THE JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21708, 15 February 1936, Page 22

THE JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM

TO THE EDITOR OF THE PRESS. Sir —ln reply to "Dlsgusted’s” letter on the junior tennis team’s visit to Australia, I should like to ask him why he thinks that Corich is a better player than Pattinson. These two youngsters have met only once in a match in the last three years. That was in the final of the Canterbury Junior championships, three years ago. This year they met in an exhibition game, when the Australians were here, but the match was not finished. Considering this, it Is entirely Incorrect to suppose that Corich is a belter player than Pattinson. I must also say that to judge the players by the ranking list is not a fair go to Pattinson, as he has only been on the ladder a year, and has not had time to work further up. Corich, is indeed unlucky not getting

in the team and I think that he should be included before Ounn.— Yours, etc., LOVER OP FAIR PLAY* February 14, 1036. *0 TB» KDITOB OT THU PMBB. Sir,— May I also add my protest to those of “Send the Best and gusted," concerning seiecting of the junior tennis team to visit Aufia foregone conclusion with tennis enthusiasts in Canterbury that Corich would be placed hetore eithg Pattinson or Gunn, but m choosing the- team,3,ihe ha tome method unknown to us. i ieei SSte ““ that il the New ZMlehd Lawn Tennis Association us too uu financial to send a player ofCorichs standing those interested m i tennis would willingly subscribe enough to send him also. 1 personaUyhavfeheard followers of the game say that they would help in that way. If the selecting has been done. as it should be. according to the merits of Pattinson’s and Gunn's play agamst Corich, I think those in authority have slipped: whereas it seems to me tnat Pattinson has gained a place through his one performance against Angas and one against RousseU. . , As the selectors seem to be on their own” in their opinion on Conchs play, could they not at least match him .against Pattinson and Gunn to see if he is still tmworthy of a place?— Yoimete, . nopßu; TAULT. . February 14, 1936.

TO THE BDITOB 07 THB PBBS3. Sir,—One of the biggest surprises in thin season’s tennis must pe the exclusion of I. J, Corich, the. most promising of our younger players, from the junior team to visit Australia. Why Pattinson and Gunn, over- whom Corich has definitely shown -his superiority, are placed in preference, is a question that apparently the selectors only can answer. While Pattinson must be praised for his sterling performance against Roussell in the New Zealand championships, it must be remembered that in the next round Cant eliminated him with comparative ease. Recently, in the championships, Corich put up a fight against Cant to, go down 1-6, 6-L 5-7. Corich has beaten B.D, Duffleld in a recent ranking match, 6-2, 8-3. Duffield has in turn beaten Pattinson in two sets. Surely this, added to tfie fact that Pattinson has never yet beaten Corich, must be proof enough of his superiority. Corich la ranked seventh In - Canterbury, Pattinson twelfth. Why this young player Who has fought hard for .a place In senior tennis since leaving Junior ranks a season or so ago, should suffer such a set-back is beyond my comprehension. The Canterbury nominations were Corich 1, Pattinson 2, but apparently the New Zealand selectors saw fit to place Pattinson first,. and exclude Canterbury’s first choice alto§6th6t^ May I suggest that .all discussion might be ended by these promising juniors playing off for a place in the team, and thus ensuring that the best player gets his chance. —Yours, etc., TO SEE IS TO BELIEVE. February 14, 1930. <?■■•■ ■■