Good field of skiers

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32702, 3 September 1971, Page 30

Good field of skiers

The most talented field of skiers to be assembled so far this season will contest the Coronet Cup, at Coronet Peak, near Queenstown, tomorrow and Sunday. On the improvement made by last year’s national champions, C. Womersley and Miss R. Willis, on the European and United States circuits last winter, the titles are virtually theirs.

Womersley was by far the best skier -in New Zealand last season, and he has improved his general ability even more and must now rate very near world-class.

Miss Willis gave a brilliant display when she won the Porter Heights Trophy race three weeks ago; her combined times over two

runs being superior to that of any of the men who completed both runs. R. Ewington, T. Stewart, and J- Armstrong, all of whom had experience of overseas racing last northern winter, have been included in the field, and the duel for the minor placings—provided Womersley can complete both the slalom tomorrow and the giant slalom on Sunday without mishap—should be absorbing. S. Rutherford and P. Tocker are two skiers who have shown a marked improvement this season, and other prominent names like B. Hansen and the brothers, M. and W. Gardner, are in the list of 31 starters for the two men’s events.

Miss M. Blakeley, who was succeeded as national champion by Miss Willis last year is among the 13 entrants in

both women’s events. There was little between these two last season, and it will be interesting to note if the situation applies again this season. A young skier. Miss B. John, who also spent last winter in Europe is included along with Mrs S. Fels (nee Ryan) and Miss S. Willis, a sister of Robyn. ’ The Mount Cook and Southern Lakes Tourist Company, the sponsor, has made great efforts to stage the event, which is now one of the major races on the New Zealand ski calendar. After having to postpone the event once this season because of lack of snow, it is hoped the weather will hold to give the skiers much needed competition before the national championships at Mount Ruapehu in 10 days.