THE JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21710, 18 February 1936, Page 16

THE JUNIOR TENNIS TEAM

■ TO THB EDITOR*OP THB PRESS. Sir, —I would like to know on what authority “Volley” makes his false Statement' that on a private court a few days • ago Corich' was beaten by Fattinson. I have it on • very good • authority, which cannot be contra-dicted,-that'no such game took place. I would like to' add further that if “Volley” thinks practice matches should be taken into -consideration. Corich would undoubtedly be sure of a place in the team, for during this season, in such games; he. has beaten two of Canterbury’s- leading players. This just goes to prove that a team cannot be selected by the’ play" in friendly games.-4 Yours, etc., DISGUSTED. February, 17, 1936. . ,

TO THE EDITOB OP THB PRESS.

Sir,—-I am very surprised at the attitude . adopted by several correspondents, who deprecate the inclusion of R.G. Fattinson in the junior tennis team.. This player has certainly earned his place, not only, by his outstanding; performances _ against Roussell • and Anges, but also by his consistently good form in his first year of senior.grade play. Throughout the. competition he has not lost one match In either- singles or doubles; He has won all his Ranking matches, and /suffered defeat, at • the 1 hands- of ■ only three Canterbury -players—- : Angas. Cant/ahdl Duffleld- The latter he has beaten twice. I .saw aR-thie matches this boy played m Wellington, and. can state i that Cant did not eliminate , him with , "comparative ease," as one of your misinfoltafed -correspondents ; would have it, The's£ore,-fras three sets to. one in -Cant’s'vfayoUr in a five-set match, andPattihson made Cant play well to beafhim.' For the benefit 6t your correspondent "To See to to Believe,” Fattinson beat I, A. Seay after he defeated - Roussell.To dispose of jtwo such-formidable .opponents ia hto

first attempt at the New Zealand men’s championship was no mean, feat for an 18ry.ear-old lad. Is t Corichto be considered better than Fattinson because he beat him three years ago? * And if they, played now, and Corich won, would he be considered better than Fattinson? If so,, then. Fattinson can be considered' to be' better than Wellington’s , best man, and surely worthy of a place in a junior team. , - - . Corich ■'is a-Very fine player,, but: why did he prefer to 'compete -in aholiday tourney at Tlmaru Prather.' than in the New Zealand champion-., ships at Wellington?' Why did he not show his keenness to improve himself by going .to Wellington and, meeting first-class players? Had he done, so, he .might have impressed the selectors, Fattinson deserves his selection, and I wish him the best of luck. —Yours, ;etc.,. ‘ ENTHUSIAST, Greymouth, February 16, 1936 i ■TO THE EDITOB OF THB PRESS. , . ' Sir,—ln reply to “Volley’s” letter, I would like to ask him if he knows what he' is talking about He. states that Fattinson has been on the ladder for a year and yet he thinks it isf too short a time to show his superiority over. Corich, in spite of his marvellous Improvement. He < also asks if Corich has made the same improve-ment.-.lt does pot need much consideration to answer a question like, that If Corich has not improved, 1 suppose we fiiust. consider some of his..outstanding matches and his ranking posi--tion mere “flukery,” Furthermore, 1 should like to correct a very misleading statement made}”by “Volley.” He states ; that a ago Corich lost to Fattinson in a -match on a private* court I 'do not know whom ' “Volley" was thinking about,but- -Corich - did not play Fattinson a few days- ago on a private, court and the only thpe Corich has lost, to Fattinson out of the four times they have met, was once in a practice game .at club courts.' If "Volley” is a keen follower; of tennis he should know that a practice match is no indication of Si player’s form. Perhaps this will give readers.a better idea'of, as "Volley"’ puts it, “Now, who Is the better player." . "Volley" that Corich should. £o> to Australia, but, not .at- the, -ex-, pense ofany other mmber ',of c ‘the tW« to ft- “dig" at ;my \ftrst ,f^; t t% .any member * of < tbe team should be; draped Corichrt , j leave 'the <to decide. * “Four years ago, when Fattinson was not half the player be is to-day, he If 88 beaten by/ fiorich iu jthe.th^.ggt,

5-7,” states ‘‘Volley.” Surelyhe does > not/ insinuate that Coridvs p|ay hak remained at the same standard as it • was four years aso.- ■/.•.'v'.-;•?- < In conclusion, I- think 'the majority .of tennis enthusiasts will be with ■ when I say, give a goodplfayer a good chance.—Yours; etc., ■ ,< ‘ SEN^OTE,:.BEST. J ■ February 17. 1936. ,