LAWN TENNIS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22338, 28 February 1938, Page 8

LAWN TENNIS

QUIST GIVES FINE i EXHIBITION ■ <t MATCHES AT WILDING PARK LESSONS TAUGHT BY FAMOUS TLAYER tßy CROSSCOURT.I Adrian K. Quist, Australian Davis Cup player, and one of the leading amateurs in the world, gave Canterbury lawn tannis enthusiasts some valuable lessons on the game at Wilding Park on Saturday afternoon; and many were willing to learn. Low admission charges and perfect weather attracted nearly 800 players and followers of the game to the exhibition matches by Quist and leading provincial players, and, in addition, some 200 inter-club competition players took time off from their own matches to see the distinguished visitor in action. They were not disappointed. Quist, who is on holiday in New Zealand, and is resting after a strenuous Australian season, made far more mistakes than is expected of a man who has beaten such great players as J. D. Budge, H. W. Austin, and G. von Cramm, but he himself was obviously far more critical ■ of his own efforts than were spectators. For in both singles and doubles,! Quist showed himself the complete player, master of every shot and every strategy. Spectacular volleying and smashing were the real strength of his play, although his service and ground strokes were consistently though unobtrusively aggressive, and played with the greatest accuracy to the full limits of the court. The Canterbury players rose to the occasion, and contributed to a very successful afternoon. The results were as follows: — Singles A. K. Quist (Australia) beat C. Angas (Canterbury), 6-4, 6-2, 6-8, 7-5. Doubles Quist (Australia) and H. Dymond (Canterbury) beat Angas and H. A. Barnett (Canterbury), 6-4. 8-0, 6-1. The matches were played on the central stadium court at Wilding Park, and-although the groundsman had had to prepare it at short notice, it was in really magnificent condition—very fast and beautifully true'. The Australian was very pleased with its playing qualities. There was a fairly strong north-east wind when the singles match began, but it moderated considerably before the match was half over. Control of Smash and Volley Quist's game has changed little in its essentials since he was here four years ago. Blessed with sound ground strokes, the necessary basis of any stroke equipment, lie has been able to develop his volleying powers to the extent of becoming one of the most brilliant volleyers of the modern game. The most impressive feature of his methods in volleying and smashing was his complete control of the ball. As indicated before, he made mistakes. but his strokes were so fluently and confidently produced that the errors which came from his racket always invoked a feeling of surprise. His smashing was not devastatingly severe, but the ball always went to within inches of the side-lines, and his opponent seldom was allowed a reply. The stroke was made with a full butvery leisurely swing of the racket, with complete rotation of hips and shoulders, and the head of the racket invariably passed over the lop of the ball, bringing it down into court with unfailing control. Quist allowed the head of the racket to go into the ball in exactly the same way when executing low volleys. "Executing" is an appropriate word, for seldom have Wilding Park audiences seen a volleyer kill his shots outright, as Quist did on Saturday. In Angas he was opposed by one of the fastest court-coverers in New Zealand, yet the Canterbury man was seldom able to get his racket near the ball when Quist cut off the returns with crisp and perfectly-angled volleys. Those shots played above the level of the netcord were hit perfectly fiat; very low volleys carried just enough under-spin to give an extra measure of control. The former was usually an outright winner; the latter, at the worst, a prelude to a winning volley or smash from the next return. Well-balanced Game The rest of Quist's game is built on orthodox lines. For a comparatively short man his service is particularly severe, It is well varied, too, ranging from an almost flat-hit cannonball to a heavily top-spun "kicker," but the most remarkable thing about it was the consistency with which he served on to the chalk lines. His forehand carries little spin, but his backhand is the well-controlled slice which is used by so many of the leading players of the present day. Again the correctness of footwork and body rotation were models for any player to copy. Actually it was probably the slight sluggishness of footwork that comes when a player is not in match-playing trim that caused most of Quist's mistakes, but the method was there to be seen and studied, just the same. Short, but perfectly built, Quist is an engaging figure on the court. That he has a perfect temperament lor the game is shown by his record overseas. How he carried Australia to victory against the United States two years ago in spite of being footfaulted repeatedly throughout his three matches, tells its story of a temperument not easily ruffled.; Still, champion lawn tennis players must have some "safety-valve" to relievo the terrific nervous strain under which they play in important matches. Quist talks to himself, holding informal inquests on missed shots; playing the stroke over again as a golfer sometimes does after a missed putt. And all the time his normally dolorous countenance wears an expression of the most intense .concern. A serious young man on the court, he nevertheless has a ready word of praise for a good stroke by his opponent. Fine Doubles Match Angas showed really good form, especially in the first, third, and fourth sets. In fact the only set he did not have a good chance of winning was the second, but the ability to win points when they are most needed of course is one of the chief differences between a world ranking player and an ordinarily good player, even when the latter is a New Zealand champion. Angas drove soundly throughout, even on the forehand, usually the less certain of his ground strokes, tested Quist's volleying with splendid passing shots, volleyed well himself, and made many brilliant recoveries. He led 4-1 in the first set and 5-1 in the fourth, and the Australian had to play his best to save the set in each case.

The doubles was a splendid match, full of scintillating rallies. Angas and Barnett have not played together for some seasons, and the disadvantages of having two such energetic "retrievers" together were seen in occasional misunderstandings over centrecourt balls and lobs, but on the whole they teamed well. Dymond was con-

tent to leave more than half the court to his partner, but supported him more than adequately. Quist played in the left court, retaining this position even to the extent of playing the so-called "American" formation when serving. His ground shots were well calculated to force defensive volleys from his opponents, and the manner in which he pounced on these returns and punched his own volleys down the centre of the court was a revelation. His skill in retrieving lobs and sending them back deep to his opponents' base-line was another notable feature of his doubles play. Quist has held the Wimbledon doubles title with J. H. Crawford, and it was easy to understand on Saturday how he has gained the reputation of being one of the world's leading doubles players.

THE DAVIS CUP TEAM

Suggested Reversal Of Decision CLAIMS OF C. ANGAS TO INCLUSION (By CROSSCOURT.) The brief telegraph message from Wellington a few days ago suggesting that the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association may reconsider its decision not to send a Davis Cup team away this year is welcome news, but the suggested personnel of the team will find little favour outside Wellington. A D Brown, of Auckland, the New Zealand champion, has clearly earned , the honour, but there are several players with infinitely stronger claims than D C. Coombe (Wellington), the | other man mentioned in the message. The Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association should lose no time in pressing the claims of its own nominee, C Angas, who since the New Zealand championships has shown that he is still inferior to none in New Zealand with the exception of A. C. Stedman, recently returned from a long sojourn in England, but unfortunately not available for this year's Davis Cup team. In the Wilding Shield match against Auckland Angas convincingly beat Brown, and lost only two games in two sets to J. T. Mayson, another young player in the running for the tour and one with .stronger claims than Coombe has. On Saturday Angas maintained his splendid record of performances against overseas players by extending .the famous Australian Davis Cup player, A. K. Quist. who afterwards praised Iho Canterbury man's play. Quisl's Advice incidentally, Quist is emphatic that New Zealand should take the opportunity of sending young players away for experience in Davis Cup matches, especially as their travelling expenses are paid from the international Davis Cup travelling fund. The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association apparently decided to consider nominations for the team chiefly in the light of form shown in the New Zealand championships. Quist expressed the view that a more satisfactory method would have been to hold a series of trial matches in one centre. He has seen too little of the play of resident New Zealand players to form opinions, but he has seen Coombe in action overseas and he has played against Angas. If the choice should lie between these two, the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association would be well advised to seek Quist'3 opinion on their relative merits. Angas, of course, is not a young player, but the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association's chief difllculty seems to be in finding u man of experience to accompany Brown. Naturally it is reluctant, now that Stedman has withdrawn, to s'.-nd a comparative .youngster like Brown away to Europe on his own. And there is much to be said for Ihc principle ol sending the best team, regardless of age. Brown Sl'ould be Encouraged New Zealand's team, of course, must be weakened terribly by the loss of Stedman, who is regarded in England as second only to 11. W. Austin, and it is a matter ol doubt whether the sending of a team is justified. C. E. Malfroy, still resident in England, is available, but in the singles, at least,' he is well below Slndman's high standard. Brow.i, however, is undoubtedly Ihe man who may help to keep New Zealand on the lawn tennis map in the future, and the New Zenland Lawn Tennirj Association must bear in mind the value to him of such u tour.

Coornbc has already been well treated by Hie New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association, and there was much criticism of his inclusion in last year's Davis Cup team. The tour appears to have improved his game but little, and his record this season gives l.im no claim to further consideration. It will be remembered that, Coombe was sent overseas after the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association had already decided that no player in the New Zealand championships had shown form justifying inclusion in the Davis Cup team. The writer applauded the reversal of that decision on the general principle that players should be given every chance of securing overseas experience.

Angas has given longer service to the game in New Zealand than any of the present candidates, and, with the exception of Brown, has the best qualifications for Davis Cup representation. His ability in doubles alone must commend him very strongly.

Cvxntet'biu'y would r\o\, be Ihy only province to be dissatisfied iC Coombe wore chosen again, but the controlling body in this province should make its views clear before the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association moves any further. The latter body may, as it did last year, make a surprise reversal of its earlier decision, after which no amount of protesting will be any use. The Canterbury Association must not allow itself to be faced again with what the diplomats call a fait accompli.

NORTH CANTERBURY SUB-ASSOCIATION

FINAL OF WOMEN'S DOUBLES DECIDED

The women's final was decided and the men's semi-finals were completed in the North Canterbury Lawn Tennis Sub-As-sociation's handicap doubles tournament at Rangiora on Saturday afternoon. Results: — . „ .

Women's Doubles—Semi-final: Misses E. A. Archer and E. Hargreaves (owe 15) beat Misses J. Devlin and E. Davidson (owe 30), 9-3; Misses L. Crawford and N. Chinnery (owe 15) beat Misses C. Watkins and B. Archer (owe 13), 0-6. Final: Misses Crawford and Chinnery beat Misses Archer and Hargreaves 9-7. Men's Doubles —Third round: M. McNally and M. Stringer (scr) beat A. G. van Asch and E. D. Fleming (owe 30), 9-3; L. Robson and, R. L. Livingstone (owe 15) beat D. Henderson and L. Briggs (owe 15), 9-6. Semi-finals: H. J. Benjes and V. Corbett (owe 30) beat McNally and Stringer, 9-8; Robson and Livingstone beat R. Bellinger and A. Shepherd (owe 15), 9-4.

INTER-CLUB GAMES

RESULTS OF SATURDAY'S PLAY Following are the results of matches in th«» Canterbury Lawn Tennis Association s inter-club competitions on Saturday afternoon:- a grade Section II Shirley beat Sumner by 10 sets to 6. Linwood beat Rlccarton by 9 sets to 7. Avonside beat North Beach by 10 sets to 6 " Section 111 St James' beat Cathedral by 12 sets to 1. Waimairi beat St. Albans by 9 sets to 'Barrington beat Edgeware by 11 sets t0 5 - B GRADE Section I Linwood beat St. Mary's by 11 sets to 5. North Linwood beat Opawa by 12 sets to Woolston beat Shirley by 10 sets to 6. St. James' beat Burwood Park by 95 games to 91. & Section II •Elmwood beat Cathedral by 12 sets to 2. North Linwood beat Opawa by 12 sets to 4. lo C GRADE North Beach beat Edgeware by 10 sets to ß 6 lccarton beat Fcndalton by 11 sets to Barrington beat Avonside by 9 sets to 7. REPRESENTATIVE GAME AT ASHBURTON CANTERBURY BEATS COMBINED SUB-ASSOCIATIONS Canterbury gained a victory by a substantial margin in a tennis match played isalnst the combined sub-associations at iA?hburton on Saturday Conditions weie sultry The standard of play throughout was very good-and most of the matches wpre evenly contested. The match was won by Canterbury by 19 DetaHs ieS ( Canterbury names mentioned fi Men's' Singles—H. C. Hill beat P. McLauehlan 6-2, 6-0; L. Morris beat E. Bryant G-3 3-6 B-l; V. Hammond lost to L. owa kins 2-6 2-6 J. W. Mosley beat W. ?: Wtkins,' 6-2 5-e: 0-2: E. A. Lee lost to E. Watson, 6-0, 5-6. 3-6; R. Davis lost to H Reid 4-6, 2-6, J. K. Burtt lost to J. B. Coward, 2-6, 2-6; C. N. Franklin beat T. Fr Worn 6 e"n's Singles—Mrs, Blank beat Miss E. Meredith. 6-lj, 6-2; Mrs V C. Browne beat Mrs D. Dickens 6-2 6-2; Mrs L. Beale beat Mrs Fraser. 6-4. 6-3; Miss S. Andeison beat Mrs Vaughan 6-0, 6-1; Miss M. Dryden lost to Miss H. Harper, 4-6. 5-6 Miss L. Manning beat Mrs Hart. 6-4. 6-4; Mrs R. Sullivan beat Miss Watkins. 6-3. 6-0- Miss L. Johnstone beat Mrs N. Robilliard, 6-5, 6-1. . t Men's Doubles—Hill and Morns lost „o McLauchlan and Bryant. 2-6. 4-6; Franklin and Hammond lost to Watkins and Coward. 5-6, 6-3, 3-6; Mosley and Lee lost to Free and Watson, G-3, 4-6. 5-7; Davis and Burtt lost to Reld and Watkins, 1-6, 1-6. Women's Doubles—Mesdames Blank and Browne beat Miss Meredith and Mrs Dickens, 6-3, 6-3; Mrs Beale and Miss Anderson beat Mrs Fraser and Miss Watkins, 6-5 6-3- Misses Dryden and Manning beat Miss Harper and Mrs Robilliard. 6-5, 3-6, 6-2; Mrs Sullivan and Miss Johnstone beat Mesdames Vaughan and Hart, 6-1 6-4 Mixed Doubles—Morris and Mrs Blank beat McLauchlan and Miss Meredith, 1-6, 0-2, 6-2: Franklin and Mrs Beale lost to Bryant and Mrs Dickens, 6-5, 3-6, 4-6; Hi!) and Mrs Browne lost to Watkins and Miss Watkins, G-5, 2-6, 7-9; Hammond and Miss Dryden brat Free and Mrs Vaughan, 3-6. (5-5. 7-5; Moslev and Miss Manning lost to Coward and Miss Harper. 4-6 1-6; Lee and Miss Anderson beat. Reld and Mrs Hart. 0-4, 6-4; Davis and Mrs Sullivan lost to Watson and Mrs Fraser, 6-5. 4-6, 1-0; Burtt and Mrs Johnstone lost to Watkins and Mi'h Robilliard, 0-5, 4-6. 4-6.

N.Z. GIRLS WIN IN CHAMPIONSHIPS

NO LOSSES AGAINST JUNIORS

OF SYDNEY

(O.'tTED fHESS ASSOCIATION'— COPTKIGBT.)

(Received February 27. 10.35 p.m.)

SYDNEY, February 27. The New Zealand girl tennis players nlavpd in the Junior tennis championships on 'Saturday. Matches resulted:—

SINGLES (Under 21 years) Miss Beverley (New Zealand) beat Miss Mis/bouthett." (New' Zealand) beat Miss Pivey, 6-1. 0-4. (Under W years) Miss Armstrong (New Zealand) beat Miss Barnes, 6-3, 6-1. (Under 17 years) Miss Hodges (New Zealand) beat Miss MisifSvilHon' (New Zealand) beat Miss JC Thc nS Ncw ' Zealand girls to-day met a (earn from the New South Wales Hard Court Association, with the following reSU M S |s7 Cooke (New Zealand) beat Miss Coleburne, 6-3. 6-0; Miss Kelso beat Miss Hodges (New Zealand), 6-3, 8-6; Mrs Morcan beat Miss Armstrong (New Zealand), S-'i 7-.V Miss Rice beat Muss Douthett (New Zealand), 6-0. 6-2; Miss Beverley (New Zealand) beat Miss Stebbing, 6-4, 3-6, 7-5; Miss Wilson (New Zealand) beat Miss Prior, 6-1, 8-6. UKI'ENDABLE RACQUETS. Alexander racquets, including the famous "Night Eagle" at 00s. are always reliable from The Tennis Shop, 127 Armagh street Restrings. three months' guarantee, 12s Gd. 17s 6d. 255. 30s, and 355. —1 •lvnnis Rackets or Balls. Golf Clubs or Balls Cricket Bats. Pads, or Balls. Croquet Mallets, make acceptable and Pleasing Gifts You can get a splendid assortment of all these presents at varied prices from the Canterbury Sports Depot, 113 Cashel street, next Whitcombe and Tombs. Call and see them. —6