LAWN TENNIS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22619, 6 January 1937, Page 15

LAWN TENNIS

DOMINION TOURNAMENT SOME SURPRISING RESULTS ANGAS AND STURT BEATEN The defeat of C. Angus by D. C. Cooinbo in the semi-finals of the New Zealand lawn tennis championships at Tiniarii was quite unforeseen, and completely upset all foiecasts. The Wellington player's victory was a triumph of concentration against an opponent who was never able to find an effective counter to his powerful forehand and backhand driving. Cooinbo played with confidence, and has apparently benefited considerably from his trip to Australia. Bedford swept with some ease past a below-par Sturt with a stroke perfection and accuracy of placing that promised even better tilings. Sturt s defeat of Harnett prior to this match was a fine effort, and considerably enhanced his prestige, which had been somewhat dimmed by his play in the Canterbury championships, and also by his defeat by Mayson. Auckland enthusiasts were beginning to hope for his success, even against Angas, who it was confidently expected would be the other Una I ist. 'Die defeat of J. T. Mayson and A. 1). Brown by J. C. Charters was to bo expected. The Wellington player was ranked in the first ten in 19;io-.'i4, and is an experienced and difficult man to heat Mayson would appear to he tho strongest <>f Auckland's younger school of players at present, and he will be watched with interest at the forthcoming Auckland championships. The ladies' singles went in accordance with established form to the semifinals, and the present ascendancy of Miss Nicholls and Miss N. Beverley is apparently more firmly established than it was last season. Miss M. Beverley is the most promising of the younger school of players, and her ultimate rise ! to the top is certain, particularly if I she can be given overseas experience.

OUTER-SUBURBAN GAMES DIVISION INTO SECTIONS The outer-suburban competitions are being played in two grades as usual this season, but a change has been, made in that each grade is divided into two sections. In the A grade first section there are five clubs, Backhand's Beach, Valley, Mangere Central, Papatoetoe and Mangere East. The last-named club seems the likely winner of this section, as it has played and won three matches. However, it still has to meet Buckland's Beach, and, although the odds are slightly in its favour, the Buckland's Beach team is a well-balanced combination, and a close match should result. Papatoetoe has played two matches for a win and a loss. Although weakened by tho entry of a team in the City and Suburban competitions, it still has a number of strong players available, as evidenced by the fact that it ran Mangero East to a close 7—6 contost. Mangere Central and Valley do not seem quite as strong as the other teams, but are making a good showing, and their players should benefit from the experience. Papakura, Pakuranga, Clevedon and Manurcwa comprise the second section. Pakuranga, which won tho B grade last season and gained promotion, has a strong team, which commenced well with a win against Papakura. Close matches are indicated against Clevedon and Manurewa. There are 12 teams altogether in the B grade, comprising Buckland's Beach, Valley, Mangere East, Mangere Central, Papatoetoe and Takanini-King-fisher. The last-named club appears to be the strongest, and present indications are that it will supply tho winning team. Tak.inini, which has no team in the A grade and has won its first three matches by wide margins, would have been well advised to enter iu the A grade this year, as its team is undoubtedly stronger than some of tho A grade ones. However, if the club wins the B grade this season, promotion is certain. In the second section, there are six teams, Pakuranga. Papakura, Ardmore, Manurewa, Clevedon and East Tamaki. This section appears very open, although Clevedon has the best performances so far and may come through.