LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 13949, 4 January 1909, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

AUCKLAND TOURNAMENT.

SOME INTERESTING PLAY.

The championship and handicap tournament under the direction of the Auckland Tennis Association was continued at the Eden and Epsom Club's courts on Saturday. Tho first matches wero started shortly before 10 a.m. Tho heavy rain which fell on Friday evening left the courts in a heavy and slippery state. However, the risk of slipping on the back lines was minimised by spreading a plentiful supply of sawdust on the turf. As the day went by the courts improved wonderfully by the aid of a warm sun and drying wind. Owing to tho large number of matches to bo got off the Management >Committeo wisely decided to make all handicap events tho best of 17 games, in lieu of the best of three sets. This alteration enabled the committee to get. off 62 matches against 48 on tho first day's play. There are yet 108 matches to be finished for tho remaining two days of the tournament. The play, on the whole, was more interesting than on tho opening day. The most important event of the day was the match between S. Upton and Dr. 11. Keith, in the second round of the championship singles. After a keen struggle, Upton secured a weil-descrved win. The Ponsonby player should now annex tho singles championship, but he may expect a close fight with Nicholson, tho crack New Plymouth representative. Tho tournament will be continued at 9.30 this morning. Tho following are tho complete results of Saturday's matches: — MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES. FIRST BOUND. Nicholson (New Plymouth) beat L. J. Tayior (Onohunga), I—6, 6—4, 6—3, 4—6, —2. This was a very interesting match. Both players have a free and attractive style. Taylor has a hard forehand drive, and is good on overhead balls, but his backhand is weak. Nicholson played up consistently, and showed an improvement on Friday's form. Two sets all were called, and the New Plymouth man led 4—l in the final set. At this stage ho was troubled with a cramped ringer. Taylor was also feeling the effects of the struggle. Nicholson managed to last out, and won the set and match as above. A. E-ichardson beat H. W. Snelling, 6—4, 6—2, 7—5. The winner played steadier than usual, and scored frequently off Sneliing's lobs. A. F. Billing beat 11. Henderson, 62, 62, 6—l. The winner played a good, allround game, his smashing in particular being hard and well directed. Henderson gets a lot of screw into his strokes, but is not severe enough. W. A. Brown beat W. Mowbray, 6—2, 64, 6—3. The ioscr played up gamely, but still lacks condition. Brown is in good form at present, and should get near the final in this event. R. P. Hunt beat A. Hannah, 6—l, 6—l, —0. The winner was at home on the heavy going, and gave a good, all-round exhibition. Dr. Keith beat H. E. G. Smith, 6—o, —0, 6—l. Tho two first sets wero played late on Friday, the remaining set was played on Saturday, when Smith secured only one game. J. P. Grossman received a bye from G. H. Baker. . L. A. Longuet beat G. L. Taylor, —4, 3 —6, 6— B—6. This was a long, even struggle. Taylor, without any scoring strokes, plugged away gamely in the hope of wearing his opponent out. Longuet scored mostly with good forehand drives, and his overhead work was good. SECOND HOUND. S. Upton beat Dr. 11. Keith, 6—3, 4—6, 6—l, 2—6, B—6. This was the match of the day, and attracted a large number of spectators. It was a protracted struggle, and lasted for about three hours. Both players volley very little in a single, and from the outset it was a case of base-lino play against base-lino play. Keith served and lost the first game. Both wero playing very cautiously. Upton scored mostly with short, cross-court drives, and established a load of —2. Tho score stood 5—3, Upton in the lead. Some long rallies took place. Eventually, the winner finished up a long rally with a fast drive down the side line, and took the set, 6—3. Keith started well in tho'second set, and led, 2—o. Upton served in the third game, and won it, after the store stood —40 against him. At this stage the winner was playing carefully, and placing with great precision. He took four games on end, and led, 4—2. Keith successfully coaxed Upton to hit out, and by these shortcomings managed to bring the score to four all. The loser was now getting a good length on to his drives, dropping them within an inch or two of the back line. Upton lost his serve, and the score was 4—5 against him. Keith won his servo easily and the set, 6—4. At this stage both competitors appeared bent on tiring each other out. Neither of them went in for any hitting. There were several tedious rallies of what might be termed "pat ball;" these invariably were in favour of Upton, who took the set easily, 6—l. It was now Keith's turn ; the same uneventful play continued. Upton was temporarily off his game, and the set wont comfortably to tho loser, 6—2. With two sets all, both were very tired, and the play was monotonous. Keith won his serve. The match was stopped at this period, owing to tho doctor having the misfortune to bo seized with cramps in the leg. After the loser's recovery he took tho second game. The contest was now very uninteresting, both players having spent all of their energy. " Three all" was called. Upton led 4—3, and then lost his serve, winning only one stroke. Keith won his serve, led 5—4, and struggled on : gamely, under difficulties. The winner took tho next two games easily, and led, 6—5. Keith made a slight recovery, and made tho score 6 all. ' The next game went to the winner. Keith was obviously labouring under great difficulties, and collapsed with cramps in the arm and legs. The game was adjourned for several minutes. Keith's chance was now hopeless, and after resuming tho next game went against him. tho set and match thus going to Upton. From a tennis point of view it must be said the match was disappointing. Upton, on the day, was undoubtedly the better man, and his play was more attractive, than that of his opponent's. He played Keith at his own game, realising that this was his only chance of winning. This accounted for the monotonous play. The doctor made a gamo fight, especially when the odds were against him, but he was worn down by a stronger man. MEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES. FIRST HOUND. Morpeth and Baker beat. J. Stewart and H. Thomson, 6—4, 6—3, 7—5. The losers started off well, and established a lend, but after that appeared to find the opposition too much. Morpeth and Baker played good tennis, the former's volleying being very attractive. This pair should have a close match with Grossman and Hickson. SECOND ROUND. J. P. Grossman and E. Hickson beat G. L. and L. J. Taylor. 6-1, 6—l, 6—2. Tho Onehiinga pair were outclassed by the sound, hard volleying of their opponents. T. R. Gregson and R. J. Coatcs beat J. Hudson and A. J. Black, 6—2, 5-?, 6-2, 6 4. Tho winners showed better combination. Tho losers did not play up to their best form. H. Morpeth and G. 11. Baker beat W. Mowbray and N. A. Duthie, 6—4, 6—4, 9—7. The young Parnell pair put. up a big fight in the third set, but went down to a superior combination. LADIES' CHAMPION SINGLES. FIRST ROUND. Miss Williams beat Mrs. Freeman, —1, —2. The winner plays from tho base line, and is a very powerful driver. Miss Williams is now in the semi-final, and next meets the winner of the match, between Mrs. Cooper, and Miss G. Gorrie. COMBINED CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES. Dr. H. Keith and Miss Woodroffe beat L. E. Mair and Mrs. Mair, 4— 6—3, 9—7. This was a very even struggle, there being little difference between the two teams on the morning's play. Keith's cleverness enabled his side to got home. Mrs. Mair was responsible for some good driving, Miss Woodroffe was hardly at her best. F. S. Shirriffs and Miss Harvey beat J. IT. Stewart and Miss Stewart, 6—o, 6— W. A. Brown and Miss D. Udy beat C. Heather and Miss P. Gorrie, B—6, 6—2. R. P. Hunt and Miss Cooper beat A. Goidie and Miss Williams, 6—3, 6—4. E. Hickson and Miss A. Gray beat J. Hunter and Miss Cooke, 7 —5, 6—2. H. R. Cooke and Miss M. Walker beat A. A. Martin and Miss Fratcr, 6—l, 6—o.

MEN'S HANDICAP SINGLES. FIRST GRADE. SECOND BOUND. E. Hirkson (owes 15 4-6) beat H. R. Cooko (owes 4-6 15), 9—5. The ground suited Cooke's style, but ho did not manage to lower the West End players' colours. A. J. Black (owes 4-6 15) beat N. A. Duthio (owes ■ 4-6 15), 9—7. Both were evenly matched, but Black's ability to get ovor the slippery back line enabled him. to win. P. M. Hanna (owes 4-6 15) beat E. Sncliing (scratch), 9—B. Snelling took a lot of beating. Hanna was very severe on his opponent's lobs. R. J. Coatcs (owes 15) beat H. Henderson (owes 4-6 15), 9—4. H. W. Cooko (owes 2-6 15) beat J. Hunter (owes 30 4-6), 9—6. H. Morpeth (owes 15 2-6) beat W. Mowbray (owes 15 3-6), 9 —6. Dr. John Keith (scratch) beat F. S. . Shirriffs (owes 15 3-6). 9—B. 11. McCoy (owes 2-6 15) beat H. W. Snelling (owes 2-6 15), 9—B. L. J. Taylor (owes 15) beat A. Goldie (owes 2-6 15), 9—7.' A. S. C. Brown (owes 15 4-6) beat L. A. Longuet (owes 15). 9—3. C. Heather (otfTs 30 1-6) beat M. G. Bell (owes 15 3-6), 9—5. 11. E. G. Smith (owes 15 2-6) boat J. 11. Stewart (owes 2-6 15), 9—5. MEN'S HANDICAP SINGLES. SECOND GRADE. FinST ROUND. E. Sharpe (owes 15 3-6) beat J.' C. Finlay (owes 3-6 15), 9—2. R. O. Gardner (owes 3-6 15) beat G. L. Shaw (scratch), 9 —6. W. Nolan (owes 4-6 15) beat A. A. Martin (owes 30), 9—4. SECOND ROUND. W. F. Whyte (owes 15) beat E. Sharpo (owes 15 5-6), 95. W. Noian (owes 4-6 15) beat J. Garrett (owes 30), 9—7. LADIES' HANDICAP SINGLES. FIRST BOUND. Miss Baslcv a bye from Miss Williamson. Miss G. Gorrie (owes 30) beat Miss Wintore (owes 4-6 15), 9—3. Miss McGee (owes 4-6 15) beat Miss Frater (scratch), 9—3. Miss L. Gray (owes 4-6 15) beat Miss Kenny (scratch)., 9 — Mrs. Freeman (owes 15) beat Miss M. Walker (owes 15), 9—l. SECOND ROUND. Miss Kerr-Taylor (receives 2-6 15) beat Miss Woodroffe"(owes 15), 9—7. Mrs. Cooper (owes 40) beat Miss Utting (owes 3-6 15), 9—7. COMBINED HANDICAP DOUBLES. SECOND ROUND. C. Heather and Miss P. Gorrie (owe 30 4-6) beat Mair and Mrs. Mair (owe 5-6 15), 9-6. A. S. C. Brown and Mrs. Stewart (owo 15 4-6) beat Clark and Miss Kerr-Taylor, 9—2. 11. R. Cooko and Miss Walker (owe 5-6 15* beat Gardner and Miss Parry (receive 3-6 15), 9—l. THIRD BOUND. W. F. Whyte and Mrs. Allen (owe 3-6 15) beat S. A. Longuet and Miss Crowther (scratch), 9—5. 11. G. Thomson and Miss I. Walker (owo 3-6 15) beat Henderson and Mrs. Cooper (owo 30 2-6) 9—7. S. Upton and Miss G. Gorrio (owe 40) beat Warner and Miss Basley (owe 3-6 15), 9—7. A. Goldie and Miss Williams (owe 30 2-6) beat J. Hunter and Miss Cooke (owe 30 3-6), 9—6. MEN'S HANDICAP DOUBLES. FIRST BOUND. Longuet Brothers (owe 15 4-6). beat Hunter and Henderson (owe 30 3-6), 9—B. Hannah and Richardson (owo 2-6 15) beat Goldie and McCoy (owe 2-6 15), 9—7. Upton and W. Brown (owe 40) beat Hunt and Hanna (owe 15 2-6), 9—6." .. SECOND BOUND. t Warner and Snelling (owe 2-6 15) beat Grossman and Baker (owe 30 5-6), 9—7. LADIES' HANDICAP DOUBLES. Misses Bloom field and Cummin (receive 15) beat Misses Taylor and Utting (receive 2-6 15), 9—3. The -winners are about the youngest lady players contesting in the tournament. Miss Bloomfield is a very promising player, possessing good off-the-ground shots, and is also smart at the net. Misses Crowther and Macklow (receive ?.5) beat Mrs. Mair and Miss E. Udv (receive 3-6 15), 9—B. • _ Mrs. Cooper and Miss Harvey (owo 40) beat Misses Hunt and Parrv (receive 2-6 15), 9—B. _ . Misses Taylor and Cairns (receive 15) beat Misses T. and I. Walker (owe 3-6 15), 9—l. NELSON CHAMPIONSHIPS. MISS NUNNELLEY HAS HER REVENGE. [BY TELEGRAPH.— CORRESPONDENT.] Nelson, Saturday. The Nelson Lawn Tennis Association's tournament was ail but concluded to-day. Though the best players in New Zealand were engaged, there was little play of interest apart iroin the second battle be:wee)i Misses Nunnelley and Powdrell. Miss Nunnelley had her revenge for her defeat in the New Zealand championship. In the opening games the play was brilliant, each attacking with great force. Miss Powdrell took the first tnreo games, the second and third, however, only after a hard struggle. Soon afterwards she began to tire, and tiiereafter her tennis was patchy. Miss Nunnelley played with consistent accuracy, except in one or two games. She won the fourth game easily, and the next two by advantage points, b all. Miss Powdrell won the next game easily off her service, her opponent making several mishits. Miss Nunnelley won the deciding game on advantage points. In the second sot the games wont with the scrvico up to 4 all, but at 2 all and 3 Miss Powdrell came within a point of winning the odd game. At length she did win a game off Miss Nunnclley's service and took the lead, 54. Then with her own scrvico she had a great chance of winning, but her shots went wrong, while Miss Nunneiiey continued her hard driving with few mistakes. It was a deuce game, and Miss Nunnelley just won it, 5 all. Miss Nunnelley had tho service for the deciding game. She made a couple of clever winning shots, and Miss Powdrell made a couple of mishits, so the ox-champion wen. In tho men's championship singles Fisher, after winning easily in tho semi-final from Leggatt, of Nelson, mot Parker in the final. Fisher was brilliant in the first set. He was on the attack right through, and time and again ho got to the net and sent volleys across the court right out of Parker's reach, but ho took liberties, running on short balls and getting frequently out of position, so that ho would frequently have been passed if Parker had been on his game. In the second set Fisher was even more careless. In the third evt Fisher made a better effort, occasionally taking tho trouble to get close to the net and to hit a winning volley, but on the whole it was tired tennis to the end. Parker won, I—6, 63, 7—5, 63. In the men's doubles Parker and Quill played Bennington (Christchurch) and Weir (Wellington). In the semi-final tho latter pair had an excellent combination. Bonnington is the safer, but Weir has some good hard drives and winning smashes. This morning, however, Weir was off his smash. But for this lie and Bonniugton would probably have won a set from Parker and Quill. As it was they were not beaten badly. The score was —3, 7—5, 6—4. In the final the tired feeling was again in evidence, particularly on the side of Fisher and Peacook. There was better tennis in the third set, when Peacock and Fisher made a really good effort, using the lob and the sharp cross court return to good purpose. They won the set, a 6—2. Parker and Quill got the odd game with some unplayable returns off Peacock's service, and the pair of ■ Email men ran out winners at —4,. The full score wa< 6—3, 6—2, 2—6, 6—4. In the ladies' doubles the. semi-finals were played to-day. Misses Cock and Batham played a plucky uphill game against Misses Nunnelley and Braithwaite, and were only beaten 6—3, 6—3, 6—3. Misses Wellwood and Travers' were just too good for Miss Powdrell and Mrs. Goldie. Misses Wellwood and Travers won, 6—3, 6—5. t The mixed doubles championship was carried through to the final stage. In the second round Prouse and Miss Powdrell Had an easy win from Peacock and Miss Braithwaite. —2, 6— Brown and Miss Wellwood beat Weir and Mrs. Goldie, 6—l, 6—4. Fisher was very tired when ho and Miss Ward met Brown and Miss Wellwood in the semi-final. The latter pair won, 6— 5— Prouse and Miss Powdrell never lost heart in their match against Wilding and Mi;:.-: Nunnelley, but were beaten, 64, 6—l. The finals of the ladies' doubles and combined doubles are to be played to-morrow (Sunday). . The results of the handicaps were briefly as follows:— Men's singles: Bennington and Brown ware beaten in the semi-finals and in the final Quill (owes 15) beat Praise (owes 5), 60—52. Men's doubles Jameson and Grady and Salmon and Brown were beaten in the third round. Nulder and Mills and Cameron and Whyte-Parsous failed in

the semi-final. In tho final Watkins and Eraser (5) boat J. and F. S. Wilding (owes 5), 6152. Ladies' singles: Misses Seed and Grace were beaten in the third round, and Misses Meares and Orr in the semifinal. In the final Miss Braithwaite (scratch) ; beat Miss Brewster (8), 40—29. Ladies' Doubles: In the semi-finals Misses Seed and Burton and Misses Kettle and Todd wero beaten. In the final misses Grace- and Mcares (10) boat Misses Travcrs and Wellwood (owe 25), 40—35. In the mixed doubles handicap Sellar and Miss Brewster, were beaten in tho second round. _ In the third round Whyte-Parsons and Miss Hair, Fraser and Miss Ward and Leggatt and Miss J. Lodger were ousted. In the semifinal Wilding and Miss Grace were beaten, and Dixon and Miss Todd defaulted. Nelson, Sunday. The Nelson Tennis Association's tournament was concluded this morning. As was expected, Wilding and Miss i Nunnellcy beat Brown and Miss Wellwood in tho final of the mixed doubles championship. Tho feature of tlia garni) was Miss Wellwood's fine play. She ■ rarely gave Wilding an opening, and frequently she got a. winning shot past him, and hor lobbing was of perfect length. Wilding twisted his shoulder early in the '.match, and he did as little as ho could in the second set. This set went to Brown and Miss Wellwood at 6—o, but Wilding and Miss Nunnelley made a stronger effort in the final set, and, though they had to fight their way, they, took the sot. Nt 6—l. Contrary to expectations, Misses Travers and Wellwood beat Misses Nnnnoley and Braithwaite in the final of the ladies' doubles championship. The game developed into a duel between Miss Nunnolley and Miss Travers. Miss Nunnellcy fed the Wellington girl persistently, relying on her to make the rash strokes with which she so often loses rallies. Miss Travers persistently returned to Miss Nuunelley, avoiding Miss Braithwaite, who was at the net, and for once Miss Travers was not rash. She returned the ball with the certainty of a volleying board, and yet always with enough pace and length to make, a winning shot difficult. Still Misses Nunnolley and Braithwaite had got the first set in, and reached 5— in the second set. They only wanted one stroke to win tho match, reaching 40— 15 on Miss Nunnelley's service, but Miss Nunnellcy drove two balls into the net, and at length lost the game. Misses Travers and Wellwood kept on pluckily, and made the score- 5 all, and won the deciding game. The duel was continued in the deciding set. Miss Travers continued to return Miss Nunnelley's drives with unfailing accuracy, and Miss Nunnolley ended many of the rallies with a stroke into the net, so Misses Nunnelley and Braithwaite won only one gamo in the set, and the match went to their opponents, 3—6, 6— 6— In the combined handicap doubles, Miss Braithwaite and Prouse (ewe 8) beat Miss Travers and Salmon, 60—