TENNIS STARS.

Auckland Star, Issue 18, 22 January 1940, Page 8

TENNIS STARS.

THE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

PROVINCIAL TOURNEY.

STRONG COMPETITIOIC.

The Auckland Lawn Tennie Association's provincial championships were opened in fine though sultry weather on the Stanley Street courts this morning, having been delayed a day by Saturday's rain. Circumstances have conspired against the appearance of champion playere from other provinces, but there is a strong entry of the province's most notable players. Included in these are the provincial championship winners of last year with the exception of R. W. Smith who was paired with M. T. Wilson in winning the men's doubles. Wikwn this year is partnered in the doubles by N. F. Bedford, last year's singles champion. Miss N. Beverley and W. T. Pountney are defending their mixed doubles title, the Misses N\ and M. Beverley their doubles title, and Miss M. Beverley her singles title. A visitor in whom some interest will be taken is L. G. Knot*, who partnered N. G-. Sturt in winning the men's doubles in 1928. Located now in Sydney, he is in Auckland on holiday. Two other Sydney visitors who are taking part are Mrs. L. Maxwell and Miss G. Maxwell, of the White City Club. Efforts to caiteh rap on the programme by starting play at 8.30 a.m. were to some extent nullified by the soft, damp state of the courts, which were not fit for -play until 10 a.m. They were then heavy, though otherwise in perfect order. One maitcOi of the men's singles was jrot off to-day to enable the defending champion, X. F. Bedford, to visit Wellington and <ret back at a later etajre of the tourney. He defeated Mathers, 6—o, 5—7, 6—3. Results:— MEN'S A GRADE DOUBLES. FIRST BOUND. R. H. and J. D. Lewis beat G. Brongh and C. Stevenson, 6—4, B—lo, 6—l. D. Livingstone and J. Roach beat G. Martin and T. Wilson, 4—6, 6—2, 6—2. G. M. Radonich and l>. Clow beat L. T. Piekmere and S. H. Clark, 6—l, 6—3. K. T. Clements and C G. Horn ibeat. A. H. S. Lamb and E. W. Griffiths,. <s—l, 6—2. J. D. Mitchell and L. H: Wilson beat B. Dold and L. Roach, 6 —2, 6 —l. R. S. Milne and S. J. Robinson beat A. S. Lainond and J. Moller, 6—3, 7—5. A. S. Burns and M. T. Pountnev beat H. N. Potter and J. Hurley, 6—l, 6—4. E. l>. Bartleet and H. D. Brineden beat .T. G. Parsons and B. C. Richardson, 6 —3, 6—l. C. H. Hal sf pad and I. T. Thomson beat L. and D. Anderson, 3—6. 7—5, 6—4. 1,. G. Knott and J. T. Mayson beat C. S. Mathers and N. F. Harre, 6 —o, 6 —3. WOMEN'S A GRADE DOUBLES. FIRST ROUND. Mrs. W. G. Morse and Miss P. Cooke beat Mrs. C. Partridge and Miss J. Mel* Wallace. 6—4. 6—4. Mrs. Wilson and Miss G. Edwards beat Misses G. Forgie and N. Turner, 6—4, 6— 3. Misses J. Hansen and J. Ramsay beat Misses M. J. Robinson and V. C White, 6—2, 6—o. SECOND ROUND. X. F. Bedford and M. T. Wilson beat A. S. Brown and J. D. BuU. 6—a 6—l. A. <\ Johns and A. K. Turner beat Lewis and Lewis. 7—5, I—6, B—6. MORE ro come— ..// I>ivin»etone and Roach beat Radonich and Clow. G —3. 6—2. DcKld and Roach beat Mitchell and Watson, 4—6, 6— i, S—6.