TENNIS

Grey River Argus, 5 January 1940, Page 12

TENNIS

South Island Finals TIMARU, January 4. Talent of New Zealand class, excellent weather good courts and record attendances combined to make the South Island Centennial Tennis Championships which concluded today, the most successful in the history of the game in this province. The standard was uniformly high throughout the finals of the championship. events providing brilliant exhibitions.

The men’s singles title was won by A. D. Brown, who represented New Zealand in the Davis Cup last year, he defeating C. Angas (New Zealand champion of .1928 and 1931) 6/4, 7/5, 7/3. The match was solidly contested throughout, both being brilliant at periods. Brown kept the better length, and hit harder, and was also more decisive in smashing and volleying. His pace and net-storming tactics forced Angas into the role of defender, and though he return well at times, was not equal to Brown's best shots. The final of the women’s doubles was right up to championship standard and the title holders, Miss Thelma Poole and her sister Mrs E. Matherley, had to fight harder than in any previous final to stave off Miss Miller (singles champion) and Miss Kerr (who is a prominent New Zealand badminton representative). The latter both possess a solid forehand drive and relied mainly on the long game. The other pair varied their play much more, Miss Poole being deadly at the net. The first set proved a real marathon, going to 28 games before Miss Pool and partner won 15/13. The set occupied 77 minutes. The holders then forced the pace, an ’ they won the next set in eleven minutes, losing only one game. Results: Men’s Singles—• Brown Canterbury beat Angas (Canterbury), 6/4' 7/5, 6/3.

Women’s Doubles. —Miss T. Poole and Mrs Hatherley (Canterbury) beat Miss Miller (North Otago) and Miss Kerr (Dunedin) 15/13, 6/1. Mixed Doubles. —Angas and Miss Poole Canterbury) beat Smith and Miss Kerr (Otago) 6/2, 6/3.