LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume 304, Issue 304, 23 December 1926, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS. THE WELLINGTON CANDIDATES. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") WELLINGTON, this day. Wellington will not be represented by its strongest players at the New Zealand tennis championships, as several of the leaders are not making the trip. Of the men, notable absentees will be Dr. Smyth (present holder of the provincial championship), Len France and R. Donovan. Donovan is a young player but is on the sick list, and probably will not be participating in tournaments this season at all. Miss May Tracey, the present provincial lady champion, will also not be playing. Another notable lady who will be away is Miss Travers, ex-New Zealand champion. Of those bidding for the honour in the singles, Wellington has most hope in E. D. Andrews, Palmerston North, who next year will be lost to Wellington, as Manawatu is forming a separate association. Andrews did not defend his title in the provincial championship last January. He should go a long way at Auckland. If D. G. France is on his game, he also should do well. He recently defeated N. R. C. Wilson in straight sets in inter-club matches. J. C. Peacock, the veteran player, has been playing good tennis lately and practising assiduously. N. R. C. Wilson should also give a good account of himself. E. C. Malfroy has been playing quite well, but is not up to national standard yet. R. Perkins is another Wellington boy who is expected to do creditably. He recently defeased Dr. Park in inter-club games. _Of the ladies. Wellington's hopes will be with Mrs. W. J. Melody and Miss A. Howe. Mrs. Melody has been on the sick list lately, and it is doubtful if she will be at her best in the singles as she has not been able to play any tennis for some weeks. If Miss* Howe can reproduce the form she showed a couple of years ago she should get into the semi-finals. In the men's doubles, Peacock and Wilson, the present holders of the title, are expected to do well, but they will be up against stiff propositions in North and McCausland. and the"Peach brothers (N.S.W.), also Seay and Adrews. M. Lampe (Wanganui). is partnered with D. G. France, and if Lampe is able to conceal his shots, this pair ought to go through more than one round. Mrs. Melody is with Miss Spiers (Christchurch), in the ladies' doubles. If Mrs. Melody is anything like up to form this pair should just about win the title. In the mixed doubles Miss Howe is playing with Perkins, Miss Spiers with D. G. France, and Mrs. Melody. with Lampe. Miss Howe and Perkins* should survive the preliminary rounds. Of the others. Miss Spiers and France are looked upon as likely winners, and are expected to get into the final. The boy's championship should be an easy win for C. E. Malfroy.