EXHIBITION BY HUNGARIANS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22201, 18 September 1937, Page 6

EXHIBITION BY HUNGARIANS

BRILLIANT DISPLAY OF TABLE TENNIS LOCAL PLAYERS OUTCLASSED Table tennis held a new and growing fascination for the several hundreds of enthusiasts who packed the Choral Hall to see the Hungarian experts playing last evening. The speed, precision, variety of shots, and brilliant recoveries draw gasps and applause front the many for whom the game took on a new form as they watched the exhibition match at the conclusion of the evening, in which M, Szabados beat I. Kelen, 21-16, 14-21, 21-17, 13-21, 21-14. In essence, the game of the Hungarians did not differ from that of the local players; but the amazing anticipation, the speed of the drives (both backhand and forehand), the accurate chops, heavy cuts, and slices, their ability te turn defence to winning attack, their agility in covering their table, and their seemingly impossible recoveries, made the Canterbury players and the Canterbury game seem ridiculous. Only one of the games between local players and the visitors provided an even battle —that between Messrs F. and H. Levenbach and the Hungarians, and here the closeness of the scores could be attributed to the Levenbach brothers (the Canterbury doubles champions) having learnt to play in Germany. In the singles, M. McGiliivray did well to hold Szabados down to a victory of 21-11, 21-10. but the Hungarian was able to make his own pace. The game between C. Angas and Kelen, however, reduced itself to a farce, Kelen winning the first set 21-1, and losing only one shot, which he put out. None of the rallies went to more than three strokes. Kelen finishing w'ith a lightning backhand or forehand which left Angas standing. In the second set Kelen did not worry, and Angas made superhuman efforts to return shots, the score ending 21-14 In Kelen’s favour. In the one mixed double in which toe Hungarians played, their sliced and spun serves and fast rallies made the efforts of their partners appear a little ludicrous. Results of the games on the programme were:— Singles—M. McGiliivray beat M. J. Souter, 21-16, 17-21, 22-20; Szabados beat McGiliivray, 21-11, 21-10; Kelen beat Angas, 21-1, 21-14. Men’s Doubles —Szabados and Kelen beat Levenbach and Levenbach, 21-11. 21-17; Szabados and F. Levenbach beat Kelen and McGiliivray. 21-13, 21-3. Mixed Doubles—Szabados and Miss B. Rushbrook lost to Kelen and Mrs F. Muir-

sou. 21-12. 14-21. 15-21; S. Barron and M:-s L. Johnston beat V. Cowper and Miss I. Morrison, 21-18, 22-20. Tiie highlight of the programme was the exhibition match between the two visitors, and it was in this that the pair showed their skill. Matched evenly, they produced rallies which became endless duels. Kclen used a flashing backhand and a heavily top-spun forehand, and showed himself to be a master at drop-shots made o/f fast and slow balls 'like Szabados was a contrast. Sometimes 12 feet back from the table and five feet out from the sideline, he would wait for the bounce to spend itself and return the ball, almost as it reached the floor, in a net-sklmmtng cut. His steadiness and superb recoveries were the antithesis of Helen’s brilliance and smashing drives. It was significant that most of the rallies ended in a shot which missed the edge of the table by a fraction of an Inch or which tipped the net and was deflected. As the scores show, the difference In points at the end of five sets was one point, the players scoring: Szabados 90. and ICelen 89. HUNGARIANS WELCOMED More than one smile was caused at the private reception given to the two visiting Hungarian table-tennis players in the City Council Chambers yesterday, when one of the visitors referred to the Mayor (Mr J. W. Beanland) as ‘‘Lord Mayor.” In welcoming the visitors to the citv, Mr Beanland explained that New Zealanders were able to devote much time to sport because of the shorter working week. Although table tennis had not been played extensively in the Dominion, It was not a new sport here, he added, though tiie visit of the two experts would do much to encourage the game being played more. Mr Szabados and he had been greatly impressed by their travels in the British Empire. Mr Helen said. When they left home, they had felt they were going a long way from home: but they had soon lound that they were alwavs at home The people were like the white and sport-loving. To further the sport of table tennis was his ambition. Mr Szabados said. He felt that their visit would be valuable and he hoped so devoutly.