TIMARU TITLES

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28167, 4 January 1957, Page 4

TIMARU TITLES

CANTERBURY JUNIOR’S SUCCESS (From Our Own Reporter) UMARU, January 3. Miss G. Hopkinson. Canterbury's second junior, won the final of the South Canterbury women's singles lawn tennis championship at Maori Park this morning, when she beat the 16-year-old Souter twin, Denise. 6-0. 6-3.

Miss Hopkinson, who is making the most of her last year in junior ranks, was in complete control from the outset. She dictated the trend ol play, punching away winners with regularity. Her advantage of two years’ more experience was evident in that she made the most of her opportunities. On the other hand. Miss Souter appeared nervous and overawed by the occasion of contesting a senior final. She concentrated in returning the bail only and remained close to the baseline throughout the match. She had several opportunities of capitalising on linelv-angled, deep drives by racing to the net for volley or smash winners, but too often Miss Hopkinson was able to recover and regain the initiative.

The Canterbury girl served powerfully, diove down both wings with pace and accuracy, and volleyed well from the forecourt. Miss Souter tried a series of lobs In an attempt to keep her opponent from the net, but the ball was continually overhit and landed over the baseline. Miss Hopkinson has had a good season to date. Last week she won the Southland and South Island titles, and at Timaru she has won the women's singles. the girls’ singles, the mixed doubles (with G. Judge, of Canterbury), and the women’s doubles (with Miss M. Johnson. of Wellington).

B. Shirlaw and Miss G. Hopkinson (Canterbury) beat E. Kirklard (Otago) and Miss M. Johnson (Wellington), 6-4, 6-2, 6-2, in the final of the mixed doubles championships. It was a tame affair and the playe s, all juniors, were upset by the gusty south-east wind.