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British Bulldogs extend lead at the Battle of the Brits

By Jordaan Sanford

The Battle of the Brits wrapped up another day of jam-packed action in Roehampton. It's the second edition of the all-British event, and this time around the women are in on the action. The individual tournament action has also been replaced with a team format.

The British Bulldogs began Day 3 with an 18-8 lead over the Union Jacks, and they came out with the same intensity and consistency to build on Tuesday's momentum.

World No. 50 Heather Watson slipped past British Bulldog Eden Silva, 3-6, 6-1, 10-6, to add two points on the board. Watson was having a great start to the 2020 season; reaching the semifinal in Hobart and capturing the Acapulco title before the tour shut down.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Heather Watson of Union Jacks in action during her match against Eden Silva of British Bulldogs during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

(All photos Getty Images)

The 28-year-old suffered a slow start but then revealed the same level of play that she displayed earlier this year.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Heather Watson of Union Jacks looks on from the team bench during her match against Eden Silva of British Bulldogs during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

Up next on Centre Court was Cameron Norrie and Dan Evans. The two never faced each other before until Wednesday, and Norrie would inch past Evans, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6). The British Bulldog would immediately post two points back on the board for his team with the close win.

The world No. 77 is undefeated in singles, so far.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Cam Norrie of British Bulldogs celebrates during his match against Dan Evans of Union Jacks during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

Of course, Judy Murray was in attendance to watch her son Jamie Murray's event come to life once more. The famous coach was all smiles underneath her mask as she passed around freshly baked cupcakes.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Judy Murray Coach of the Union Jacks is seen offering out cakes during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

Norrie was quickly back on the court after his singles victory, but for mixed doubles alongside Beth Grey. The two Bulldogs defeated Union Jacks' Jamie Murray and Katie Boulter, 3-6, 6-4, 10-8.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Cam Norrie and Beth Grey of British Bulldogs interact interact with Jamie Murray and Katie Boulter after their victory during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

Closing out the day, a well-rested Kyle Edmund and Joe Salisbury made their way out onto the doubles court. Although, it was the final match of the day it was the pair's first together.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Joe Salisbury celebrates during his match with partner Kyle Edmund of the British Bulldogs interacts during their doubles match with Dan Evans and Jamie Murray of the Union Jacks during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

Playing extremely impressive tennis, the two defeated Murray and Evans, 6-3, 6-4, to further extend the lead to a dominating 29-12 score to end day 3.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 29: Kyle Edmund and Joe Salisbury of the British Bulldogs celebrate during their doubles match with Dan Evans and Jamie Murray of the Union Jacks during day three St. James's Place Battle Of The Brits Team Tennis at National Tennis Centre on July 29, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images for Battle Of The Brits)
© Getty Images for Battle Of The B

The Union Jacks have some work to do if they want to erase the large deficit. Will they be able to turn it around? The action resumes on Thursday.