N.Z. player has win in table tennis test

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32971, 18 July 1972, Page 16

N.Z. player has win in table tennis test

<N«io Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON.

J. Morris (North Auckland) became the first New Zealander to beat one of the visiting Chinese table tennis players when he had a 2-1 victory at the Lower Hutt Town Hall last evening.

However, Morris’s win against Chou Chih-chun did not prevent China from winning the second test, 3-1.

The international was again restricted to four singles clashes, but as well there were “friendship” mixed-doubles matches, and exhibitions by the Chinese. All the Chinese players used pen-grip styles although they have several Westernstyled players in the team.

The Chinese showed great agility, lightning reflexes and an ability to close the game up whenever the New Zealanders tried to dominate.

SUPERB WIN The match of the evening was undoubtedly Morris’s superb win against Chou Chih-chun, 16-21, 21-19, 21-19. In the first set, it was apparent that Chou was the sharper hitter of the visitors, and he never looked in danger of losing However, Morris gave some indication of things to come when he was occasionally able to produce his fluent forehand kill. In the second set, Morris also appeared to be in trouble, particularly as he faulted twice at crucial stages. But some loose play by Chou, including two false serves towards the end of the set, enabled Morris to take the game. Spurred on by a crowd sensing an upset, Morris looked confident throughout the set, and play seesawed until Morris led, 13-12.

TOP-SPIN DRIVE He then produced some brilliant top-spin drives which had Chou in trouble and enabled Morris to snatch an 18-12 lead Early in the set, Morris was disconcerted by some heavy spin serves, but towards the end he reversed the trend. This was reflected in the way the Chinese repeatedly glanced at the score card as he fell behind.

The Chinese tightened his play and earned applause when he produced six straight winners and appeared settled for victory. But Morris fought back weU to gain the last three points with his flowing forehand loop drive, and deservedly won. MRS TRAILL BEATEN Yu Chln-chia beat Mrs N.

Traill, seven times the New Zealand women’s champion, 21-11, 21-19. A top-spin attack by the Chinese player forced Mrs Traill who has recently recovered from injuries suffered in a car accident, to defend desperately throughout. Yu Chln-chla’s best shot was a stunning forehand kill.

Ou Sheng-llen beat G. Murphy > (Hamilton), 21-11, 21-17. ■ Ou’s game was based upon ac- . curate control, and he displayed > great ability to complete a rally i with drives from either wing. However, he favoured his backhand, the best seen throughout the night, often leaving Murphy completely outplayed, and just as often leaving him with no

idea of the type of spin he was employing, Cheng beat Miss A. Stonestreet. 21-18. 21-15, in thia game Both players revelled in fast over-the-t*ble counter* driving. Miss Stonestreet appeared at least the equal of her opponent in power, but could not match Miss Cheng's placement and accuracy.