RISK TO EYES STOPS TITLES

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31023, 31 March 1966, Page 15

RISK TO EYES STOPS TITLES

(New. Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. Because of a risk of injury to competitors’ eyesight, the senior men’s and women’s slalom events in the New Zealand water ski-ing championships were cancelled yesterday.

The events were part of the opening day of the 1966 zone world championships incorporating the national events.

Strong, steady rain and a fresh easterly wind made conditions rough at Orakei Basin. The decision to postpone the senior slalom events was made immediately after the running of the boys’ and girls’ slalom. The rain was considered a threat' to the competitors, who would reach more than 60 miles an hour during their runs over the slalom course. Rain beating straight into their faces on one of the runs, it was said, could blind a competitor. Record Points Score Mrs S. Wiggleworth (Auckland) was in good form in the senior women’s trick event, her total of 3181 points breaking the previous best points score set by Mrs D. Swiggs (Wellington) by more than 53 points. Her husband, J. Wigglesworth, finished second in the men’s event. The Canterbury skier. Miss C. Willetts, won her fourth successive title in the girls’ trick event. The New Zealand ski jump champion, V. Bullivant, of Canterbury, who injured his ribs when he fell during a practice jump on Tuesday, is

still undecided whether he will be fit enough to compete in the national jump event today. He was awaiting a doctor’s report on his injury. Results:—

Senior Men’s Trick.—S, Douglas (Auckland), 573, 1: .1, Wiggleswortli (Auckland), 5021 2; M. Lester (Auckland), 4791, 3

Senior Women’s Tricks.—S. Wigglesworth (Auckland). 3181, 1; E. Bright (Auckland), 1921, 2 L. Butler (Canterbury) 176. 3.

Boys’ Tricks.—G. Mundell (Auckland), 906, 1; W. Ruske (Canterbury), 853. 2: A. Coombes (Canterbury). 459, 3.

Girls’ Tricks.—P. Carmichael (Auckland), 81, 1; C. Willetts (Canterbury) and V. Jack (Waikato). 41 (equal), 2.

Girls’ Slalom.—,C. Willets (Canterbury),.s2l, 1: C. Gardiner (Canterbury), 2771, 2; K. Holden (Auckland) 2491, 3.