TABLE TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 241, 8 July 1938, Page 16

TABLE TENNIS

Wellington Players To Meet Hungarians

The sole selector, Mr. A. S. Meachen, has chosen the following players to represent IVellington in the table tennis match against the Hungarians Barna and Beliak to be played at the Wellington Town Hall next Thursday Singles: E. Boniface v. . Barna. M. Gosling v. L. Beliak. Doubles: Robieson and w. Mel'urlane v. V. Barna and L. Beliak. Mixed doubles: Miss L. Sturroek and V Barna v. Mrs. A. Sutherland and L. Beliak. Notes on Players. D. rtonifaee (Kilbirnie) i.->- the out standing player in Wellington to-day. Although only IS years of age he has represented Wellington for the past three seasons. He was runner-up in the New Zealand championship last year and played so well against Szabados and Kelen that they considered him to be the best player they had met on the tour. This season Boniface is playing better than ever, being undefeated in inter-club matches. Using the “tennis” grip, he combines a rock-like defence with a terrific forehand drive and lightning backhand flick. On his present form he is sure to extend his redoubtable opponent. M. Gosling (Technical) is another young player with a pretty "tennis” style and the selector is to be commended for giving him a chance, as the experience gained will prove of considerable benefit to him. Last season he narrowly missed selection in the representative team probably due to the fact that he then preferred to play a defensive type of game. This season, however, he has revealed a number of brilliant attacking strokes and has improved out of all recognition. He hits with tremendous speed on both forehand and backhand ana his spectacular play should result in a first-class exhibition. C. Robieson (Customs) is an ex-Auek-lander who has been showing fine form this season. He imparts a great deal of kpin to his strokes and cleverly disguises their direction. He has a wellvaried service and so makes many openings for his partner. W. McFarlane (Kilbirnie), who won the 'Wellington championship when he defeated Boniface in a thrilling final last year, i*9 a very experienced player, having represented Wellington on many occasions. including the match against Szabados. lie possesses strong attacking shots on both wings and his flexibility of wristwork enables him to impart heavy topspin to the ball. Both Miss L. Sturroek (Government Life) and Mrs. A. Sutherland (Brooklyn I’resbvterinn) played in the match with Szabados and Kelen last year, when they showed great steadiness. Miss Sturroek has been the leading woman player in the city for several seasons, and her sound defence, angled placements and speedy footwork make her an excellent doubles player. Mrs. Sutherland- also has an easy style and is not afraid to hit hard on both backhand and forehand. She has thoroughly justified her selection. Generally speaking the team is a good one, and the selected players should be capable of making a fine showing.