Wuhan Open: Heather Watson and Johanna Konta win qualifiers

Heather Watson reached a career-high singles ranking of 38 in January

Britain's Heather Watson and Johanna Konta are one win away from the Wuhan Open main draw after both won their opening qualifying matches in China.

British number one Watson, 23, beat Australia's Jarmila Gajdosova 6-1 7-6 (7-4) while Konta overcame Gabriela Dabrowski of Canada 6-2 7-6 (7-2).

World number 59 Watson will next play Kazakhstan's Yulia Putintseva, ranked 19 places below her, on Saturday.

Konta, 24, will face American Irina Falconi.

The British number two is just 50 ranking points behind Watson following her run to the fourth round of the US Open.

"I've completely put that tournament behind me because the season goes on and tournaments come and go," said Konta.

Watson was playing for only the second time since losing to Lauren Davis in the US Open first round in August.

World number one Serena Williams is the only top 20 player missing the Wuhan tournament.