"Let's go Watson, let's go!" That's the chant from the British contingent on court 10 as their darling holds for a second straight game. But she needs a third. Pironkova serves for the first set...

Jonny Hyman:, external Edmund looking good from baseline but less than 50% returns in play. Less free points on the Johnson serve and he's got a chance.

Would you believe it? Heather Watson has only gone and nicked back that break! The Briton shrugs off that medical concern (see 00:57) to save the first set. Another hold from Watson would heap the pressure back on to the Bulgarian...

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"It's a long game of four deuces but Johnson sees out the set despite one woeful smash that leaves him 15-30 down. The American faces his first break point but hammers a big serve down the middle and closes out the game. Edmund is suffering for a 47% first-serve percentage and making just 50% of returns. Anything near his best and the Briton would be right in this."

BBC Guernsey's Tony Curr:, external Watson down 5-2 but she won't panic. She's dropped the first set in all five previous matches with Pironkova, going on to win three of them.

Good news - Heather Watson is back on her feet. She shakes her head, takes a deep breath and refocuses on keeping this first set alive.

But she does look a bit groggy. A bit like me after eight pints of lager.

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"Something is not right with Heather Watson. Watson open her eyes wide as though she is not seeing too well. She might be feeling unwell. She might be a little short of energy - it is hard to know at the moment.

"There is a lot of people stood around - the umpire, the doctor, the trainer. Let's hope she is alright."

Oh dear, things are going from bad to worse for Heather Watson. The British number one calls a member of the WTA's medical staff on to court before she takes a huge intake of smelling salts.

Heather Watson fans - look away now. It's a wayward Watson out on court 10 at the moment, her much-improved forehand bringing her one big winner down the line but then flying over the baseline when facing break point.

That's a double break for Bulgaria's Pironkova, who is coasting towards taking the opening set.

A huge sigh of frustration blasts out of Heather Watson's mouth. The Briton lets her Bulgarian opponent Tsvetana Pironkova take control of this first set again, losing a second break in the fifth.

Pironkova, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist remember, shows her pedigree again by comfortably holding serve to move two clear.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Kyle Edmund lets a lead slip in his third service game and the experienced Steve Johnson converts his second break point with a barrage of slices tempting the Briton into a mistake. Edmund is drawn unenthusiastically into the net and dumps a forehand in the net. The American then holds from 30-30 and is in command."

Andrew Priestley:, external Heather Watson needs a strong performance at a Grand Slam tournament to prove to herself that she is a top-class, top-20 player.

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"This is close, competitive, probably what we expected. I was trying to work out before the game who was the favourite.

"Watson is the higher ranked but Pironkova has done more in the game. I think it is really even - I can't pick a winner."

Not only did Pironkova blow a game opportunity, she is also close to blowing a fuse on Court 10. The stroppy Bulgarian is gesticulating here, there and everywhere as she comes to terms with letting Watson back into this first set.

That's a healthier-looking scoreline isn't it? Heather Watson did not look unduly ruffled by that early break from the Bulgarian, keeping her composure to make her first dent on the scoreboard.

Pironkova blows a chance to go 3-0 ahead which lets Watson through the back door quicker than a sneak thief, before the Briton emerges with a valuable break in the next.

David Law
BBC Radio 5 live sports extra commentator

"I'm impressed by that start by Kyle Edmund. He has started well against a strong player and a player who knows his way around the court. It is a great opportunity for Edmund to show what he can do - there won't be an inquest if he loses."

Steve Johnson lifts a beautiful lob over Great Britain's Kyle Edmund to set up break point but the American nets a backhand and Edmund hangs on.

Heather Watson almost sticks it to those Bulgarian dissenters as she fights back to force deuce. But an opportunity to snatch an instant break back is swept away in the Melbourne wind, and her opponent grasps her reprieve with both hands to hold.

Piers Newbery
BBC Sport at Melbourne Park

"Court 10 is buzzing already, with every available space taken and a good number of the spectators on court seven peering over the stands. There is a group of vociferous Bulgaria fans decked out in scarves (bit unnecessary) in the first row and they cheer as Watson double faults to lose the first game (also a bit unnecessary)."

Not so encouraging news from Court 10. British number one Heather Watson surrenders her serve in the opening game, then is left staring at a 40-0 deficit in the second....