BADMINTON COMMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22211, 11 September 1935, Page 21

BADMINTON COMMENTS

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS all titles change hands PUBLIC INTEREST IN GAME BY BIDELINE The standard of play in the New Zealand badminton championships, which were concluded last Saturday, was well up to that of previous meetings, although the definite nature of the victories recorded in the finals—only one went to three games —may indicate a greater superiority of the present titleholders over their closest rivals than ia usual. It is noteworthy that all titles changed hands. Great credit is due to the secretary, Mr. R. Wylie, and the committee for their efficient and successful handling of the meeting. It was a very hard task to run off twenty events on six courts and a certain amount of dissatisfaction and waiting about was inevitable. Friction was reduced to a minimum and the tourney just closed will undoubtedly be recorded as oue of the most successful held in Auckland. The attendance of the public, particularly on the last day, was excellent and shows the increasing hold that badminton is getting every year. The wharf sheds are not ideal for the game, but until badminton in Auckland has a home of its own no other place is available in which the necessary number of courts could be provided. Next year the committee should consider the omitting of the handicap events and the running of a D grade championship. A handicap tournament could bo held at another time.

SINGLES WINNER NEALE'S FINE FORM J. Neale undoubtedly deserved his success in the men's singles. He roserved his best effort for the final, when he produced badminton of exceptional standard. Very quick on his feet, ho was rarely caught off his balance and invariably played the right shot at the right time. H. Fow, the title-holder, was an early victim to Anderson's good plaj 7 . Fow gave the impression that ho was stale, and it is hardly surprising on account of the amount of play ho has indulged in recently. Reid, of Wellington, impressed, and, had he not met Dempster, Hamilton, in a particularly aggressive mood, might have created a surprise. The Hamilton player, however, deserved his success, although he was unable to reproduce similar form against I. Ellett. G. Martin was popular with the spectators and he went down gallantly. R Hull is improving in singles and when he becomes a little more methodical and has confidence in bis ability he will score a major success. ATTRACTIVE PLAYER SUCCESS OF MRS. WREN Mrs. Wren is one of the most attractive players in New Zoaland to watch. Her unbounded enersv and courage always appeal to the spectators and her success in the women's singles was popular and well deserved. The fact that Miss Ellett reached all three finals testifies to her ability and courage. Miss Ramsay played well, her best effort coming in the combined doubles. Miss Edmondson, Hamilton, played an attractive and graceful game and it will not be long before some of the major titles come her way. Mrs. Salisbury, Invercargill, is a steady player who only needs experience to take her into the first flight. Miss Brodie, winner of the B grade ladies' singles, is much imprQved and is likely to play a prominent part in future championships.

DOUBLES HONOURS HULL BEST EXPONENT R. Hull and J. Neale were outstanding in the men's doubles and came through as much by their good understanding as by any exceptional power of stroke. Hull was the best doubles exponent at the meeting and his sound dafence and quickness at the net would probably have brought him through with any of the better players as a partner. Misses Ramsay and Wade had little trouble in annexing the ladies' doubles title. Miss Wade's game was impressive and she is improving with every match, some of her net work and recovery shots being comparable to those of Hull in the men's events. Reid and Miss Ramsay impressed in the combined doubles event and there was no luck about their success. I. Ellett and Miss K. Waters were the next best and were the only pair to take a set from the winners.