TENNIS CONTESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21401, 27 January 1933, Page 12

TENNIS CONTESTS

PROVINCIAL TITLES

annual Auckland meeting

CHARTERS EXTENDS STEDMAN

LOSER ASSISTED FROM COURT

The Auckland Lawn Tennis Association's annual championship tournament was continued'at the Stanley Street courts yesterday in fine weather and 111 the presence of a la:. - ge gathering of spectators. Much interesting play was witnessed in both singles and doubles matches and, although therj were 110 surprise results, some of the leading contenders for the titles were fully extended to win. In this connection particular mention must bo made of the match in which J. Charters, of Pukekohe, took A. C. Stedman, a former New Zealand champion, to five sets. A win for Charters looked likely when he held the lead 111 the final set, but he was then seized with cramp in the right "leg, and ultimately he had to be carried from the court to the dressing room. This was an unsual spectacle in a tenuis mutch. C. E. • Malfroy, Wellington, and T. Rhodes-Williams, Canterbury, were expected to arrive yesterday morning, but they wero delayed in connection with the North Island championships at Masterton, and they will not reach Auckland until this morning. The men's singles, mens doubles and combined doubles events are being held up through their absence during tho first two days and both players will have a strenuous time to-day making up their leeway. Several intermediate matches were played at thjL Parnell courts yesterday morning, but no junior matches wero played. They will bo continued to-day. Mr. M. Van Staveren has presented two silver cups for annual competition in the intermediate boys' and girls' singles, while the firm of Gradidge, Ltd., London, has presented a racquet to the most promising junior player. ' Dramatic Climax The gallery was treated to an exciting five-sets match between Stedman, champion; and Charters. The last-named, a left-hander,' has previously given evidence of his prowess and he extended Stedman to the full. In fact, ho may have been successful, but for repeated attacks of cramp in the right leg, having finally to be carried f/om t the court when Stedman was leading 5—4 and had match point at 30—40 off Charters' service. It was a dramatic finish to a close and most interesting contest. Stedman displayed all-round superiority in the first two sets, although there were many protracted rallies in a number of long games. Charters took 'he third set ai'ter a keen struggle in which there was a great driving duel, mostly from the base lines. Both followed in to the net occasionally to successfully cut off returns. The interval did not improve Stedman's accuracy and he lost the first two games, mainly through netting returns. Stedman then resumed his deep driving to the corners and drew level at 2—a11.. Charters then rose tc/ great heights, however, and quite outplayed his opponent. His sideline and cross-court placements, coupled with accurate Volleying and overhead work, won him four games in a row. Charters' Steadiness The spectators became intensely interested now that each had won two sets, and Stedman's supporters had some anxious moments, in the final set. Continuing to play confidently, and displaying great steadiness, Charters ran to a 2-love lead, the second game being a iove one off his own service. His variety of pace and length had Stedman continually 011 the run and his. cross-court volleying evoked frequent applause. Stedman jjullecl up from 15—40 to take the third ganie, Charters overdriving repeatedly. /Assisted by a net cord shot in the fourth /game, Stedman made up his leeway" and then, by continually running Charters out of position, he assumed the lead at 3—2. The grim struggle proceeded, deuce being''called several times in the sixth game, in which Charters was first attacked with cramp. However, he passed Stedman beautifully at tho net to make

♦he games level once more. Splendid volleying and side-line placements by Charters saw him leading again once more v at 4—3. He then led 40—15 on his own service, but, when going for a backhand volley, he tell on the court with another attack of . leg cramp. The game eventually wont to Stedman, who took ftie ninth on his own service. Stedman had two match points off Charters' service in what proved the final game. Charters rushed in to attempt to hit a short chop, but fell prostrate on the court, /writhing with cramp in both legs. He had to be carried of! and tho umpire declared Stedman the winner. L&cas Extends Wilson There another very interesting match on the adjoining court, played simultaneously with that between Stodman and Charters. The contestants were N. R. C. Wilson, of Wellington, and F. W." Lucas, Remuera Club. Playing fine allround tennis, Lucas won the first, set easily at 6—l. With a lead of s—l he should havp gained the second by a similar margin, but he lost his accuracy under the pressure, and Wilson followed in to the net very successfully to eventually draw level and then prevail at G—6. Maintaining his alhround superiority, Wilson did not allow his opponent a game in the third ■feet.

Lucas came back much refreshed by tho interval and he won the first four games of the fourth set in a row. Wilson then rallied and won five games in succession. Lucas was just a little over strength with his side-line and .'cross-court shots, which otherwise would have been brilliant efforts. Both men were freely applauded for splendid shots. The games alternated and the pair were level at B—all. Wilson then clinched the match by winning two games in /succession. M. M. Morrison, E. L. Bnrtlect, N. G. Sturt and C. E. Partridge all won in three* straight sets, the last-named j:aving some long games with A. K. Turner. La dies' Singles Matches . -"' CIC were two closely-contested matches in the second round of the ladies' singles both going to the scheduled three sets - Miss h rin Hit hs took the first set from Mrs. B. Napier. The scoring was rather peculiar. Miss Griffiths won the first three games and then .Mrs. Napier drew level Another three games in succession gave Miss Griffiths the set. ' Mrs. Napier won the first five games o-the second set and. after Miss Griffiths won a game, the set went to Mrs Napiei\ n the deciding set the games alternated with service to 3 all Mrs Napier then captured two games to lead o- and she eventually prevailed at I) —*4. M.sses L> Miller and It. Taylor had a pi oil ;y.ted struggle in the first set of their singles, the games alternating to all - Al)s s Miller won tho 31th name but the next two went fo her opponent' •Seven all was called and then Miss Taylor ran /out with two successive games. The strenuous rallies fold on Miss Taylor, who did not win a game in the second set. Af,ter a brief spell the match resumed and the third set was very similar io the first. The players were level at 4 all before M.ss Miller was able to „ clinch the match.

The M isses Macfarlane had a lonn chiving cot) test f tarn the base-lines, and it was just a question of which made the first mistake. The. greater strength atu) variety in the title-holder's driving gave her the advantage.

There was a. Marathon .contest, in. (lie men's doubles between Gravatt and Smith and Hubble and Turner before tlie lirstnanied pair prevailed at the end of five sets. -' - ' '

Another very'keen match was that in which Mrs. Melody and Miss Knight beat the Misses Miller after three advantage sets. Miss Knight did splendid volleying and overhead work at the net, while Mrs. Melody was very - steady and reliable from tile back-line. The losincr pair combined very well and won frequent applause for returning difficult lobs and hard smashes. Tho Misses Maefarlane were.well extended bv two young playors in Misses H. Griffiths and P Siivin. The winners combined well and frequently took the net position. Brilliant driving by Miss GrilHths either senl them back or passed them or. numerous occasions, and these shots were loudly applauded by the onlookers. Miss Savin displayed weakness on the backhand, otherwise tho result might have been different. Following were the results of yesterday's matches:- — MEN'S SINGLES. —A Grade Second Hound.—X. R.- C. Wilson beat F. W. Lucas, I—6, 8— 6. 6-0, 10-8; A. C. Stedinan beat J. Charters, 63, 6 —2. 4—6. 2—6, 5 —4 (Charters retiring): M. M. Morrison beat 1\ Potter, 6—3. 6—3. 6—2; E. L. Hartleet beat P. Gravatt, 6—l. B—6. 6—4 ;C. E. Partridge, beat A. K. Turner, 6—4, 10—8, 6—4; X. G. Sturt beat R. S. Milne, 6 —4, 6—3, 6—3. LADIES' SINGLES Second Hound.—Miss N. Beverley beat j Miss J. B. Mueller, 7—5, 6—3; Mrs. B. Napier beat Miss B. Griffiths, 3 —6, 6—l, 6—4; Miss B. M. Knight beat Miss D. Remiger, 6—2, 6—l; Miss P. Miller beat Miss H. Taylor, 7—9, 6—o, 6—4. Third Hound. —Miss Marjorio Maefarlane beat Miss Marion Maefarlane, 6—-4, 6—4. MEN'S DOUBLES Second Hound.—X. H. C. Wilson and Whitcombe beat Lamb and Boardtnan, 7—5, 6 —4, 6—4; Stedman and Sturt beat Roach and Carter, 6—3, 6—l, 6—2; Hayr and Johns beat Macarthur and Partridge, 6 —4, 6 —3, 7—5: Gravatf and Smith beat Hubble and Turner, 2—6, I—6, 6—5, 6—3, 6—l; Charters and Morrison boat J. N. Wilson and Tonks, 7—5. 6—l, 7-5. LADIES' DOUBLES Second Hound.—Misses Eccles and Ilainssy beat Sirs. Co'legrovo and Mrs. Robsou, 6-—l, s—-7, 6 —l; Mrs. Melody and Miss Knight bc\t Misses E. E. and P. Miller. 7—5, 6—B. 9—7; Miss Beverley and Mrs. Napier beat Mrs. Herrick and Miss Newton, 6—4, 6—4; Misses Maefarlane beat Misses B. Griffiths and P. Savin, B—6. 7—5. COMBINED DOUBLES Second Round.—Stedman and Miss Beverley beat E. Turner and Miss Cooke, 6 —2, 6—3; A. K. Turner and Miss Mueller beat Milne and Miss D. Wilson, 6 —4, 6 —o. MEN'S SINGLES.—B Grade Second Roimd—W. Roberts beat G. Latta, 3—6, 6—4, .6—4; D. A. Peak beat C. J. Moller, 4--6, 6—3, 6 —2; R. T. Wilson beat A. E. Thomson, 6—3, 6—o: T. R. Turei beat A. D. Brown, 6—2, 6 —3: W. B. Sutherland beat M. J. Moore, 6 4_ 6 —3; T. H. Wilson beat K. W. Wooilams, 6—l, 6—3; 11. E. Taylor beat A. W. Christmas, 6—2, B—6;8 —6; D. JLiyingstone beat F. G. Forrest, 6—B. 7—5, 6—3; R. R. Lees beat D. G. Maefarlane, 6_4.' 6—B, 6—2; J. N. Wilson beat A. G. Shirley, 6-0. 6—o; T. Sparling beat N. Louisson. 6—2!, 9—7. _ Third Round.—L'ees beat J. N. Wilson, 7—5, 2—6, 6—4; Leng beat R. T. Wilson, 6-3. 6—4; Handyside beat Curtis 7—5 (—3; Roberts beat Peak 5—7, 6 _l 3> 9— —7; Taylor beat T. H. Wilson 1 g' ( 6 4, 6—4; Stevens beat Sparling. I—6', 6—4', 8-6. INTERMEDIATE BOYS' SINGLES Second Round.-C. B. Chalmers beat J. D. Bull, 7- 5, 6-4, B.Bishop beat D. Y. Cameron, 6—3, 6—2; J. Roach beat L. J. Drummond, 6—4 6—4; J. Leng beat M. F. Lees, 5—7, 6—4.J W. 11. l'resswood beat J. 1. Mayson, l t 9 7 ; S. R. Walton beat T. Wilson ' —4, 7—5; A. D. Brown beat G. S. Griffiths, 6-1, 8-6; J. L. B. Stevens beat D. Livingstone, 6—3, 7—5; R. VV. Smith beat 11. R. Lees, 6—3, 4—6, 6—3; B. G. Thomson beat A. M. McSwceney, 6—4, 10—12, 7—5; J. W. Gunn beat W. B. Sutherland, 6—2, 4—6, 6—l. Third Round.—Stevens beat J. D. Matthews, 6—3, 7—5; Leng beat l'resswood, ; 6—4, 6—3: Smith beat Thomson, 6—2, 6—o; Gumming beat Gilmer, 6—4, 6—l. INTERMEDIATE GIRLS' SINGLES First Round.—Miss D. Remiger beat Miss B. Bishop, 6—4, 6—2. Second Round. —Miss B. Griffiths beat Miss G. Gardner, 6 —4, 6—3; Miss E. Remiger beat Mis:t M. Botlrell, 4 6, 6 3, 6 3; Miss B. Cooke beat Miss P. Minefield' 6—4, 6—3: Miss L. Jeffries beat Miss J. Hammond, 6 —o, 6 —3 ;• Miss D. Remiger beat Miss M. Colscn, 6—B, 6—4, j 6—2; Miss P. Savin beat Miss J. Han- : sen, 6—2, 6—l; Miss M. Wade beat Miss N. Anderson, 6—o. 6—3; Miss B. Stedman beat Miss L. Hemus; 6—o, 6 0. INTERMEDIATE BOYS' DOUBLES First Round. — (!. Allen and L. I'loyd boat G. S. Griffiths and K. Wooilams, 6—o, 6—3; J. D. Bull and J. D. Matthews boat L. J. Drummond and E. 11. Halstead, 3—6, 6—3. 6—3; A. D. Brown and J. Roach beat W. 11. Press wood and j. ,T. Gilmer, 6—4, 6—l; R. R. and M. F. Lees bent r l. Lusk and M. Mori is, 6 1, s- 5 , „ Second Round.—B. Bishop and U Floyd beat 11. L. G. Maeindoe and .J. j D Lewis. 6 —2, B—6: S. Handyside and R. S. Harrowed beat O. F. Hamilton , and J. N. Henderson, 6—2. 6—3; T. and | R. T. Wilson beat J. T. Mayson and J. I Page, 6—l. 6—3: C. H. Chalmers arid j J. L. B. Stevens beat C, Brownlec and i O. Weston. 6—2, 6—l; D. Livingstone and L. Annott beat J. Long and D. MacDonald, 9—7, 6—4. INTERMEDIATE GIRLS' DOUBLES First Round.—Misses Bishop and Jeffries beat Misses Hansen and Hemus, 6—2, 6-2. Second Round.—Misses Bishop and Jeffries beat Misses Anderson and Bolt roll, j 6—o, 6 —l; Misses E. and D. Remiger beat Misses Remre and Sheffield, 6—4. 6—3 ; Misses Cooke and Wade beat Misses Gardner and Stedman. B—6, 6—4. INTERM EDI ATE CIOM BINEI) DOUBLES . First Hound.—Gilmer and 'Miss Sheffield beat Halstead and Miss Nicholls, 9—7, 6—3: T. Wilson and Miss Gardner beat Annett and Miss Knivctori, 6—o, 6—l. Second Round.—Stevens and Miss Botlrell beat Thompson and Miss Buddie 4—6, 6—4. 6—3; Leng and Miss Jeffries beat Wooilams and Miss lnwood, 6—l, 6—o; Bishop and Miss Bishop beat Gunn and Miss Uemus, 6—l, 6—3. _ PROGRAMME FOR.TO-DAY Following is the programme of matches to be played at Stanley Street this morning:— 9 a.m. Sutherland and Walton v. Goudie and Mitchell. Chalmers and Miss Cooke v. llaiiowell and M!ss Masefield, Smith and Miss 1). Hemiger v. Allen and Miss Wade, T. Wilson and Miss Gardner v. Gilmer and Miss Sheffield, Malfroy v. Bowdcn. Rhodes-Williams v. Roach. Handyside v. A. I). Brown, Sturt and Miss Maefarlane v. Lamb and Mrs. Russell. Lusk v. H. T. Wilson. McDonald v. Matthews.

10 a.m.—Johns and Miss Miller v. Porter and Miss Newton, Lucas and Milne' v. Stevens and Turner. T. and It. T. Wilson v. Livingstone and Annett. Cameron v. Hill. Maysoii v. Crouch.'Loos and Lees v. Hull mid Matthews, Misses Griffiths and Savin v. Misses Huddle and Colson, Gunn v. Allen, Miss P>. Bishop v. Miss Airey, Miss J. Bishop v. Miss P. Cooke. 10.30 a.m.—All players.