Table Tennis SECOND TEST TO JAPAN

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29239, 24 June 1960, Page 15

Table Tennis SECOND TEST TO JAPAN

New Zealand Beaten, 5-0

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 23. The Japanese world champion table tennis players won the second test against New Zealand. 5-0, in the Lower Hutt Town Hall tonight. Miss K. Matsuzaki and Miss K. Yamaizumi consistently took the first ball there was a chance of killing—and most of these shots went in.

A full house of almost 900 saw the New. Zealand players—Miss J. M. Williamson, Miss C. Packwood and Miss N.- Davis—try everything they knew, but they could not hustle the visitors.

At one time only did the visitors look likely to lose a set. In her first set against Miss Matsuzaki, Miss Williamson led 9-5. but the Japanese girl smashed her way back to a 21-12 victory. In the following games the visitors’ power-packed smashing, delicately-placed placements, and exquisite drop shots proved too much for the New Zealanders. A favourite of the crowd was Neti Davis, aged 16, who made New Zealand table tennis history tonight. She is the youngest player, man or woman, to represent New Zealand in an international table tennis match. She partnered Miss Williamson in the doubles. This match, though won easily by the visitors, had some uncanny rallies. There were gasps of astonishment when from seemingly impossible positions the New Zealand girls returned hard-driven balls. In an exhibition game after the test the visitors demonstrated a variety of shots, and their lightning half-volleys at speeds almost beyond the capacity of the human eye to follow kept the crowd simmering with excitement. The visitors’ form indicated that the New Zealand teams in the next two tests will be extended to win even a set.

Results:—Miss K. Matsuzaki beat Miss B. Pack wood, 21-10, 21-11; Miss K. Yamaizumi beat Miss J. Williamson, 21-9, 21-12; Miss Yamaizumi beat Miss Packwood, 21-6, 21-7; Miss Matsuzaki beat Miss Williamson, 2112. 21-3; Misses Matsuzaki and Yamaizumi beat Misses Williamson and Davis. 21-7, 21-7.