TENNIS STILL TOPS FOR OLDIES’

Press, Volume CXVI, Issue 34044, 7 January 1976, Page 9

TENNIS STILL TOPS FOR OLDIES’

Fitness, friendship and fun are proclaimed as the principal virtues of tennis by the three “golden oldies” of the recent New Zealand championships at Wilding Park—Eric White (Manawatu), Peter Becroft and his sister, Mrs Elaine Stephan (both of Auckland).

The three veterans, ail on the right side of 50, are living monuments to their creed. Although the high noon of their sporting careers occurred 20 years ago, they are still among the most enthusiastic of competitors.

The three senior players were household names in tennis in the late 1940 s and early 19505. White was a New Zealand representative in Australia and reached the national singles semi-finals three times. Becroft was a semifinalist in singles and doubles and was ranked fourth in the country in 1954, while Mrs Stephan won eight national doubles titles, chiefly in association with two of the leading figures of the time, JudyBurke and John Barry. But although the flush of youth is no longer on their cheeks, tennis has continued to hold a special fascination for them. “I came back into tennis because the family is involved,” said White, who represented Auckland in the Wilding Shield competition until he was 38 and who is now. 10 years later, the No 1 for Central Districts.

“I have seven children, and they all play tennis. The game is a means of cementing the family unit, and it helps to bridge the generation gap.

“I also find that playing tennis is a great way of keeping fit. If I’m fit, I work better and I enjoy life more.” Becroft, who first played in the national championships in 1947, treasures the friendships he has made through the sport and continues to draw pleasure from participation. A 49-year-old university

lecturer, Becroft has spent in aggregate, 14 years overseas and during this time has competed in a few veterans’ tournaments in the United States. Last year he qualified for the Grand Masters tournament at Pebble Beach, California, and was eventually eliminated by Pancho Segura, the man who made the two-handed backhand fashionable.

“Tournaments for the older players are a big thing in the United States," he said. “The Grand Masters events attract former stars of the calibre of Segura and Frank Sedgman. The players take these events seriously, and travel from tournament to tournament. “Interest is growing in New Zealand, too, and there should be good fields for the next senior tournament in a month. More players of my vintage are rediscovering the appeal of tennis.” Mrs Stephan and her brother are rightly proud of their efforts in helping Mount Eden win the Auckland zone final of the Rothmans national interclub competition. They were unbeaten in mixed doubles play. Mrs Stephan was runnerup in the women’s plate at the championships, and Becroft was a semi-finalist in the men’s plate.