Australian captain beaten again

Press, 22 July 1981, Page 6

Australian captain beaten again

From David Leggat, in Timaru It has not been a happy start to the Australian badminton team’s tour of New Zealand for its captain, Mark Harry. He was beaten by Graeme Robson in the opening Whyte Trophy international at the Skellerup Hall last week-end. and was eliminated from the men’s singles in the first round of the invitation tournament in Timaru on Monday evening by Southland's Nigel Skelt: Last night he suffered his third singles loss in four matches. In a remarkable comeback, Peter Skelt (Southland) emulated his brother in beating Harry 2-15,15-12, 18-13 in the plate final of the men’s singles. Harry easily won the opening game before the determined Skelt lifted his performance and started to force errors from the Australian. At 13-13 in the third game Skelt moved into top gear to win the setting, 5-0. The men’s singles final was won by Phil Horne, who beat his New Zealand captain, Chris Bullen, in three games. Bullen won the first, and had opportunities to win the second. He seemed to have no chance when he trailed the promising North Shore player 5-13 in the deciding game. However the bearded Bullen, whose speed about the court was remarkable, whittled back that advantage, and staved off three match points before going down, 13-15. The women's final featured

two Australians, with Julie McDonald being too consistent and solid for her more expert--, enced team-mate, Audrey Swaby, winning 11-6, 11-1. The men’s doubles was anexciting, lengthy battle, which' was finally won by New Zea-, land’s Steve Wilson and John Miles. They had to work hard before beating Mike Scandolera and Darren McDonald of Australia, 18-16, in setting, in the third game. It was an even tussle throughout, highlighted by several spectacular rallies. Further kudos could be given to the victory as Scandolera and McDonald appeal as a likely doubles, pairing for the second international at Hutt Valley next week-end. It was an impressive performance from an untried New Zealand combination. Scores were: Men's singles final: Home (N.Z.) beat Bullen (N.Z.). 18*15, 15-12, 15-13. Women’s singles final: McDonald (Australia) beat Swaby (Australia). 11-6. 11-1. Men’s doubles final: Wilson and Miles (N-Z.) beat McDonald and Scandolera (Australia). 15-11, 12-15. 18-16. Women's doubles final: M. Evans and S. Daley (Australia) beat K. Phillips and L. Shirley (N:Z.), 15-5. 15-Y

Mixed doubles final: P. Kong and Swaby (Australia) beat Robson and Shirley (N.Z.), 15-4, 15-11.