LAWN TENNIS

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1909, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS

m CLOSE OF THE SYDNEY TOURNAMENT. ; FIVE TROPHIES BROUGHT TO THE DOMINION. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Interest in the contests at the Sydney championship meeting was kept up till the finish, the struggle between the rival champions of the States creating much excitement. The Dominion players returned to-day by the Moana. At the conclusion of the play on 24th April, there were still four rubbers to be completed. These were played off on 3rd May, after the finals of the Sydney tournament were played. Miss Nunneley and Miss Baker had each won a set, therefore both were keen from the start, and a really fine game was played. Although the New South Wales lady took the lead 3—l, her opponent evened at 3 all, and looked like a sure winner at 5—45 — 4 and 40 — 15. Here Miss Baker came in and volleyed with much success, and, though passed at times by Miss Nunueley's hard low drives, ehe ran up three games in succession and won the final set 7—5. Miss Wellwood made a bad start against Miss Lee. She hit recklessly at everything, and lost the first, a love set. Three games to love were scored against her in the second set before she showed any signs of settling down. At this stage she appeared to get into her stroke, and ran up six games to Miss Lee's one. The third set saw some fine hitting and brilliant teimis, both playing in a swift, attractive style. Miss Lee, who is noted for her short drop shots, found they did. not score against Miss Wellwood, whoso speed enabled her to get them nearly every time. Score o—6, 6-4, 7—5. Miss Ward played a strong game against Miss Jones, defeating her two sets to nil. Miss Ward soon discovered her opponent's weak spot, and, keeping an incessant attack on her back hand, got her ouL of position, and scored with a beautiful hard drive to her fore hand. Score, 7—5, 6—3. Misses Travers and Gray were unable to finish their match, which stood at set all, against Mrs. Doyle and Miss Gardiner, owing to the latter player not putting in an appearance. The New Zealand team has had fifteen wins, five losses, and one unfinished match, which stands at set all. The Sydney Club's tournament was concluded on Monday, 3rd May. Miss Powdrell, after playing most indifferently in the inter-stato matches, played simply perfect tennis throughout the tournament. She certainly had thehard side of^ the draw in the Championship Singles," and disposed of the three best Victorians in turn. The challenge round against Miss Baker was not nearly euch a fine exhibition of tennis as the final between the champion and Miss Stewart. Miss Powdrell started well against Miss Baker, driving from cosner to corner, and giving her very little at the net, and what little did go up at the net, LMiss Baker did not deal with in her usual masterly manner. The winner was not at any time seriously pushed, ■and won — 6 — -3, 6—3. •Misses Addieon and 'Stewart (Victoria) annexed the Doubles Championship The Misses Lee made a great fight, running both sets into advantage — B—6,8 — 6, 7—57 — 5 — before they said enough. In the challenge round, the holders, Misses Baker ana Collins, made but a poor stand in the first set against the Victorians ; but the second set saw a real good go, wellplaced drives, free hitting, and some very frno volleying. Miss Addison was particularly solid on tho back line, and 'Miss Stewart proved her ability as a. sprinter. Score— 6—l, B—6. Sayera and iMLss Gordon beat 'Turton and .Miss Travers in the final of the 'Mixed Handicap — 6—4,6 — 4, 6—2.6 — 2. Misses 'Addison and Yuille beat Mrs. G oldie and Gray (6 — 2, 6—3)6 — 3) in the final of the 'Handicap Doubles. IMiss Powdrell had another sensational win in the final of the 'Handicap Singles, where she- owes 15 — 3—63 — 6 to Miss Lee. This lady had the first set in 6—4,6 — 4, and led s—l5 — 1 in the second set, but could not notch the one game for set. Miss Powdrell simply made no mistake, and took six games in succession. The final set was won 6—3,6 — 3, by 'Miss Powdrell, who has the distinction of carrying off both single events. Altogether the .New Zealanders bring home five trophics — Miss Powdrell two, >Miss Travers, 'Mrs. 'Goklie, and Miss Gray, on© each.