EXPENSES TOO SOLID.

Feilding Star, Volume 4, Issue 957, 23 November 1926, Page 3

EXPENSES TOO SOLID.

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNEY. OLLIVIER MAY NOT DEFEND THE TITLE. (Per Press Association) Christchurch, or. 22. That lie Hid not intend at present to defend, his title as the champion lawn tennis player at the championships at Auckland this year was the reply of Geoffrey Ollivier this morning. He added that Don France who was runner-up: to him at the national championships last year liad asked him to be his partner in the doubles, but he had declined. “Boiled down to this,” said Ollivier, “the expenses arc too solid. The only solution is that, if Canterbury challenges for the Wilding Shield, then we can be allowed a certain amount of expenses. I believe, Auckland is keen on Canterbury challenging. 1 am not satisfied with having Wilding Shield matches after the'championships,” lie added. “If they arc played before I will consider going.” A question as to who would get the championship was then discussed. It was suggested that Don France might have a chance, but Ollivier, said: “J don’t think a New Zealander'■ will bo in it at all. There is, Kalins, the Australian, and then there is Norman Peach. There is : iio knowing what lie might do. Andrews is the man who might do it if the .vusLralians do not come.” The name of Don France, was suggested as a ;likely champion, hut Ollivier considered Unit, while be bad some brilliant shots, he did not seem to be able to last the games out. Speaking of Len France, lie said that France would not be taking part in the tournament.

Regarding himself, Ollivier said he was playing fairly well at present, hut was not in a condition to last out a tournament. He would need to practise daily if lie was to .play. “To keep, fit for tennis one lias got to play ,tennis,” he said.