TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Evening Star, Issue 23496, 9 February 1940, Page 8

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

IMPROVED WEATHER CONDITIONS FINALS TO-MORROW AND MONDAY [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 9. After three days of high wind the competitors in the New Zealand Centennial tennis championships at Miramar to-day welcomed greatly-improved conditions. The weather was beautifully fine and a fresh northerly wind did not worry the players, who showed all-round better form. Play did not commence until midday. The men’s and women’s championship doubles finals will be played to-morrow afternoon, and the finals of the other championship events on Monday. 11. Howe and Miss M. Beverley disposed of Robb and Miss Douthett in straight sets, although the losers put up a good fight. Howe was brilliant at the net, where he piled up points with well-angled volleys. Barnes and Miss Cooke were too steady for Edwards and Mrs Hatherly. Edwards was erratic in the first set, outing many smashes_ and failing to show his customary brilliance in interceptions at the net. Barnes volleyed and smashed with confidence,, and he was well supported by Miss Cooke, who drove steadily and earned applause for a number of passing shots. Results;— COMBINED DOUBLES. —Quarter-finals. — 11. Howe (Wellington) and Miss M. W. Beverley (Waikato) beat R. Robb and Miss Douthett (Wellington), 6-4, 6-4. • R. Barnes (Australia) and Miss P. Cooke (Auckland) beat N. A 7. Edwards (Wellington) and Mrs Hatherly (Canterbury), 6-2, 7-5.