FORM OF PLAYERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22615, 31 December 1936, Page 12

FORM OF PLAYERS

AIJCKLAN DEES DO WELL BROWN'S VIGOROUS DISPLAY CHARTERS DEFEATS MAYSON [BY TF.LEGIIAPn —SPECIAL KEPOTtTKIt] TIMARU, "Wednesday The 11 courts in use for tho Now Zealand championships had a fine surface condition, but they were heavy after two inches of rain on Monday night. Tho committee spared 110 efforts to have the ground appointments equal to those in the larger centres. Fear of the paralysis epidemic kept many visitors from Timarti and is likely to affect the gate. There is a large and representative entry from all parts of the Dominion, but D. G. France, of Wellington, and Miss Macfarlane, of Auckland, are notable absentees. The junior portion of tho tournament has boon postponed by the Now Zealand management comaiittco because of the outbreak of infantile paralysis. Ihe entry of juniors constituted a record and tho local association had arrangements well in hand lor tho billeting of each junior privately. In tho men's singles to-day RhodesWilliams, Canterbury, showed some of his old-time form, losing only three games to Ivayc, of Otago. R. H. Lewis, To Aroha, put up an excellent game against George Pearce, Wellington, his steadiness and tenacity ultimately giving him victory in live sets, lho Canterbury juniors, Penfold and Pattinson, both had pleasing wins, the latter exploiting well short cross-court placements which did not rise on the slightly heavv ' courts. His opponent, W. R. Fea, of Rugby fame, could not make pace. Fea later proved himself a very promising umpire. Slow Conditions Roach, Hamilton, took a long time to get going against Wellington No. 6 plaver, Edwards, lu the second set Roach stroked better, but plainly did not like tho slow conditions. Edwards shows most promising form and played well on both hands to win comfortably. Another Canterbury junior, Corich, had a hard five-set match with Clow. Corich did not display the high form which sent him to Australia last year, 'out was superior in placements. Coombe was content to play Smith from the back line, making his opponent do most of the work. A. D. Brown, Auckland, played with vigour and style against MeKinnon, of North Otago. His forehand functioned well, while he used admirable discretion in taking the net. J. T. Mayson, another Aucklander, who has just performed so creditably at Christehureh, started slowly against Charters and lost the first* set through inaccuracies. Mayson evened at set-all to lose the third set. A vigorous attack in the fourth set saw two sets all go up. Charters was just a little more accurate in lobs and at tho net. The close result was an excellent indication of a meritorious game. Sturt's Easy Win Sturt, of Auckland, had no difficulty with Beatson, Nelson, and played confidently and well, his service being good. His only errors were those of erratic length. Belford. Wellington, made a bad start against Ronton, Timarti, hut improved as the game advanced. his volleys containing sting and being well directed. Gunn, of Auckland, boat Long in four sets and showed greater initiative, although Long was always a trier. Gunn placed his volleys and varied his attack with greater confidence. Barnett, Canterbury, proved too good for the visiting Englishman, Hill. Barnett is playing with much more control this year and is imparting terrific spin on accurately-placed shots. Hill was unlucky to meet a possible finalist in the first round. •T. D. Lewis, of Eden and Epsom, Auckland, played quite well, although defeated in four sets by the young Otago player, Boyd. Ladies' Singles

Thn ladies' .singles provided some excellent first round contests. Miss Margaret Beverley, Matamata, won by hard base-line driving, always maintaining a good length. Miss X. Beverley played a confident attacking game to wiii easily from Mrs. Beatson. formerly Miss M. Sherris. The Waikato player held the upper hand throughout a good match. Miss X. Bishop, Canterbury, plays extremely steadily and should do well. Miss .T. Ramsay displayed pleasing form and well uphold her best Auckland reputation. Misses Poole have both improved. Miss Thelma played a dashing, hard-hitting came to beat Miss Fleming, Wairarapa. MissD. Miller, Xo. .'5 ranking in Xew Zealand, unfortunately scratched because of a strained hip.

A start was made on the doubles late in the afternoon. Brown and Mayson combined well and forced the pace to beat Pattinson and Penfold in three sets. Coombe and Charters also impressed.