WOMEN'S BADMINTON TEAM MAY TOUR IN 1959

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28436, 16 November 1957, Page 5

WOMEN'S BADMINTON TEAM MAY TOUR IN 1959

VEW Zealand’s two entries in the Thomas Cup badminton competition, in 1955 and 1957, have both ended in first-round elimination. In view of this, it seems appropriate that the country’s next venture into the international field should be in the- . women’s competition, for the Über Cup. This trophy has only been In existence for about three years, but it is already eagerly sought by many nations. The opinion has been expressed that New Zealand’s women players are, in comparison with world gtandards. better than her men.

For instance, in the Whyte Trophy match against Australia in July, New Zealand lost 11-5. The five games won included the four women s singles, and one women's doubles. All the men’s and combined events were lost. This has been happening in matches against Australia for several seasons now.

and it is time that our women players were given an opportunity to play in international competition. New Zealand considered making an entry in the Über Cup competition in 1956, but, because of the non-availability of the two top players, Mrs H. Robson and Miss S. Cox, the plans were cancelled. The same conditions will obtain in respect to the next entry, and prospective team-members will be shortly asked to say whether or not they will be available. Malayan students at present in i New Zealand agree that this | country’s women are better than [ those of Malaya, the home of! badminton. However. England.; Denmark and the United States have strong teams. Of the pros-! pective members of the New Zea-; land team. Miss S. Cox has held' the national title for the last five! years. Mrs H. Robson has had extensive overseas experience, and should prove a strong second player. Miss N. Fleming has* been one of the country’s best players for many years. In 1949 she took a set from Mrs Über, who is generally recognised as being the best woman player ever. Assuming all thee are available, the remaining one or two should come from the promising younger players. Misses A. Mackenzie. G. Hopkinson. and S. Field, and Mrs A. Butterworth.