Hawkes adds another victim to long list

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33425, 5 January 1974, Page 30

Hawkes adds another victim to long list

(N.Z, Press Association—Copyright) WELLINGTON. R. N. Hawkes, the “Mr Steady” of New Zealand tennis, did it again at Central Park yesterday. The 33-year-old Hawkes, for years the stumbling block of local and overseas players, added another victim to a long list when he ousted the American. W. Brown, from the BP national championships.

Hawkes, the No. 4 New Zealand seed, beat Brown, who was seeded fourth among the overseas entrants, 6-2, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6, 6-3, in a men’s singles quarter-final.

He now meets the No. 1 seed and tournament favourite, O. Parun, in one of the semi-finals today. Parun had to struggle to find his touch and was taken to four sets by the young Aucklander, G. Oliver. Parun, who was slow on his feet and hesitant with his returns of service, beat Oliver, 6-3, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. FRENCHMAN SURVIVES The other two semifinalists are R. J. Simpson (North Shore) and T. Bernasconi (France). Bernasconi, the sole' surviving overseas player in the men’s singles, outlasted

A. D. Parun, winning G-3, 6- 3-6, 4-6, 6-1, but Simpson was untroubled to beat D. Simmonds (Hutt Valley), who pulled a muscle in his left thigh early in the match, 7- 6-0, 6-1. Bernasconi has played only two matches to "each the semi-finals and it is difficult to assess his true ability on the strength of these performances. AMERICAN UPSET At times in both matches he has appeared to lose interest, but he has also shown glimpses of some very good tennis, with a liking for the drop shot. Hawkes proved too fast for Brown. The American, upset by having to play early in the day, appeared to take no interest in the I first two sets, in which he: took little part. However, he came back i into the game to level at [two all. In the final set he again seemed to be pacing himself, seemingly content ■just to hold his own service' and go for big shots on i Hawke’s serve when a place-' ment would have been sufficient. Hawkes broke service mi the eighth game, led 5-3, and: the American survived three match points, two of them from beautifully executed cross-court backhands, before Hawkes won.

In the last three weeks. Hawkes has reached three singles finals in consecutive tournaments, losing to Simpson in the final of the Wellington championships, and winning the Canterbury and Nelson titles.

PARUN FAVOURED However, in spite of his; speed and determination,i Hawkes is unlikely to get past Parun who, although not in top form, should still have the measure of his opponent. For the second consecutive day the women were

treated rather poorly. While the men had the mam courts to themselves all morning and for most of the after« noon, the women quarterfinalists were sent to the. back courts, out of sight and sound. The semi-final draw is Mrs N. Laute.slager (Netherlands) v. Miss M. Pryde (Wellington), and Miss J. Connor (Auckland) v. Mrs R. Hunt (Canterbury).

Mrs Hunt was too strong in ever)' department for Miss S. Monds (North Shore), winning 6-4, 6-2. Results:— MEN'S SINGLES Quarter-finals. — R. Simpson (North Shore) beat D. Simmonds (Hutt Valley). 7-5, 6-0, 6-1; T. Bernasconi (Erance) beat D A. Parun (Wellington) 6-3, 6-4 ’ 3-6, 4-6, 6-1; O. Parun (Wellington) beat G. Oliver (Auckland). 6-3, 4-6. 6-1. 6-2; It. N. Hawkes (Wellington) beat W. Brown (United States). 6-2. 6-2. 4-6. 4-6. 6-3. WOMEN'S SINGLLS

Quarter-finals.—M. Pryde (Wei lington) beat L. Ward (Auckland!, 6-4 6-2; N. Lauteslager (Netherlands) beat K. Bryan (United States). 6-5 6-3; J. Con nor (Auckland: beat S. Haig (Can terbury). 4-6. 6-4. 6-3; R Hun) (Canterbury) heat S. Monds (North Shore). 6-4. 6-2.

WOMEN'S DOUBLES Semi-finals.—J. Phillips (Canterbury) and Bryan beat Lauteslager and J Spedding (United States). 6-3. 6-0; Connor and B Vercoe 'Auckland) beat Hunt and Haig, 6-1. 6-4.