LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4847, 27 December 1902, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING. (From a Special Correspondent). NELSON, December 26. A tropical downpour this morning made tho courts too soft for play during tho morning, hut play began at 2 p.m. In the Handicap Singles, Williams (Christohurch) carried too many guns for Redward (Wellington), the latter finding it difficult to pass Williams at the not. Swanston nearly lost to Pearse. The latter led by five games to three in each of tho first two sots and won tho second. Swanston then struck form and reeled off a love set with ease. Peacock, tho New Zealand champion, beat S. R. Kennedy quite easily, although conceding a considerable handicap. Kennedy was off his game, and placed too much into Peacock’s bauds. Ho had only just arrived by steamer, acid seemed to feel tho want of a “knock up.” Contrary to expectations Nunnolcy boat Smythe. Tho latter won tho first set, and seemed likely to take tho second, his opponent appearing somewhat exhausted. Nunneloy’s handicap, however, told its tale, and Smythe just lost. Tho match between Gore and Vickers reflected credit on the handioapper. Tickers only won tho odd set by six games to four. In the Championship Singles, Parker (Wellington) was far too good for Smith (Taranaki) winning tho first sixteen games. Tho latter struggled hard, and there were some excellent rallies, hut Parker’s placing was too accurate. Smythe was unfortunate in drawing Peacock tho first round, hut made a most creditable show against his famous opponent, especially in the second section. Smytho’s graceful style was much admired by the spectators and players alike. Swanston beat Rowley ‘very hut Laishley had a long match with Goss. Tho dead court did not suit Laishley, and although the Canterbury man won tho first sot, tho ultimate result was never in doubt. Miss Gore easily beat Miss Loggatt in tho Ladies’ Singles. Tho Thomdon Club player must reach tho final of this evOnt. ' . Three matches were played in the Championship Doubles. Wilding and Harman proved too clever for Amios and Lindsay (Brougham Hill). Tho latter are young players, but made some excellent shots, and it was usually their judgment that was at fault. Smythe and Sloman marie a fine start against Fisher and Peacock, tho champions of New Zealand, and almost won tho first sot. At the critical moment, however, Sloman volleyed an ea<y smash into tho net, and the chance was lost. The champions were very erratic, hut improved towards tho finish. Parker and Cox easily put out Williams and Vincent, of Canterbury, though both tho Wellingtoniaus were off at tho start. In the Second-grade Handicap R. C. Kirk heat Armstrong. The former should have a good chance of figuring as the ultimate winner. Miss F. Marohant stood up pluckfly to Miss Nunnoley in the Ladies’ Handicap. She made splendid drives at times, hut gradually tired. Miss Nunneley’a placing and power of return are as good as ever. To-morrow some fine matches will bo witnessed. Cox v. Laishley is sure to ho good. Parker and Swanston also moot in the doubles. A great, match should result from the meeting of Laishley and Swanston and Cox and Parker, all of Wellington. The courts are in excellent order, hut are very dead, owing to the heavy rain and the play consequently suffers.