WIN FOR SAVIDAN

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 42, 18 August 1930, Page 10

WIN FOR SAVIDAN

CANADIAN RECORDS BROKEN FIRST DAY'S EVENTS United Press Association—By Electric Tclegrapli—Copyright. HAMILTON (ONT.), IGth August. Ideal weather conditions prevailed when the Empire Games wore opened with picturesque formalities. There was an inaugural flourish of pageantry and good wishes from the sport-loving world. The Governor-General (Lord Willingdon) officiated at the opening, and the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr. Bennett), and the Premier of Ontario (Mr. Ferguson) attended. Messages were read.from King George, the Prince of Wales, Lord Derby, and others. Percy Williams, of Vancouver, the Olympic sprint champion, was chosen to represent the competitors of all countries, taking the Olympic oath surrounded by the Union Jack and ten other flags of British nations. NEW ZEALANDER'S WIN. New Zealand' scored its first success when Savidan beat all opponents into the ground and captured the .six-mile event, establishing a new Canadian record. His plodding race, by persistence in pace, was a heart-breaker to his rivals, and his time was little more than a minute outside the world's' record. .( Not until the third mile did the New Zealander take the lead, and lie was never again headed. He never faltered and finished strongly with increased speed, heading Harper (England) to the tape by a good 150 yards. OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES. Considerable comment was caused by the Australian and South African withdrawal from the hurdle heats without explanation, but Savidan's victory' was greeted with satisfaction as a remarkable triumph, by the fifteen thousand spectators. His and Lord Burghley's showiugs were the most popular of the day, and sports' writers from over the North American Continent stress that the achievement of both was outstanding.

t One correspondent telegraphed his paper: "Perhaps those who dedicated theGames earlier in the day could regard the results—namely, the victories of nobleman and builder—as typical examples of the spirit and interest they hope will pervade these contests." As Australia is not competing in the early events the Commonwealth athletes, after participating in' the parade today, acted the part of spectators. The men are reported to be in good condition and feeling fit. ENGLAND LEADS. England was conceded major honours at the opening of the Games. Of four final events England took two firsts, three seconds, and two thirds; and also showed outstanding superiority in the preliminary heats. New Zealand took one and Canada one.

Three new Canadian records were established—the six-mile run, the 440 yards hurdles, and the hop, step, aud jump. SWIMMING SENSATION. Ryan's win in the 400 yards freestyle swimming was the most sensational of the night. Led by Munro Bourne (Montreal) for nearly half the distance Ryan swam the Canadian into near exhaustion. Eyan then went on to win by three yards. Canada swept the men's springboard diving—Alfred Phillips, Cyril Kennett, and Arthur Stott. E,. C. Calder (New Zealand) was fourth, and gave Stott a close battle for third. He was only a few points behind. THE RESULTS. The following are the day"s results:— Amateur Athletics. 440 Yards Hurdles. Qualifying Rounds.—Lord Burghley (England), 1; Tatham (England), 2; Hickey (Canada), 3. Time, 58sec. Leigliwood (England), 1; Connolly (Canada), 2; Neame (England), 3. Time, 58 3-10 sec. Final.—Lord Burghley, 1; Leigliwood, 2; Neamc, 3. Time, 54 4-osce.—a new Canadian record. 220 Yards. Qualifying Rounds.—Euglehart (.England), 1; Hamilton (Scotland), 2. Time, 22sec. Walters (South Africa), 1; Ball (Canada), 2. Time, 22 1-lOsec. Gerhardt (South Africa), 1; Fitzpatrick (Canada), 2; Elliott (New Zealand), ran third in a strong finish but failed to qualify. Final.—Englehart (England), 1; Fitzpatriek (Canada), 2; Walters (South Africa)j 3. Time, 21 4-ssec. SBO Yards. Qualifying Rounds.—Chandler (South Arica), 1; Thomas (England), 2; Gutteridge (England), 3. Pickard (Canada) was fourth. Time, lmin 56 4-ssec. Hainpson (England), 1; Wilson (Canada), 2; Edwards (British New Guinea), 3. Time, 1 miv 55 3-ssec. Hop, Step, and Jump. Sallcombe (Canada) was first in a field of ten, with 48ft Sin. Johnson (New Zealand) was sixth. Six Mile l\un. J. W. Savidan (New Zealand), 1; Harper (England), 2; Eveson (England), 3; Wood (Scotland), 4; Reynolds (Canada), 5. Time. oOmin 49 4-osec. Swimming. ■ 100 Yards Backstroke.—J. W. Trippett (England), 1; William Frances (Scotland), 2; J. C. P. Besford (England), 3. Time, 65 2-ssec, a new Canadian record. W. Cameron (Australia) finished strongly, less than 12in behind Besford. i Celia Wolstenholm (England) won the 200 yards breast-stroke for women and set a world's record, 2min 54sec. Mat'jorie Hinton (England) was second and Ellen King (Scotland) third. After being with the leaders for half the distance, Gladys Pidgeon (New Zealand) fell back, finishing sixth. 400 Yards Free Style (Women).— Joyce Cooper' (England), 1;. Valeric Davies (Wales), 2; Sarah/Stewart (Scotland), 3. Time, smin 25 2-ssec. Noel Rya,n (Australia) won the 400 yards tree style for men.