LAWN TENNIS

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVII, Issue 29, 3 January 1927, Page 2

LAWN TENNIS

NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

RESULTS OF TO-DAY’S PLAY.

Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, Dec. 31. Fast playing courts were the order this morning when the New Zealand tennis championships were continued in brilliant weather before a large gallery of spectators. The management of the tournament, has been admirable, the popular secretary of the New Zealand Association, Mr D. Murray Kean, having directed everything with his accustomed efficiency. The issue was in doubt all the way in the long five-set contest which ensued in the third round of the men’s doubles between Haege and Malfroy and Sturt and Knott. All four were in good form and some fine cross-court volleying was seen. On the whole Knott was the dominant figure, and his steadiness was responsible for the victory. The initial set went to Haege and Malfroy after 5 all, but Sturt and Knott took the next 7—5. Their opponents won the next with the loss of three games and the local boys captured the fourth 6 —4. Entering the fifth set the Victorian showed a disposition towards caution and often made use of the lob to get himself out Of trouble. In this he showed good length, but his partner, Malfroy, was short and the Aucklanders were given opportunities to use deadly smashes. The driving from the back line on both sides of the net was occasionally spectacular, and some of the rallies w.ero electrifying: The Auckland pair led 5—4. Sturt, who had been serving well, then dropped the lead when he was ahead 40—15. Knott’s smashing won him tho. 11th game off Malfroy’s service, but he double-faulted badly with his own and only managed to save after deuce. Knott and Sturt won 5—7, 7—5, 3—6, 6—4, 7—5. Brinsden dominated the combined doubles contest in which he and Mrs Scott Watson defeated Miss Lloyd and Wallace. The match - was . begun last evening and Brinsden had one set in when play was suspended. The Auckland player was right on top of his form this morning. He served exceptionally well and was strongly supported by his new partner. The New South Wales lady did not play as well as she had done in the initial set, and the opposing pair took every advantage of her weakness. Wallace was placed on the defensive by Brinsden’s brilliant net play which delighted the crowd. The Auckland pair won 6—3, 6—2.

The contest between Mks Knigl and Sims and Miss Watson and I North was disappointing. The Aucl land players took the first set aft* 5—5, but they were playing poor tei nis at the opening of the second s< and lost the early games, giving tl visitors a 4—l lead. Sims and Mi: Knight then made a splendid recovei and took four games on end. In tl tenth game on Sims’s service they wei match point when the Aucklander b< gan driving out and the Australiar were able to take the gamo and th one following, thus establishing a leac Few rallies were seen during the mate and there was little of a spectacula nature. With the exception of Nort all the players showed weaknesses i the backhand strikes, and the twelft game was decided on errors in the loci couple’s favour. The pairs were agai equal at the 14th game, but Sims an Miss Knight then took the lead o the Sydney lady’s service, which wa erratic. Miss Knight won the 16t game with a beautifully placed sid line drive and thus took set and match 7—5, 9—7.

MEN’S DOUBLES. Third, Round. Knott and Sturt (Auckland) beat Haege (Victoria) and Malfroy (Wellington), 5-7, 7-5, 3-6, 6-4, 7-5. Semi-final. Peach and Peach beat Robson and Bartlett, 5-7, 7-5, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3. LADIES’ SINGLES. Semi-final. Miss How boat Mrs Melody, 6-3, 2-6, 6-0; Miss Speirs beat Miss Watson, 6-3, 6-3. MIXED DOUBLES. First Round. Miss Nicholls and Knott beat Miss Lowry and Andrews, 7-5, 6-4. COMBINED DOUBLES. Second Round. McCausland and Miss Myers beat Lampe and Mrs Melody o—6, 6—2, 6—2. Sims and Miss Knight beat Dr North and Miss Watson (New South Wales) 7—5, 9—7.

Third Round. Brinsden and Mrs Scott Watson beat Watson and Miss Lloyd 6—3. 6—2.