N.Z. Tennis Team Won 22 Titles

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31167, 17 September 1966, Page 17

N.Z. Tennis Team Won 22 Titles

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. The New Zealand junior tennis team returned from Britain yesterday after playing in 26 tournaments in less than five months. With the team captain, L. A. Gerrard, they won 22 titles. The team —B. E. Fairlie (Auckland), O. Parun (Wellington) and K. Woolcott (Hutt Valley)—was in Britain from April 12 to September 10.

“As a build-up for the national under-21 championship in England we played in a to rnament in Framlingham, on the East Coast,” said Parun.

“We would get up early and go for a three-mile run each day. Then we would practice for three or four hours, play matches in the tournament, and then go for another run in the evening.

“The running, practising, playing routine was a common part of our daily life in England.

“I improved after Wimbledon. especially in my ground strokes,” said Parun.

“I certainly enjoyed the chance to play tennis fulltime and think I can improve a lot more yet.” Woolcott said that the tour had been a great experience.

“I think I gained most in confidence. As the tour progressed and I learned the hardcourt game, I hit my shots much more confidently.” Compete As Senior In Auckland, Fairlie said that he had high hopes of returning to Wimbledon next year, to compete in the senior section. Fairlie, who was runner-up

in the junior boys’ section this year, said that it was a tremendous thrill to play at Wimbledon, but he was exceedingly nervous to begin with. “But the crowds and courts were good, and I would very much like to go back,” he said. Fairlie’s main success in the tournaments was his singles win over the British player, M. Cox. He won five singles titles, was runner-up in two events, and won two under-21 titles, besides other doubles and mixed wins. Three-Year Plan The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association required the team to be available for three years, if required, to play the overseas circuit. Parun Intends to rest for three weeks before restarting practice, Woolcott will have at least a week's rest before he returns to the court, and Fairlie plans a fortnight relaxing and playing golf. After this break they will start training for the Australian circuit, returning for the New Zealand tournaments in the middle of December.