon champion Laura Robson, who is the fourth seed but a doubt with a torn stomach muscle.

"Who would have thought that someone from the Channel Islands would be a seed at the Australian Open," Raymond added.

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