Return of Yeoh adds lustre to table tennis series

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33068, 8 November 1972, Page 14

Return of Yeoh adds lustre to table tennis series

(By

R. L. SCHUMACHER)

The return of Yeoh Keat Chye (University) to the premier grade will arouse considerable interest in the summer table tennis competition, which begins this evening. Studies have prevented Yeoh from appearing for the last two seasons, but in limited apeparances in the winter competition last year he won 19 of his 21 singles. He was seeded fourth on the Canterbury ranking list in 1970 and fifth in 1971. Yeoh was considered by observers to have more potential than the New Zealand-ranked pair, Ling Nan Ming and Loke Sim Wong. He is very keen to resume competitive playing this summer and, if available. should issue a strong challenge for a place in the provincial team next winter.

Yee Chow Boi, who made an auspicious debut in the senior grade by losing only seven of his 38 matches, and the improving P. Loh will assist Yeoh in an attempt to wrest the initiative from Avonside, the holder of both summer and winter titles. Avonside will field three of the eight teams in the competition, and the club will rely on the number one combination to retain the championship. In keeping with its policy last summer, Avonside has divided its teams so that each is of similar strength. However, because the brilliant defensive player, B. T. Cross, is in the first team it automatically becomes the strongest contender. A South Island representative this year, Cross contributed much to the Canterbury men’s first success in the national teams’ championship and deserved his sixth position on the New Zealand rankings. Cross will be supported by L. A. Stewart, who last season showed glimpses of

the form that gave him Otago representative honours before he transferred north. These two will have to gain a large proportion of wins, for the other members, J. W. Yates and the promoted B. Wilson, may be struggling to achieve many singles victories, although they could prove useful partners in doubles play. Selwyn, which has retained the team that finished third in the winter series, may be capable of improving on that placing. In fact, the over-all depth of the Selwyn side could be a telling factor. V. N. Brightwell, W. T. Scott and H. P. Holt performed extremely well during the winter competition and all finished with a winning percentage of more than 60. The defensive J. Baxter will be an able substitute should his services be needed. While it is hard to envisage any team other than University, Avonside I

and Selwyn disputing the championship, there should be a keen contest for the middle placings. Avonside 111 has the potential to cause an upset if M. J. Warren, G. J. Rhind and Mrs T. May hit top form. They comprise a very capable, but equally inconsistent, trio. W. D. Adamson, a talented junior, will be the strength of Riccarton I, and the Avonside II and Linwood teams seem well balanced, if lacking outstanding players. Riccarton II consists of three juniors — C. A. Waines, Miss P. A. Marks and A. Armstrong. They will find it difficult to score points but should derive much benefit from playing in senior company. The competition will not be without a tinge of regret. Two established clubs, Wallabies and Daliington, have failed to enter a team for the first time in many years, and the respected veteran, J. Armstrong, is absent from the Riccarton sides.