SEMI-FINALS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 4, 5 January 1934, Page 8

SEMI-FINALS.

TENNIS -TITLES.

Seay and Malfroy Win.—Mrs.

Dykes Defeated.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, this day,

Play in the New Zealand tennis championships, now nearing their conclusion, was continued to-day in fair weather. Several semi-finals were set down for decision. With two sets in from the previous day in the semi-final of the men's doubles, Malfroy and Seay, the titleholders, had still some difficulty in disposing of the Canterbury pair, RhodesWilliams and Dymond, who won the third set 7—5 this morning. The volleying was hard and accurate by all four, but toward the end either Malfroy or Seay swept in with a winner, or the other pair were worked out of position. Seay's left-handed smashes frequently landed into a clear corner of the court. Malfroy served with remarkable pace throughout, and his court sense was outstanding. They won the fourth set easily, 6 —l, combining beautifully. This pair* will play Sproule and Donohoe (Australia) in the final to-morrow. Women's Semi-final. In the women's semi-final match Mrs. Dykes (Wellington) and Miss Valkenburg (Australia) provided an interesting struggle. Both played an aggressive, all-court game. Mrs. Dykes' bent asset was a low, skidding forehand drive, angled to her opponent's backhand. It almost shot on the dead turf, and it won mahy points. She was not as fast as she has been in recovering position, and the Australian never hesitated to tr o to the net and volley for the vital point. Mrs. Dykes took the first set B—6,8 —6, despite some lapses, but the second set was Miss Valkenburg's, 6—4. Then ensued a great battle for the third set, and the games went to four all, but the Australian, by clever placements and decisive volleying, took the set and match at 6 —4. The defeat of Miss Marjorie Macfarlane, of Auckland, by Miss Bickerton means an "All-Australian" final in the women's singles championship. The match between Miss Bickerton and Miss Macfarlane was sparkling, though a contrast in styles. Miss Bickerton had the greater variety of shots, but the Auckfander was steadier with her drives and maintained a good length, often landing inches inside the baseline. The Australian, however, won, 6 —3, G —3, mainly because of her ability to come to the net to finish off a rally with an angled volley or a deep smash. She was very certain of these shots. Mrs. Melody and Miss Nicholls (Wellington) entered the final of the women s doubles championship by defeating Mrs. Carl and Miss Gould, 6 —3, 7 5. The second set was remarkable because the losers, after a plucky battle, staved off no fewer than nine match points before going under. Miss- Nicholls played a fine net game. In the semi-final of the junior combined doubles Miss Dickey and I. Corich (Canterbury) beat the Wellington pair, Jessie Burns and Morrison, taking the last set 6—3. The winners meet Miss S. Anderson and P. McGregor, of Canterbury, in the final. The defeat of Gunn in the boys' singles final was unexpected. His service was too strong for Corich in the first set, which Gunn won, 6—5. In the next two sets Corich, who is very cool and quick, concentrated on Gunn's backhand and secured many points. The slow court did not suit Gunn, who erred at the net repeatedly. Detailed scores follow: — Men's Doubles. Semi-final— 1.. Seay and C. E. Malfroy beat T. Rhodes-Williams and H. Dymond, 6 —2, 6—4, s—-7,5 —-7, 6 —l. Women's Singles. Semi-finals.—Miss U. Valkenburg (Australia) beat Mrs. 11. M. Dykes (Wellington), 6—B, 6—4, 6—4; Miss L. Bickerton (Australia) beat Miss Marjorie Macfarlane, 6—3, 6—3. Women's Doubles. Semi-final.—Mrs. W. J. Melody and Miss D. Nicholls (Wellington) beat Mrs. J. D. Carl and Miss B. Gould (Canterbury), 6—3, 7 —5. Junior Combined Doubles. Semi-final. —Miss D. Dickey and I. J. Corich beat Miss J. Burns and N. 'A. Morrison, 5—6, 6—5, 6 —3. Men's Plate. Semi-final. —T. Rhodes-Williams (Canterbury) beat E. L. Bartleet by default. Boys' Singles. Final.—J. Corich (Canterbury), beat J. Gunn (Auckland), 5—6, 6—i, 6—3.