British trio kick their heels in Melbourne

It was a frustrating day for Britain's three women bidding to qualify for the Australian Open as rain meant no play was possible at Melbourne.

Anne Keothavong, Heather Watson and Katie O'Brien will all have to wait another day before starting their Open campaigns.

Keothavong will take on Belarusian Darya Kustova, Katie O'Brien will face Mandy Minella from Luxembourg while Heather Watson will take on Kristina Mladenovic from France.

Watson, who has broken into the world's top 150 for the first time in her career, said: "It's tough all this waiting around. I feel really fit and mentally prepared - I'm in the best shape ever. I'm going to give it my all."

Britain's only entrant in the men's qualifying event, James Ward, lost yesterday 6-3, 6-4 to Chile's Paul Capdeville, who is No167 in the rankings.