Tennis distinction for Chch man

Press, 11 February 1983, Page 24

Tennis distinction for Chch man

A prominent Christchurch tennis umpire, Mr David Munro, has become the first New Zealander to be appointed as referee for an overseas Davis Cup tie. His notable break-through will be achieved on the first weekend next month when he will occupy the key position in the Australia "ain tie in Adelaide.

Mr Munro s appointment completes an extraordinary hat-trick by Canterbury sporting officials. On the same week-end as the tennis in Adelaide, Mr Tom Doocey will become the first New Zealand rugby referee to control a match in the Five Nations championship — the England-Scotland fixture at Twickenham. And Mr Don Wilson, a Christchurch man until he moved to Wellington last year, will also achieve a first by refereeing the Britain-France rugby league test in Hull. Neutral referees and umpires were introduced to tennis with the start of the non-zonal competition for the Davis Cup two years ago. Mr Munro's appointment. and that of two Auckland men, Messrs Guy Nash and John Barry, as umpires, represents an important step for New Zealand officials.

“This is a critical tie for us,” Mr Munro said yesterday. “Aus-

tralia is likely to play host to a number of cup ties, and if the umpires and I turn in creditable performances then other New Zealand appointments could follow.

“There is a lot of work to be done so that I can be sure of having everythihg at my fingertips, to cover all possible eventualities,” he said. “I intend to do everything in my power to ensure that the tie is run smoothly, and fairly for both sides.” Mr Munro said he was pleased and honoured to be the first New Zealander chosen by the International Tennis Federation for an overseas tie. This far outweighed the tinge of regret he felt at having to surrender his position on the Christchurch cup organising committee for the Denmark-New Zealand tie, which will be played at Wilding Park on the same week-end.

Mr Munro has had special responsibilities for the instructing of linesmen and ball boys for the non-zonai ties against Britain and Spain in Christchurch. Previously he was an umpire at the Wilding Park ties featuring Japan and Australia in 1979 and was assistant referee for the New Zealand-Korea match in 1980.

Since shifting to Christchurch

in 1974, Mr Munro has twice won the Kramer Trophy for the top umpire at the national championships. He is currently vicepresident of the New Zealand Tennis Umpires’ Association.

A Southlander born and bred, he won numerous titles at both senior and junior levels in Otago and his home province. He played Wilding Shield tennis for Otago during his university days in Dunedin, and earlier represented Southland in Slazenger Shield and quadrangular tournaments.

It was perhaps not surprising that he followed in the footsteps of his father, who, as well as being president of the Southland L.T.A., was a national umpiring badge holder and the referee for Southland tournaments.

With the help and encouragement of his father, Mr Munro became increasingly involved in the umpiring of the game, gaining his New Zealand badge in 1968.

As part of the organising team for the Danish tie until this time, Mr Munro can feel well pleased at the progress of ticket sales for Wilding Park. Trading was described as “brisk” on the first day of public sales yesterday, and it is estimated that fewer than 500 seats are available.