Lewis antics

Press, 11 February 1983, Page 30

Lewis antics

PA Auckland The fiery Aucklander, Mark Lewis, bowed out of the third round singles of the Northern satellite tennis tournament in sensational fashion yesterday. With the score at 6-6 and mid-way through the tiebreaker in the deciding third set of his clash with the second seed, David Mustard, Lewis strode from the court, conceding the game. Things came to a head when Lewis led, 4-3, in the tie-breaker and a Lewis volley was signalled out by Mustard. Lewis queried Mustard’s call, and Mustard then looked to the man in the chair, the president of the Northland Lawn Tennis Association, Harvey Gubb, who was officiating only to call the scores to spectators and to adjudicate on calls when players could not agree. Gubb agreed with .Mustard and the score became 4-4. Lewis, plainly upset, then spotted the tournament, referee, John Barry (Auckland) and apparently cast several disparaging remarks to him. Barry penalised Lewis a point for the remarks, and the score went to 5-4 in Mustard's favour. For Lewis that was the finish. He simply walked up and shook Mustard’s hand and left the court fuming, slamming the gate behind him. Mr Barry said later that he was imposing a fine of $lOO on Lewis for failing to complete the match and a further $5O fine for “abuse of an official.”