LAWN TENNIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18750, 2 January 1923, Page 10

LAWN TENNIS

DOMINION CHAMPIONSHIPS. TOURNAMENT AT HASTINGS. (Per United Press Association.) HASTINGS, December 30. The New Zealand Dawn Tennis Championship tournament was continued to-dny in dull weather with a strong southerly wind blowing across the courts. Tho final of the ladies' doubles was played and other games were in progress when a heavy rain fell, and played was .suspended till late in lha afternoon. Tho finals of the ladies’ singles and tho men's doubles were played on tho iosumption. Tho finals of the men singles and the mixed doubles will be, played on Monday. The ( first event finished in the morning was tho ladies! doubles championship, in which tho final was confined to the four New South Wales Ladies, Misses Lance and Lloyd and Mrs Lascelles and Miss Gray. The former pair too strong for their opponents, and won two straight sets. The exhibition of both sides was splendid end more spectacular than in the majority, of the men’s matches. Miss Lanco played faultless tennis, with plenty of variety, and is undoubtedly tho best lady p.aycr, especially m doubles, who lias ever visited Hastings. Mrs Lascollea is a graceful and steady player w.th a dragging back-hand stroke, but lacks tho anticipatory t acuity of which Miss Lance is the proud possessor. She missed several good chances to score by not going to the net and instead confining play to long drives. Miss Lance awaited h;r opportunity and repeatedly intercepted with effective smashes and accurate placements the net. Miss Gray is a “sticker” on huso line play, her pretty style pleasing the onlookers in to-day’s match She returned everything that came her way and made very few mistakes. Miss Lloyd was the weak member of .the quartet, but nevertheless played steadily and allowed her worthy partner to score tho winning shots. In the first set Misses Lance and L.ovd led throughout and won 6—3. After some exceedingly long rallies m the second set Mrs Laacclles and Miss Gray won the first two games, mainly through the mistakes of their opponents who, however, Won the next five '■gaNios. They lost the eight and ninth games but it was hoped that the sat would go to them, but they lost tfi© next game and set, 6—4. Peacock and Sims had a hard-fought fiveset tussle With the Franc; brotheis in the fourth round of the men’s doubles, the latter pair disputing every game until the last set, wnen tha more experienced players outpointed them and won comfortab.y. In the first set the boys were beaten 6—l, but won tho next by good tennis and excel.ent volleying and smashing. Honours were even m the third set to 5 all. when Peacock and Sims won Lie next two games and set. The Franco brothers improved considerably in thd next set, and after an attiactive and exciting^ battle won tho set, 6-4. Tho pwmotts efforts told on them, however, Mid they lost the thro; first games m tao fifth set, Peacock’s smashing behg the mam cause. France brothers won the uex, and sixth ■ ames through Peacock and fauns repeatedly netting, but tbs issue from then was ne'er in doubt,, the winners talcing the lost set 6—3 The holders of the mens doubles championship, Goss and GieenwooU met their Waterloo at tho hands of Griffiths and Robson (Auckland), but only struggle extending to four sets. Ibe later couple won the first two sets rather comfortably, but the champions took the thud set, 6—4, were leading m the next, and were within an ace of winning, but a bad m stake by" G oss loot the set The winners had a’ bye in the first round and met poor opposition until to-day’s match. Goss and Greenwood were out of form, apparently teelin<r the strain of the hard week's tennis. Tho final of the ladies’ singles was a runaway victory for Miss Lance, who defeated Mrs Lascelles, 6-2. M. In the first set which commenced before tho rain fell. Mis Lascelles obtained two games only, and in the second set was hopelessly beaten six "ames love. She played an uphill game throughout and executed some very creditable strokes, hut Miss Lanco s detenco was impregnable. It must have been heait rending to Mrs Lascelles to see her good shots having no effect. Miss Lanco played the same solid tennis throughout the tournament, and it was unfortunate for ovorybody that Miss Curtis was unable to disputo tho championship with her Much interest was manifested m the match Laurenson and OUivier versus Peacoc * and Sims in tho semi-final of the mens doubles championship. The contest went to the fourth set. After a fino game In former pair won the first iwo sets rather easily, but in the third set Peacock and feims van five love before their opponents won the game. In the sixth game Peacock came within a noint of winning the set, but aftei unuD deuces ° Laurenson and Ollivior won this and tho next two games, but lost the ninth "airm and C the set." The fourth set was m their favour throughout, and they tan out, winners 6—2. Peacock was in eplcndm form and executed some old-time strokes socialising in cross-court smashes. fa.nis played a steady game, "bile OUivier gaxe an improved display, his services being reiy deadly. Laurenson played Ins weakest ga_ of the tournament, netting several back-han "it'finin’this event commence .1 im.noOi a !iv. e errhow n cd .good form but ■ 1. a men son points by his service. Griffiths «a r 3 element and p’accd indifferently. The jss.’sss f e commencement and never being ically "^s^rrinfixed between Miss Lance and fauns and Mr Mrlodv and Wallace, who load i>— but NU t ss 'OT trffi. ts. v- ’ Jsrz MEN’S DOUBLES. Fourth Round. Pc acock and Sims beat France and France, 6—l, 3- 6, < o, G ’scmi-final.-Laurenson and b( ' at Peacock and Sima. 6—4, 6—N 3 ”• ; Final —Laurenson and Olbvicr boat Gut flths and Robson. 6—l, 6-4. 6 LADIES’ SINGLES. Final. —Miss Lanco beat Mrs Lascelles 6-2, 6-0. LADIES’ DOUBLES. Pi n nl. —Misses Lanon and Lloyd heat Mrs Lascelles and Miss Gray, 6—6, 6—4. MIXED DOUBLES. Semi-final. —Miss Macfartane and Robson boat Misa Gray and Griffiths, 6—2, 6—4; Miss Lance and Sims beat Mrs Melody and Wallace, 7—5, 7—5. . MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP DOUjbLivo. The following are (bo winners of the Men’s Championship Doubles to date; IKHii—if. and (!. and .M. Fcnwicke. ISH7- 11. |i. Hannan and F. Wilding, lass—ll. |i. H 111-man and F. Wilding. 188!)—M. Fcnwirke and .1. !•’. .Inrdine, 18!i0—II. 11. Harman and F. Wilding. 1891 —M. Fenwieke and A. F. t/opan. 1892 D. Hannan and F. Wilding. 1893 .1. M. Marshall and P. Marshall. 1894 1895 R. J>. Harman and D. rnllina. 189'i—If. A. Parker mid G. Giro. 1897 H. A. Parker and C. Gere. 1898— G. fl. Cm and .1. N. Gellins. 1899 I!. Got nml ,T. X. Collins. HiflO —11. A. Parker and J. C. Peacock. 1901 —.1. 0. Peacock and F. if. B. Fisher, inns—.l. Ci. Peacock and F. Jt. B. Fisher. 1903 H. A. Parker and F. Lalshley. 1904 11, A., Parker and B. W. Lycctt. 1905 H. A.'* Parker and B. N. K. Pwnnston. inon H. A. Parker and C. C. Onx. 1907—J. Dickie and A. .7. Wallace, 1908 -71. A. Parker mid Finn 1 ’oust. 1909 I'. M. B. Fisher and .1. 0. J’encoek. 1910— F. M. B. Fisher mul ,1. C. Peacock. 1911— X. R. Brooken and A. W. Dunlop. 1912 G. CllUvier and W. Goss. 1913 —A. .7. Wallace and 0. .1. Dickie. 191-I—G. Ollivjcr and F. 8. Wilding. 1919 G, Ollivior ,aml F. 8, Wilding. 1920 W. T. Tikien and W. M. Johnston. 1921 W. Goss and P. G. Greenwood. 1923—J. T. Laurenson and G. OUivier.

LADIES,’ CHAMPIONSHIP DOUBLES. The following are the • winners of (lie Ladies’ Championship Doubles to date: Mi!* Way nml Mias IRS7—I). Jfarmaa ami K. Gordon. 1888 —ilitohingß and K. Gordon. 188H-—Mihßcs HitL'liingH and Ik Gordon. 18fH)—Misses Jlitchin#s and K. (.Jordon. 1 1801—Missus K. Harman and HcK'. 1 SOU—No 180;{—Mrs Chapman and Mits Xirhofsou. 1801—Misfoh 0, Lean and B. JHaok. 1805—Missc* Kumudey and Trimncll. 180(5--Mit-hO3 Nunnoler ami Trimnell, 1807—Missus Xnmipley nnd Kennedy. 1803— A.Gssus Nunncley and C. Goan. 1800—Missc.s Xnnnolry and Harman. 1000—Misses Nunnelny and C. Goan. Jool—Misses Nunnerley and Van Asch. 1002— Misses Nunncley and Gorrie. 1 1003 — Misses K. V. and M. A. (ionic. 1004— Misses Nieholpon and Jamieson, 1005 — Misses G. Powdrell and A. Campbell. 100 R—Misses Nunncley and K. Baker. 1007— Mipscs Nnnneley and K. Baker. 1008— Misses G. Powdrcll and A. Gray. 1000—Misses G. Powdrcll and A. Gray. 1010— Misses H. Travers nnd H. Wellwood. 1011 — Misses A. Grav and Ik Travers. 1012— Misses A. Gray and Ik OVavors. 1010—Misses A. Gray and Ik M. Baird. 1014--Misses A. Gray and Ik AG Baird. 1010—Mrs Hodpes and Miss if. Mnefarlane. 1020- Tlodpes nnd Miss M. MneFarlano. 1021— Mrs \V. .1. Melody and Miss Ouvtis. 1022 Misses Ganen and Gloyd LADIES' CHAMPIONSHIP SINGLES. The following tabic allows the winners of the Ladies’ Championship Singles 1o date: IBBG —Miss Ganee. 100.1— Miss K. M. Nun1887— Miss Ik Harman. nelcy. 1888— Miss K, Gordon. 1004 —Miss K. M, Nun1880—Miss ]k Gordon. neley. 1800— J, Bees. 1005 Miss K. M. Nun--1801 — Miss N. Oouslin. nelev. 1802— Mius J. Bees. . 1006- Misa K. M. Nun--1803 Miss M. Ik Spiers. mdev. 1804— Miss K. Hitch- 10^7—Mis« K. M. Nnnings. neley. 189. V—Miss K. if. Nun- 1008 —Miss Guey Townelcy. droll. 1806—Miss K. M. Nun- 1000—Miss Guey Powndey, droll. 1897—Miss K. M. Nun- 1910-Miss 13va Travers. neley. 1011 —Mips P. ’ A. 1808—Miss K. M. Nun- St.'wa/t. ne)ev. 191 J—Miss *A. Grav. 1800—Miss K, M. Nun- 1913—Miss A. GraV. neley. 1914—Miss A. Gray. 1000— Miss K. M. Nun- inio—Mrs S. C. ITodges. neley. 1020—Miss N. Curtis. 1001— Miss K. M. Nun- 1021 —Slit's N. Curtis, neley. 1022 —Miss Gance. 1002— Miss K. M. Nuni mdey. THE PINAL GAMES. OLLIVIEII WINS CHAMPIONSHIP. (Per United Press Association.) HASTINGS, January 1. Th? tournament concluded to-day, when the finals of the Men’s Singles and tho Mixed Doubles were played in the presence of n laigc gathering of spectators. Rcsu.ts;- - MEN’S SINGLES. U. Olbvicr (Christchurch) beat J. T. Laurenson (Waikato), 6—4, 6—3, 7—5. MIXED-DOUBLES. M.ss Lance iN.fa.W.) and A. Sims (Hamilton! b.at Miss Macfarlane (Auckland) and H. |L. Robson (Alien..a,,tlj, 6—4, 7 —o. Tno final of the Men s Championship j SingLo, between O. O.livjar (Umt.U Uiuo, ; CfTir.Bicnutcb), and J. T. Lauieuson (Malamuta, V\ aikaio), attracted a large attcnuaiKe or ou.ookeis, who w.ie t.ealea to one hour 1 of scientific and high-class tennis. Owing to Olhvier s aitappomt.ng lorm throughout the tournament, the general opinion prevni.ed that Laurenson would win, and win oas.iy. Übivicr, in his ptovious mutches, soeined quite on colour, w.nlo Laurenson looked U‘« | p.cture of health, ana played cons.ston.ly throughout. To-day, however, Olnvicr was us fit as ev.r he was, wlriie Lauieuson gave the impression that lie was over anxious or, on the other hand, over-worked. T’ucse wuo were tortumuc enough to witness the titame struggle betwe.n tuooe two cnampions at UjiribichUrCii last year had reason to realise that tlie difference between tueui was more than trie result of the l»2i championship intlicatcd. Ulhvicr was undoubtedly a past master at tho gams and has more knowledge and a greater variety ot strokes than any other man player in New Zealand today. His fault seems to be slaekn-ss. Tins was cxempiim-a in his mutcu against fauns in the sciiii-linal on Friday. It oims hud .maintained his attack in ms firth set when he was 4 love, Ohmer a name would have been forgotten for another season. faims, however, went to pieces utter his severe at-, ta.k of cramp in the left haud,_ and allowed Olhvier to win 7 —5., in spite of tho tact i Hint the latter was playing anything but champ.onship form. faims serves wmi h.a right hand and plays all shots except overhead smashes witn hia left. His ailment, tiicrefoie, occurred at u most inopportune moment. From the commencement of tho mutch to-day, hov/ever, OUivier was at h.a best, and to sum up the result with a lew woids, won comfortably from his conquer'd of 1621. Ho made very few mistakes and gave the onlookers a clear idea of what he can do when playing at his top lorm. Laurenson lorced the play, but it was an unlull gams lluoulghout. In spite ot his best efforts lie was unable to make any impression o i his opponent. Many critics held tho view that he was not aggressive enough, that ho kspt too much to the back line, and that ho did not make use of any effective overhead work, but the true position was that OlLvier had him on the defensive in every game and did not give him an opportunity to show hia dashing tennis displayed in the preliminary matches. Laurcneon himse.f admitted that he was beaten by a superior man in every department, who undoubtedly, at the present time, had no equal in New Zealand. Tho match does not lend itself to much comment. Olhvier won tho first set comfortably. tie annexed the first four games by good all-round play, Laurenson failing especially in his favourite backhand strokes, while he also failed to rake advantage of the few clumps to smasli. Laurenson won the next two games, mainly through OUivier netting nnd outing, and then OUivier took the next after a deuce came. Laurenson was 40 io love m the next game, which ho won to 30, making the "ames 5—3. OUivier won the tenth game, allowing two balls to pass which he Uptight would land out, but in the next, off bis own service, won a love game and set, 6—4. Tho second set was characterised by masterful strokes by OUivier, who gamed many points and rounds of applause by several well-placed shots which Laurenson was unable to reach, especially tho shot drops over the net, while his opponent was keeping to the base line. Each won alternately till three all, and then Olhvier ran out 6—3, uith winning short vollejs and u..lllplaced smashes, Laurenson lepeatedly netting with his back-hand stroke. Xho third set saw Laurenson in improved form, but his opponent did not slacken th> slightest, and in spile of Laurenson s most stubborn efforts the set want to the Christchurch player. 7—5. OUivier won the first two "ames bv good tossing and beautifu. side-line drives, but lost the next Uyo by netting and faulty overhead strokes. Laurenson won his. service by his splendid returns of low cross-court drives. , The next panic wont to his credit, after the longest rally in .the match, in which every conceivable stroke wa« brought into action bv both players. OUivier, with good smashing and tossing, won tho next two games, and even the score to four all. A deuoe game with Laurenson serving went to him but Ollivicx won tho next, maintaining his best form, and won the next two games comfortably, and took the set 7—5, thus regaining bis championship title, winch lie -allied" in 1911. 1914. and 1919. Tho final of Hie Mixed Doubles championship was played simultaneously with the Men’s Singles, and naturally was not witnessed by many onlookers. Mies Lanco and Sims won after rather an uninteresting contest, from Miss Macfarlane and Hobson in two straight sets, 6—4, 7—5. Miss Lanco played her usual solid gome, keeping her lady opponent busy on tho back line and allowing Sims to intercept with effective smashes. Miss Macfarlane was a long way below her best form, and the same remark applies to the two men, who made many mistakes. Miss Lance and Sims won the first set through the former’s consistent work. In the second set Misa Macfarlane and Rohson led 5—2 nnd 39 love, but lost the game, and their opponents retaliated by taking (lie next five "Times and the championship. This gave Miss'Lance the championship m th" Ladies' Singles, the Ladies' Doubles, and (lie Mixed Doubles. The Hawke’s Bay championship and handicap tournament is’now in progress. Most of the visiting players, including some New South Wales ladies, ere taking part m the tournament, which will conclude at tho end of th" week. The officials of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association wore tendered a banquet on Saturday nir; 1;I by Mr U. Ji. Cfttr, of tho hssnnuitioTi. Lnior the guests were entertained at a diu'co given by the local club in honour of the Now South Wales ladies.