Batie passes tough test

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 26

Batie passes tough test

Andrew Batie might have emerged unscathed after the first day of the open boys’ singles in the Coca-Cola Canterbury age group tennis championships but his early competition saw him falter. Batie was disappointed to be beaten at the under--18 national championships in Auckland last week and appeared to have lost some of his confidence. He was chased to three sets by Dominic Feuchs, finally winning 4-6, 7-5, 60. Batie had to beat himself and his opposition and did not have an easy assignment with either. Feuchs was playing soundly and found good touch with his line balls, never appearing awestruck by the calibre of his rival.

Batie wavered with his ground strokes and the hesitation cost him crucial early games. But his serving carried his game until he found form once more. The third set was a demolition job executed with panache and well timed passing shots by Batie who finally found his balance.

Troy Tipene, the second seed from the North Shore; had an easier trek into the semi-finals and was not tested by his outclassed opposition. Craig Forster of Hawarden was beaten by Tipene 6-1, 6-0 but could have been pleased with his gritty effort. Forster had his share of success but could not contain the variety of shots Tipene produced at whim with little effort Andrew Bruce earned his semi-final place with hard fought tennis finally beating Michael Smith 67, 7-6, 6-3. During the lengthy battle both players produced the tennis that winners are made of, but Bruce pulled off the final clincher.

In the 14 age group Justin O’Malley, the second seed, made a determined and skilled showing against Janin Druery, winning 6-2, 6-1. O’Malley showed a maturity beyond his 13 years and did not hesitate to send heavily top spun balls down the lines at pace to beat Druery.