TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11408, 3 January 1923, Page 8

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP

OLLIVIER’S WINS FOUR YEARS’ CHAMPION. DR LAURENSON OUTCLASSED. (By Telegraph.—Special to the “Times.”) HASTINGS, January 1. The New Zealand championship was* decided at Hastings this morning in three short sets, G. Ollivier, of Christchurch, gaining the title for the fourth time by defeating Dr J. T. Laurenson, of Waikato. The weather was fine, and the attendance as great as could be accommodated. From the firet the question for the spectator was not “who will win,” bu by how much would Laurenson beat him. On their previous form at the tournament Ollivier was a certain winner. Laurenson played slightly below his previous form, his service at its bent lacking sting, and at its worst being exceedingly weak. Ollivier was at his best, and by accurate ground- sliot he kept Laurenson on the hack-line, and his great reach enabled hun to score frequently at the net. In Laurenson’a favour it should be noted that he has been able to practise very little in his own class, consequently he had not enough confidence to -play his aggressive game, and was forced to let Ollivier direct the play throughout. Serving first, Ollivier’s weak deliveries lost him three points, hut on Laurenson’s nets and outs 'he worked up to deuce and then won the ~ame by two magnificent volleys. ' Laurenson'* many errors lost him 'his service, game to 15, and in the third and fourth sets he netted easy returns, and failed utterly in smashing way of the others. Ollivier won the first two games, placing Ms balls as he wished, .and getting Laurenson on the run. Thin” to the spectators surprised delight laurenson won four games on end, two of them to love and two to 15. Ollivior’g service had lest some of its difficulty, and Laurenson finding the corners nicely, and lobbing accurately, was helped by Ollivier’s over long drive. In the sixth both men were applauded, Laurneson for fine recovery from a smash, and Ollivier for a magnificent half volley, pUivier quickly made up his deficit by finding his length again, and by pinning the champion to the backline. In the ninth Laurenson won an ace from his first service. He went to 40 by net-skimming drives, but dropped three points by netting easy returns, and then overwhelmed Ollivier by two magnificent angle volleys. After a sharp bout at the net, inoessant driving was obviously wearing down Laurenson’s strength, and the next game he gave away.' In the eleventh Ollivier yaried his tactics slightly by stop volleys, which drew Laurenson out- of position. 6—5. The final game was non over, as Laurenson netted two returns, and then reaching high for a smash, sent it under the net, 40—love. He won the next point, but netted Ollivier’s service, and rushed to congratulate his opponent. Ollivier has played few better games, and was at no time anxious. Compared with his struggle against Sims, the final was a holiday jaunt for him. George Maddison, Mayor of Hastings, umpired. On adjoining oourt Miss Lance, the Australian lady, and A. W. Sims won the combined doubles in straight sets against Miss MacFarlane and Robson, of Auckland. They won the first set fairly easily, Miss Lance’s severe pummelling of the backline giving Sims glorious opportunities at the net. The seoond was much closer, but at a critical, time Robson. whose service was a tremendous asset to the Auckland pair, served doubles, and Miss Lance and Sima had unexpectedly an easy victory. Miss Lance won everything for which she entered, and it cannot he said that she was fully extended except in the semi-final against her countrywoman, Miss Gray. 11l the evening trophies were presented by Mr Cato, president of the Hastings Club. Oaiiferbuiy won the mUdix** Memorial Cup and Banner with three points, and Waikato were next with two points.