N.Z. PLAYERS’ MATCHES

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28929, 24 June 1959, Page 17

N.Z. PLAYERS’ MATCHES

Gerrard Still May Win

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) WIMBLEDON, June 22.

L A. Gerrard remains New Zealand's one possible hope of representing his country in tlie men’s singles at Wimbledon. After a little less than two hours' play in his match against N. B. Nette (Australia) it was decided to abandon the contest because of failing light, and to resume tomorrow afternoon. When play stopped Nette had won the first set, 11-9, and Gerrard the second set, 6-3. The score in tlie third set is 6-6.

The other New Zealand representatives, M. A. Otway and B. E. Woolf, were both beaten, Otway by R Hewitt (Australia), who won in straight sets. 6-4, 6-4, 6-0, and Woolf oy M. G. Davies (Britain's ranking number two), who won, 6-1, 6-8, 6-4. 6-2.

Gerrard played steadily if unspectacularlv Otway’s game was poor. Woolf made a most stalwart effort with one exciting phase of brilliance, but he could not sustain it. Otway said after the match the reason he played so below form was that there bad been a recurrence of his back trouble He thought he may have injured a muscle again, and intended to have an X-ray as soon as possible.