TENNIS AT QUEEN'S CLUB.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 15933, 28 November 1913, Page 10

TENNIS AT QUEEN'S CLUB.

WILDING IN FINE FORM. FIRST DAY'S PLAY. (Fbom Oun Own ConaEaporosm.) LONDON, October 15.. There were two matches of outstanding interest at the Queen's Club yesterday— thoee played by A. F. Wilding against C. P. Dixon, and F. G. Lowe against T. M. Mavrogordat-o. There was a big crowd of onlookers. Those who went to watch Wilding and Dixon and expecting a close and stern struggle were doomed to disappointment, but as compensation they saw a very fine display on tho part of the New Zealander, who scarcely made a mistake. Dixon won one game jn each of the first two seta, and two in the third »et. There was scarcely a rally of any length, and tho match was over in little more than half an hour. ' '

Dixon, it is recorded, took risks, and in this his policy was sound, for he oould neTer hope to make much impression on Wilding by adopting merely safe methods, and, moreover, he had not the 6tamina to carry out such tactics. Wilding foroed the paco from the start eo well that Dixon was never allowed to find his game. To add to the latter's discomfiture, he served 24 double faults, a very costly proceeding with Wilding as an opponent. Wilding was always cool and resourceful, with a fitting reply to every attack. Steady, and when occasion demanded it, brilliant, Wilding kept himself up' to ooncert Ditch the whole time. Dixon could never gain pointe by Wilding's mistakes, and most of the accs he picked up were earned. Wilding proved himself eo much the superior that it was hard to believe that his opponent had ever beaten him on a wood surface. In service, in return of service, in length of drive, and in volleying Wilding showed himself the more reliable, and, in addition, ha was playing throughout wth the utmost confidence—a quality that was certainly lacking in his opponent. The score was 6—l, 6-1, 6-2.

The Times says that Wildincj got into his stride at once, and for the whole match he was playing with a severity and an accuracy which was quito too muoh for his opponent. _ His mistakes wero few and far between, his good shots were very many. He has attained that rtiechanical accuracy of stroke that the ball seems to do his bidding and to go very near indeed to the Bpot where he wishes it. Ho drove deep and into t.he corners cither straight down the line or with a cross shot Time after time lie gained the attack, and when his opponent got the ball back, which, it must be confessed, he failed to do very often, Wilding killed it cither on the volley or the bounoe with oertainty. At all ball games where there is direct contact—that is, where both players use tho same ball—it is always true that a man plays as well ns he is allowed to do. Dixon was not allowed to do much, and his performance no doubt looked worse than it was, though nothing could excuse some of the mistakes, noticeably'the double fanlta, which must have reached nearly double figures. The match between F. G. Lowe and T, M. Mavrogordato was also disappointing in one respect. After two! dose sets, both of which were won by Mavrogorda'o (7—5, 7—5) Lowe appealed on the question of light, and, on h : s appeal being disallowed. he retired. The play, so far as it went, was good.