Heather Watson must beat a player ranked 41 places beneath her in the WTA rankings in order to qualify for the main draw of the French Open.

24701 - Heather Watson on verge of French Open draw

The 19-year-old Briton beat Australia's Sally Peers on Thursday, triumphing 6-3 7-5 to advance to the final qualifying round.

There she will meet Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland, who saw off Japan's Misaki Doi. Voegele is the current world No. 160, so Watson (No. 119) will be considered favourite to reach the first round of Roland Garros.

The youngster suffered one or two wobbles before beating Peers, twice allowing her rival back into the match during the second set. However, she served out at the second opportunity to move within one victory of earning her first merited grand slam appearance, having previously appeared at Wimbledon as a wildcard.

"I'm really chuffed and it's my birthday today so now it's time to celebrate, but not too much because I've got to rest up and get ready for my third round tomorrow," commented the Brit.