N.Z. player has point to prove

Press, 5 March 1982, Page 30

N.Z. player has point to prove

By J

JOHN BROOKS

Chris Lewis has a point to prove to Christchurch tennis folk, and Onny Parun might cherish thoughts of a memorable finale. These are two factors which should contribute to a New Zealand victory against Spain in the Davis'Cup tennis tie, which begins at Wilding Park this morning. The visitors, diplomatically, regard themselves as the underdogs, because of New Zealand’s preference

for and greater experience on grass. But the Spanish captain, Manuel Santana, does not discount his side’s chances because, as he said •yesterday, “the Davis Cup in unpredictable.” However/while the Spaniards will not be bothered by the psychological impact of being favourites, the New Zealanders will not be short of incentives. When Lewis apologised to the crowd in the Pioneer Stadium last July for his lacklustre display against

Richard Lewis on the final day of the tie against Britain, he vowed that his aim was to help New Zealand win its next Davis Cup match in Christchurch. That day has now arrived, and Lewis’s attitude was described by bis captain, Jeff Robson, as “positive,” despite the setback presented his ankle sprain on Wednesday. Parun, an unexpected choice for the doubles, says he is available for cup tennis whild he remains playing. But as those days might be numbered, the, present tie

might be his last in New Zealand. And, stalwart fighter that he is, nothing would please him better than to end his 16-year association with the national side as a winner. Last, but by no means least, Russell Simpson has an urge to attract more supporters to his cause. He has already made progress bybeating Lewis in the Benson and Hedges tournament; now, as the workhorse for the home team — he has been named for singles and doubles — he has the oppor-

tunity to go further. Simpson will lead the New Zealand assault by playing in an opening match which should give an indication of the eventual outcome of the tie. His opponent will be Jose Lopez Maeso, a handsome, athletic man, recognised by the visitors as their best singles player. The diminutive Gimenez will be the key man for Spain, as he will figure in the doubles with the 19-year-old Sergio Casal, and play the final singles of the tie, against Simpson. ...