LAWN TENNIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 85, 20 January 1928, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

COMPETITIONS COMMENCE. The Mid-Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association's B Grade competition will be commenced to-morrow, the draw being as follows : —■ Te Marae A v. AHenton, at Allenton ; Ashburton B y. Te Marae B, at Te Marae- Ashburton A v. Methven A, at Ashburton, Tinwald v. Methven B,- at Methven. FRANCE v. NEW ZEALAND. VISITORS AVON ALL MATCHES. WELLINGTON, January 19. The visiting French tennis team at Miramar to-day defeated the New Zealanders in the three remaining matches of the series of five, thus carrying all the honours of victory. The stands were crowded. The weather was more perfect, if possible, than on Wednesday, and the spectators were treated to an* exhibition of sparkling tennis. Interest was more keenly maintained than yesterday, for the New Zealamlers, playing creditahly, and at tunes brilliantly; declined to be dominated by their "more experienced opponents and took the initiative to a degree that Opened the game up interestingly, givi ing occasional thrills to the onlookers.

'The New Zealanders did not get a set. Results: — . „ . „ „ Borotra beat Olhvier 6-2, 6-4, 6-3. Brugnon beat Bartleet t-5,b-i, °-±. Borotra and Boussus beat toturt and Knott 9-7, 7-5, 6-1. . , In the singles matches, each of which was concluded in three sets, the visitors appeared to take no chances of the play oemg prolonged unnecessarily, as both Borotra and Brugnon were subsequently to meet in the doubles two New Zealanders, who so far had not participated in the tournament. iiy a last moment arrangement however, the colt Boussus iplayed in the doubles in place of Brugnon. -,."'.. . Whether influenced by a desire to reserve themselves or not both Borotra and Brugnon were more on thenmettle than on the previous day, and it is fair to say that to some extent the forcing tactics of their opponents extended them. All three Frenchmen showed tendencies on Wednesday to foot fault, but the umpires apparently closed their eyes to it. To-day they enforced the rule, penalising several times.