LAWN TENNIS.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18578, 31 December 1925, Page 8

LAWN TENNIS.

[ SEWU-FINALS AND FINALS. FOURTH DAY'S PLAY. Only six matches, including three finals, remain to be played in the New Zealand tennis.championships. Yesterday three events were finished. The ladies' doubles went to the Canterbury ladies. Mrs Scott and Miss Speirs, Vho were too strong overhead for the \\ cllingtora players, Misses Travers and Tracy. Wellington's bright boy Malfroy took the boys' singles, by defeating Lucas, of Nelson, in three sets, and Dulcie Nieholls annexed tho girls' singles title for the third time in succession, her knowledge of the game being much greater than that of the runner-up, Margaret Gibson, of Timaru. Both tho semi-finals of the men's singles ran to four sets, the winner in each case, losing the first set. By far the best tennis was displayed in D. G. France v. Peacock game. Franco played better than he has done this season, but he was lucky to win." for Peacock had him <i-l in the second set and 1-2, 54 in the third. Till the last bet, when his arm was troubling him, Peacock played a spectacular game. The other semi-final between Ollivier and Leu France tf as a victory for the orthodox game against cutting and chopping. After the first set Ollivier took the game in hand. Don France will have to play wonderfully well to stop Ollivier in tho final, for tho champion has the advantage of having practised with him. As iiv the last championships played in Christchurch, Miss Speirs meets Mrs Scott in the final. > Both had hard three-set p/ames in the semf-finals. and both had narrow wins from doughty Aucklanders. Miss Speirs won narrowly from Miss Knight, and Mrs Scott only defeated Miss Mar.iorie Macfarlane by playing a slightly steadier game. The final of the men's doubles should be a great, match between Peacock and Wilson, who romped home against the France brothers, and Ollivier and Seay who nearly went down to' two new men Haege and Parker. This pair played a. splendid net same, the Victorian striking amazingly good form, for tho first time. Tho semi-finals of the mixed doubles are between Miss Speirs and France and Miss Ballantyne and Smyth, Miss Marion Macfarlane and Hill, and Miss Tracy and "Wilson. On the form displayed yesterday, the "Wellington pair stand a big chance of winning the event. "Wilson is right on bis game, at last, and Miss Tracy can be relied on to use her head. THE PLAY. D. Ot. France Beats Peacock. The France-Peacock singles began in good style. France led 2-1 and 3-2 and twice Peacock won the other man's service and evened the score. His driving was wonderfully steady and accurate and when he came to the net, the stroke was his. With the score 3-5 against him,- Franco hjvti out strongly, and scored with cross-court drives. His serve' also gained in pace and the next* two games went to him. Peacock ran up 40-0 on his service and took *the game 50-15. France began the last game by serving two doubles and the sec went to Peacock. Neat and half-volleys won the first game in the second set for tho Wellington man, i and in the second game there was a fine exhibition of driving with an occasional kill by Peacock. France was chopping regularly, but his opponent drove everything back without being bothered. For the most part, the tennis was clean and delightful to watch. The older man did all tho manoeuvring and took tho first three games. _ France won his service.and Peac6ck took his to lead 4-1. Little inaccuracies on Peacock's part, and line-driving, gave France the next three games. Peacock went down 0-40 on his service and gave the Canterbury player the ninth game. He made sure of his service and the sets were one all. Spectacular driving cross-court and down the side-lines made the beginning of the third set interesting. Peacock again got a lead of 3-1 and he kept' it at 4-2. France caught up but could not compete with the "Wellingtonian's accuracy of placing in the ninth game. Back-hand crosscourt drives made the games 5-5. and Peacock was outplayed in the last two games. , The ex-champion began badly in the fourth set, and his carelessness cost him the first three games. France's' service' had -great pace in the fourth game, which he won, and Peacock annexed the► fifth, with a few of his old shots. Playing a superior game, France led 5-2 and then Peacock made a surprising return to his original form for two games. The match game France won on his service. Ollivier Beats A. L. France. Ollivier took t'ho serve aiid lost the first game, mainly through France's angle volleys. Again in the second game France was tricky at the net, but the champion won the third to love. The Wellington man's serve had a lot of. spin in it. His chop shots were bated by Ollivier's deep drives. Ollivier led 3-2, and then chops gave him trouble and he was behind 3-4. The eighth game went to Olliyier's advantage four times before France finished it off with two aces. Iu the last game of the set France made some wonderful recoveries. The champion began badly in the second set, netting four of France's services, but he beat the "Wellingtonian in the next three games with .drives into the corners. Ollivier increased his lead to 4-1 by long length drives and fihishing-off smashes. France took another game before Ollivier finished off the set. Two brilliant volleys brought applause to France in the third set. Games followed service the third game, which France lost to love. The Canterbury man led 3-1, but France, recovering'all kinds of impossible shots, picked up again, and made the score 3-3. The next three games and the set went to Ollivier with little opposition. Ollivier was confident in the last set, and he won his service to love, while France lost his without gaining a point. The champion began to romp home, outplaying his man all the way. He led 3-1. 4-1, 5-2, and. 6-2. In the last set he needed match points three times before he won. MEN'S DOUBLES. Scoring with low drives the France brothers won the first three games of their double against Peacock and Wilson. Wilson's good serve and some neat smashes took the next, and the Wellington pair made the score 3 —3 with Peacock's service. Their strength overhead told, and Peacock and Wilson had clear victories in the next two games. Don France volleyed well at times, but the other men placed perfectly, taking the set 6-3. In the second set, Peacock and Wilson were absolutely impregnable at the net for the first three games. Nothing could pass them, and their smashes and volleys into the corners were good to see. The Frances did better in the fourth game, but they failed to notch it, and Peacock "won his service to love with two fine backhand 'drives. Don France saved the sixth game, but Peacock was deadly overheard in the last, the set going to him 6-1. Peacock and Wilson continued their march in the third set, taking the first two games and getting a lead of 5-1. The set went to them, 6-3. ' . Haege, the Victorian, and Parker, nearly sprang their big surprise against

OHivier and Seay, who were fully extended iu a live-set match. The aston- [ ishing thing about the game was the j way Haege struck form. He smashed 1 and volleyed with a brilliancy that ! outshone everything else in the tournament, and he was indefatigable. In the first set Ollivier and Seay led 5-3, l>ut their opponents came to light and led 6-5, 7-6, and took the set 9-7. In the third set the younger men led 3-1 and 4-3, and Ollivier and Seay had to play very judiciously to win, 7-5. The, fourth set was Haegc's easily, and it was only in the fifth that the Canterbury pair came ahead decisively. LADIES' SINGLES. After losing the first game Miss Marjorie Macfarlane led 3-1 against Mrs Scott. Both drove strongly, the AuckLinder being a little more accurate, and kept away from the net. Miss Macfarlane's backhand was dependable,, while Mrs Scott seemed to be trying to cover hers. The next four games went to Mrs Scott, who was punching her forehand drive on toiler opponent's backhand. There were many long, haTd rallies, Miss Macfarlane keeping a perfect length and playing the more aggressively of the two. The Auckland girl took the next three games and the set 6-4. In the second set Miss Macfarlane led 2-1, 3-2, and 4-3, her opponent playing too carefully, but the games were even at 2-2, 3-*3 and 4-4. The Timaru player came ahead at 5-4, she having scored many points off the Aucklander's mistakes. The last game saw Mrs Scott smashing well at the net, and the set went to her 6-4. Both players were feeling the strain in the third set. Mrs Scott played safely and relied on her opponent's mistakes to put herself in the hopeful position of 4-1. She led 5-2, and Miss Macfarlane pulled the next game out of the fire. However, the next game and the set went to Mrs Scott. Miss M. Speirs (Christchurch) beat Miss B. M. Knight (Auckland) after a trying match in which the scores were 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. In the' first set Miss Speirs was well on her game, while Miss Knight appeared to lack accuracy and punch. The Christchurch girl was lobbing very well, and sending down her volleys with force and precision, while Miss Knight's best pieces of work were short chops over the net. In the second set Miss Speirs won the iirsi game, Miss Knight equalling the score with the second game. From then on Miss Speirs went off her game, while, on the other hand, her opponent appeared to gain iii confidence and accuracy. The Auckland girl's short cuts and cross-court shots were beautifully timed and placed, but Miss Speirs was fumbling time after time. Miss Knight's set. Miss Knight won the first game of the final set, and matters looked rather doubtful for the Christchurch girl, but the latter.evened up, and, returning to her former standard of play, brought the score up to 5-2. With one game to win the match, she once more failed for the moment, her volleys going out. at the back line and many of her short return shots hitting the net. The score rose to 5-5, and honours were even. With another access of form, Miss Speirs sent her shots down hard and true, and won the two final games of the match. Ladies? Double Final. - In the final of the ladies' doubles championship of New Zealand, Mrs W. A. Scott (Timaru) and Miss M. Speirs (Christchurch) defeated Misses M. Tracy and E. Travers ' (Wellington) mainly by superior courtcraft. Miss Travers was the weaker half of the Wellington pair, and their opponents played to her consistently. Miss Tracy was playing well, and her service was notably good. The northerners won the first two games after keen placement duels, but the third was won for Canterbury by a "kill" by Mrs Scott. Long and strenuous rallies characterised the next game, which was Avon by smashing play by Mrs Scott and Miss Speirs. The Wellington pair evened the score, took the next, game, and then after a- hard game in which the score stood at deuce foun times, Mfs Scott and Miss Speirs brought it to 3-all. The eighth game was won by Miss Tracy with four service "aces." Mrs Scott and Miss Speirs had a decided advantage at the net with their splendid overhead work; Miss Travers was lobbing persistently. In the second set the southerners were at the top of their form, and Mrs Scott at the net made some very skilful "kills." Miss Tracy scored points by very clever chops over the net, while, her opponents were driving with their utmost punch. The set was won 6-2, and the match 6-4, 6-2. Mixed Doubles. Miss M. Tracy and N. Wilson (Wellington) beat Mis- W. A. fecott and Wo'-ne Pearse (Timaru) in the tnmi round of the mixed doubles. The score was 6-0. 6-4. Wilson was splendid on. the overhead shots and was well packed no by his partner, and they completely dominated the play m the first set. Mrs Scott played a scientific game and fought hard from start to finish, but. her partner was not up to standard. , „ ... Tn a three-set tussle the ex-Otago 'Varsity players, Miss Ballantyne and Smvth. beat Miss Travers and Haege. A feature of the game was the overhead work of Haege, and he and Smyth had some great duels. The first set was a harder fight than the score, 6-2, makes it seem. In the second, Mis* Ballantyne, who was very stearty, led 3-0. but the Otago people failed to get anv more games, and Miss Travers won •6-3. The last set was interesting and suiey tennis. The two Misses Macfarlane played on opposite sides of the net in tneir mixed double, Miss Marion being partnered with Hill and Miss Marjorie with Lowry. The match went to only two sets, but they were strenuous ones. The set went to Miss Marion ,and Hill, 6-4. 6-4. Junior Singles—Einals. Mise Dulcie Nieholls was too strong for Miss Margaret Gibson in the tinai of the girls' singles, but the runner-up rJaved a plucky and forceful game, especially in the first set. In the early stages the Auckland girl failed to hud lensrth, but she setiled down to a steady game. There was little between the two in the first set. In fhe second Miss Gibson failed to produce her first set form, and her opponents' driving to the porners found her wanting. Malfroy put all his weight behind his £arehand drive when he was playing the Nelson boy, Lucas, in the final of the bovs' singles, and his tactics showed a better knowledge of courtcraft. In the 'second set Lucas got over the inaccuracy of driving and, playing forcefully, he won. 6-1, after leading 5-3. The third set went 3-1 in Malfroy's favour, arid Lucas took the fifth game in srood style. After that the Nelson lad was out-generalled.

THE RESULTS. MEN'S SINGLES. (Present Champion: G-. Ollivier, Christchurch.) Semi-Finals. G. Ollivier (Christchurch) beat A. L. France (Wellington), 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2. D. G. France (Christchurch) beat J". C. Peacock (Wellington), 6-7, 6-4, 7-5, 6-4. LADIES' SINGLES. (Present Chanroion: Mrs W. J. Melody, Wellington.) Semi-Finals. Miss M. Speirs (Christchurch) heat Mi3S B. M. Knight (Auckland), 6-1, 3-6, 7-5. Mrs W. A. Scott (Timaru) beat Miaa Marjorie Macfarlane (Auckland). 4-6. 6-4, 6-3.

MEN'S DOUBLES. (Preset Champions: E. B. W. Smyth, Wellington, and A. W. Fotherinsh%m, Auckland.) Semi-Finals. J. C. Peacock and N. R. C. Wilson (Wellington) beat A. L. Franco (Wellington) and D. G. Franoe (Christehurch). 6-3, 6-1, 6-3. G. Ollivier and I. A. Seay (ChristehurcW bent P. Haege (Victoria) and J. B. Parker (Wellington), 7-9, 61, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3. ' LADIES» DOUBLES. I (Last Year's Charooions: Mra W. J. Melcdy, Wellington, and Aliss J. McLaren, OUgo.) Pinal. Mrs W. A. Scott (Timnni) and Miss M. Speirs (Christchurch) beat Misses M. Traqy and E. Travers (Wellington), 6-4, 6-2. MIXED DOUBLES. (Present Champions: Miss J. 'McLaren, Otago, and E. D. Andrews, Wellington.) Third Bound. Miss E. M. Ballantyne (Otago) nnd E. B. W. Smyth (Wellington) beat Miss E. Travers (Wellington) and P. Haege (Victoria), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. Miss Marion Macfarlane (Auckland) and L. J. Hill (X'.S.W.) beat Miss Marjorie Macfarlane (Auckland) and Lowry (Havrke's Bay), 6-4, 6-4. Miss M. Tracy and X". R. C. Wilson (Wellington) beat lira W. A. Scott »nd Warne Pearse (Timaru), 6-0, 6-4. BOYS' JUNIOR SINGLES. (Last Year's Chsmpion: B. McL. Ferkins, Wellington.) Final. C. E. Malfroy (Wellington) beat R. A. Lucas (Xclson), 6-3, 4-G, 6-2. GIRLS' JUNIOR SINGLES. (Last Year's Champion: Miss Dulcio JS'icholls, Auckland.)' Final. Miss Dulcie Nieholls (Auckland) beat Miss M. Gibson (South Canterbury), 6-5, 6-0. TO-DAY'S GAMES. The matches in the championships will start half an hour earlier to-day. Tho following is tho draw: — 9 a.m. —Semi-Finals of Mixed Doubles. Miss Speirs and D. G. France v. Miss Ballantyne and Smyth; Miss Macfarlane and Hill v. Miss Tracy and Wilson. 10.30 a.m. —Final, Mixed Doubles. 12 noon,-—Final, Men's Singles. Ollivier v. D. France.2 p.m.—Final, Ladies' Singles. Miss Speirs v. Mrs Scott. 3.30 p.m.—Final, Men's Doubles. Ollivier and Seay v. Peacock v. Wilson. 5.30 p.m.—Presentation of trophies by the president of the N.Z.L.T.A., Mr W. N. Seay. AUCKLAND V. CANTERBURY CONTEST FOR ANTHONY WILDING SHIELD. The contest for the Anthony Wilding Shield between Auckland (holders) and Canterbury (challengers) will take place at the United Club's courts, Hagley Park, on Friday .(New Year's Day), arid Saturday, January 2nd, 1926. The matches will commence at 1.30 p.m., and there will be four sincles and' two doubles each day. Mr R. D. Harman has been appointed the official referee for the match. The large gathering which witnessed the thrilling four-set match between G. Ollivier, the present New Zealand champion, and E. L. Bartleet, on Tuesday last, will have an opportunity of • seeing another contest between these outstanding exponents of the. game'. Both these players are at the top of their form at present. In Auckland last year, and also in Christchurch in 1923, Bartleet defeated the champion in contests for tho shield,' and the brand of tennis produced in Auckland last year is seldom witnessed in this country. Many people credit the Aucklander with being the best player In the Dominion where the match is for .the . best of three sets. ' Local enthusiasts, however, «gard Ollivier as superior. In any case, this match alone will be worth Vgoing a long way to sec. Great interest, will centre in the meeting of D. G. France and K. W. Griffiths. The latter is the-present Auckland provincial champion, having defeated Bartleet in the final in a five-set match. The other Canterbury players, Ivan Seay and P. G. Greenwood, are playing superb tennis at present, and their matches against Knott and Johns, the former boing the South Auckland ' champion, will be followed with deep interest. The sportsmanlike attitude of tho Auckland Associat on in agreeing to play this match in Christchurch has been very favourably commented upon.' The draw for the first day's playhas been arranged by the two captains, G. Ollivier (Canterbury) and E. W. Griffiths (Auckland) as follows: — 1.30 p.m.—G. Ollivier v. E. W. Griffiths; P. G. Greenwood v. L. G. Knott. 3 p.m.—D. G. France v. E. L. Barrtleet; Ivan Seay v. A. C. Johns. 4.30 p.m.—Ollivier and Greenwood v. Johns' and Knott; France and Seay v. Bartleet and Griffiths.