LAWN TENNIS

Motueka Star, Volume X, Issue 793, 30 April 1909, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

The Easter tournament at Dunedin was a huge success in every way—the entries totalled 242, exactly the same number as were received for the New Zealand championship meeting when it was held in Dunedin in 1904. The first day was stormy, but perfect weather was the order on the following days. The public attended in large numbers—no doubt drawn to see the champion at play. Wilding won the championship easily until he came to the final, wheie Olivier took the fii st set. Ollivier played with great dash in the fust set, and although Wilding led 3—2, the young player went at the sixth and scored a love game. Olivier ran in on his service, and with short side line volleys cut off'. Wilding’s powerful returns. Olivier led s—-3, and Wilding served in the ninth B ,ganie ; he led 30 love, but Ollivier was not to be denied, and with great brilliancy won the set 6—3. The following sets Wilding kept his opponent back, and ran him from side to side—the loser player very pluckily, but all his brilliancy was knocked out of him, and the champion won the second and third sets, 6—l, 6—o. With his father, he won the Champion Doubles, defeating R S and S N Brown, 6—3, 6—4. The Christchurch pair also secured the Handicap Doubles from owe 40 ; beating R Brown and Stewart (owe 15), 9—4. Miss Campbell, who has held the title of champion since 1896, again scored a win, beating Miss Lester in the final.