Badminton J. E. Robson Beaten For N.Z. Title

Press, Volume C, Issue 29609, 4 September 1961, Page 16

Badminton J. E. Robson Beaten For N.Z. Title

AUCKLAND, Sept. 3. D. B. Higgins (Wellington) on Saturday evening became the first New Zealand badminton player in 13 years to beat the 34-year-old J. E. Robson. At the New Zealand championships Higgins beat Robson, 15-10, 15-8. Robson won his first title in 1948 and had not lost one since. Higgins, at 27, knew that even his growing experience could not match Robson’s. But backed by incredible determination he also had great agility. Higgins took the score to 10-3. Then Robson began playing his short game exquisitely, dictating play and bringing his score to 9-11. Higgins held on and won 15-10. Robson began the next with cool determination. He led 5-3 before Higgins won the next five points in succession. He then conceded Robson only three to lead, 13-8, and a net shot took him to 14The match point of 12 years resulted from Higgins thrashing a winner straight at Robson. Higgins scored 150 points in the tournament and had 42 against. Only one game had gone as high as 10. Robson won the doubles with M. Cooke against Higgins and E. Harvey. The Robsons had a further success when Mrs Heather Robson held her singles title with impressive ease and the two of them gained yet another mixed doubles win. Results:— Men’s Singles.—D. B. Higgins (Wellington) beat J. E. Robson (Auckland), 15-10, 15-8. Women's Singles.—Mrs H. Robson (Auckland) beat Miss G. Tompkins (Wellington), 11-3. Men’s Doubles.—Robson and M. Cooke (Auckland) beat Higgins and E. Harvey (Welling ton), 3-15, 17-16, 15-6. Women’s Doubles.—Misses M. Moorhead (Taranaki) and G. Tompkins (Wellington) beat Mesdames V. Gow and A. Butterworth (Auckland). 15-13, 1511. Mixed Doubles.—Robson and Mrs Robson beat R. Purser (Auckland) and Miss Moorhead, 15- 15-2. Girls’ Singles.—Miss A. Glenle (Auckland) beat Miss G. Simpson (Auckland), 5-11, 11-2, 1310. Boys' Singles.—P. Boatwood (Canterbury) beat G. Jefferson (Waikato) 10-15, 15-10, 15-9. Girls’ Doubles.—Misses Glenle and Simpson beat Misses S. Johnston and E. Cavaye (Wellington). 15-5. 18-13. Boys’ Doubles.—B Young (Auckland) and P. ICke (Wai-

(New Zealand Press Association)

kato) beat W. Johns and D. Gillian (Auckland), 15-4. 10-15, 15-6. Mixed Doubles.—G. Jefferson (Waikato) and Miss B. Stott (Hawke's Bay) beat Boatwood and Miss Simpeon, 15-9, 15-6.