TENNIS UNION

Evening Star, Issue 23861, 16 April 1941, Page 9

TENNIS UNION

NOTES AND COMMENTS Easter Tournament. Fine weather prevailed for the opening days of the Easier tournament, bat rain on the Monday delayed the play in the mixed doubles event. Play was commenced in the afternoon, and the final was in progress when play was abandoned for the day Entries were well below la-L year’s figures, but the standard of play was Well up to that of previous years. Men’s Handicap Doubles. Playing from owe 50, Sutton and M’Vie deserved their win in this event, Sutton in particular being brilliant, while MVie played a very steady game. Then- hardest game was in the second round against Gibson and Craig, which they won at E)-7. In Ihe final with Gillions and Cochrane, Sutton excelled himself, his smashing being deadly. Gillions played a fine game, and was ably supported by Cochrane. The game finished 94 Other interesting games \Vcre: Delchev and Spiers 9. Tyne and White 8: Gillions and Cochrane 9. Callon and Chrislen-on 8: and Hanning and Robson 9, Mason and Robertson 8. Ladies’ Handicap Doubles. The titleholders. .Mrs Hoare and Mrs Robertson (owe 40) carried everything before them, and wore not extended, winning the final against Misses Lunglev and Brown. 9-4. Mrs Lawry and Miss Carr put up the stiffest opposition against the winners, the set finishing 9-5. One of the first-round games went tho full 17 games, Misses Strain and Frost gaining Lite decision from Mrs Nye and Miss Woolsey. Mbses Lnngley and Brown showed form in their three matches. Men's Handicap Singles. There wore many fine games in Hus event, particularly Keen 9, Cochrane 8: Gillions 9, Pritchett V; Gibson 9, in'vio /; Belcher 9, Johnston 8; Lockhart 9, Callon 8; Spiers 9, Whyte 7; Watts 9, Mathicson 7_ * In the semi-finals Belcher beat Watts, 9-4, and Gillions heal Gibson, 9-6, after an excellent game. The final proved one of the outstanding matches of the tournament. Gillions established an early lead at 6-1, but Belcher drew level and led 8-7, and had match point several times before Gillions evened at 8-8. In the final game Belcher attacked and led 40-love, but Gillions fought back, and with some wonderful recoveries brought the score to deuce. Both players had several match points before finally Gillions clinched the set. An excellent match. Ladies’ Handicap Singles. Tho outstanding player in this section was tho 12-year-old 1 St. Leonards player, Miss M. Blackwood, who played like _ a veteran to reach the final. Miss D, Smcllie, who beat Miss Blackwood in tho final, 9-6, deserved her win. ’She played correct tennis throughout, her hardest match being against Miss Brown, whom she beat, 9-7. Tho other semi-finalist, Miss Strain, also played well, but was no match for Miss Blackwood, the score being 9-4. Mixed Handicai Doubles. There were 20 entries in this event, and the biggest surprise was the defeat of Robertson and Mrs Robertson (owe 40) by Sutton and Miss M’Calhim fowo 40). 9-4. Miss M’Callum played brilliantly, and Sutton produced bis usual forcing game. They were fully extended when they played Spiers and Miss Race (rec. 4-6) in the semifinals. Sutton showed his ability in this match. Snicrs and Miss Rare led 5-2 and 40 (owe 40). However, by sheer brilliance Sutton forced the issue and led 6-5. They emerged the winners at 9-6. ■ The other finalists,. M’Vie and Mrs Hannan, won their games comfortably, and in the final against Sutton and Miss M’Callum were 2-a'l when el ay was abandoned on account of vain. This match will bo played at the Aotea courts nest Saturday at 4 p.m. . Pyne and Mrs Cram and Spiers and Miss Race also played well. Comments. Players who showed good form throughout Hie tournament were Mrs Hoare, Mrs Roberlson. Mis? M’Calhim, Miss Blackwood, Miss Smcllie, Mrs Hannan, .Miss Brown, Miss Strain. Miss Langley, Sutton. M’Vie, Gibson, Gillions, Craig, Belcher, Watts, and Johnston. The following are to be thanked for their assistance in making the tournament a success Messrs Craig. Gibson, Willocks. Gillions, Robertson. Belcher, Mason, Watts, Webster, and Gilliland.