WIMBLEDON STARS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 208, 2 September 1926, Page 13

WIMBLEDON STARS.

FRENCH IN THE FINALS. AN ENGLISH SUCCESS. NO. 11. (From Our Own Correspondent) The young English hope, H. W. Austin, was watched with great interest by tennis enthusiasts in his match against the tall Dutchman Van Lennep. Austin went away at a great pace, winning the first eight games. At I—3 in the second set, Van Lennep began to find his game and his drive, with tremendous top-spin, scored many points. Austin's accuracy and beautiful length, however, gained him a victory of three sets to one. , Kozeluh, the Czecho-Slovakian, was his next opponent, and though he raised the hopes of England by winning the first set 6—2, he was out-classed end lost the remainder, <i—o, 6 —l, 6—3. Englana Defeats America. The final of the mixed doubles resulted in another victory for England, Godfree and Mrs. Godfree defeating Kinsey and Miss Mary Browne (U.S.A.). This was Kinsey's third final, and lie appeared stale. He made many more errors than is usual with him. Godfree played beautifully, his overhead work being particularly brilliant, and he was ably supported by Mrs. Godfree, whose volleying makes her an. excellent mixed doubles player. She runs into the net on her second serve, which is a slow,; good-length ball, and always seems able to anticipate the return and kill it. Miss Browne played well, particularly at the net, but her partner's rather erratic play made it difficult for her. During the match a flight of aeroplanes returning from Hendon flew so low over the court that the players stopped, and all eyes were turned upwards till they passed.

In spite of the absence of Suzanne Helen Wills and Lacoste, through illness, the Jubilee chamiponship meeting was ac great a success as ever- in fact, Suzannes withdrawal made the singles more open, and the graceful Spanish girl has become so popular with the spectators that there are many who would rather see her beaten 6—o than watch a better player win. Winning or losing, she always attacks, and her graceful style always delights the gallery. A Thrilling Final. Wimbledon, 1926, ie over, and three nations share its honours—France takes two, the men's singles and doubles; England two, the women's singles and the mixed; and America one, the ladies' doubles. The weather was perfect throughout, and despite. Suzanne's absence the stands each day were filled to overflowing. In the semi-finals of the men's singles were Borotra, Cochet, Brugnon and Kinsey. The match between the first-mentioned pair was eagerly watched. Borotra started badly, and soon Cochet had taken the first set and was leading 5—3 in the second. At this stage Borotra made a very determined attack —his quickness in getting to the net was wonderful. His arm shoots out on either side, and he is so far in as to almost touch the net. The second set went to Borotra at 7 —5. So far there had been very few rallies— both men were driving and volleying with such speed that the ball could not be returned.

In the final set Borotra followed a line of attack with almost monotonous success. He persistently chopped a rather slow ball well back to Cochet's left hand, and then dived for the net. Over and over again he caught Cochet's return*or forced him to net the ball. All through the match Cochet seemed nervous and strained, and his overhead work had not its usual brilliance. To be five times within a point of victory was the fate of Brugnon in his match with Kinsey, and each time the sturdy American produced some uncanny twist of service or drive or a lob with top spin to cheat the despairing Frenchman of his right to enter the final. Once or twice Brugnon raised his eyes to heaven, but he fought on, attacking bravely, though at 6 all one could see he felt Fate was against him. The imperturbable American found time once to smile to a friend when he had just saved his third match point. Tremendous applause was given \o both men at the conclusion of their bitter struggle. Borotra v. Kinsey.

Owing to Howard Kinsey being in the finals of three events, the men's singles was played on Friday afternoon. Though in the first set Kinsey forced Borotra to an advantage set, one felt no doubt that the match would be won in straight sets. Borotra wae too agile, too severe with his driving, too deadly with his volleying for his opponent, who relies on base-line play, though mixed very cleverly. The crowd loves Borotra'e spectacular play, his quick smile, the unostentatious way in which he refuses an advantage given by a linesman. Half-way through a set he amused the audience by dropping his racquet and balls, and leaping on to the umpire's stand and demanding something. Our curiosity was answered by the umpire taking out his handkerchief and peering into Borotra's eye. Evidently the speck was found, for Borotra returned smiling ingenuously, and the match went on. It was a very hot afternoon, and at one stage he took off his black Basque cap, but evidently he is superstitious, for, after losing two games, he put it on again, to the clapping of the spectators. Final Men's Doubles.

In this event Cochet and Brugnon opposed Vincent Kiehards and Kinsey. It was not a very good match, and of the four, Brugnon stood out for admirable play. A much more exciting match was seen the previous day, when the English Davis Cup pair, Crole-Rees and Kingsley, were defeated in five sets by Richarde and Kinsey. The English pair won the first set, led 5—3 in the second, and lost it owing to Crole-Rees' inability to help his brilliant partner. Again they lost the third at 12—10. They won the fourth, and lost the last deciding set after a 2i hours' match, which held the spectators right through, Kingsley for his wonderful play being cheered enthusiastically. Mixed Doubles. After her thrilling win in the singles Mrs. Godfree returned to the centre court to partner her husband against Kinsey and Miss Browne. The English pair had a surprisingly easy victory. In this, as in the previous match against Richards and Miss Ryan, Mrs. Godfree played very well indeed, and shared equal honours with her husband. Richards and Kinsey played erratically in both matches, and the explanation given for their poor form is 'that they don't play mixed doubles with any enthusiasm in America.

Misa Macfaxlane. News Qiaa come to hand that Mass Macfarlane, of Auckland, New Zealand, playing in the Leicester tournament, has won the women's open singles. She is to be congratulated on her success. After competing at a tournament at Cheltenham, she purposes, playing in Belgium.