LAWN TENNIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22822, 5 March 1936, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS

By Smash,

FIXTURES March 7.—Otago v. North Otago, at Oamaru. March 14—Otago v. Southland, at Logan Park, Dunedin. March 21—Otago v. Vincent Sub-associa-tion, at Logan Park, Dunedin. March 28—Otago v. Maniototo, at Logan Park, Dunedin. March 28—Otago v. South Otago, at Logan Park, Dunedin. April 10, 11, 13 and 14. (Easter dates). —Otago and South Island jubilee championship and handicap tourna ment, at Logan Park, Dunedin; Auckland Association tournament; Wellington Association tournament, EXHIBITION MATCHES The series of exhibition matches played Logan Park last Thursday will be long remembered bv all who saw them as one of the most delightful lawn tennis experiences ever enjoyed in Dunedin. AH the elements of success were present. Ihe weather was perfect, the stands were crowded, the arrangements were complete in every detail, and finally there were four superbly-fit players, headed by an ex-world’s champion, ready and willing to give,of their beat. And that was exactly what they did. Each man played bis hardest, and with obvious enjoyment, throughout the afternoon, using all his strokes and all his guile to outwit his opponent, and giving nothing away. For almost four hours play was practically continuous, and as the ball flashed fromracket to racket at bewildering speed, and amazing shots followed each other in rapid succession, the spectators thrilled to- a recognition of the fact that they were seeing tennis of world class —that here, indeed, was the real thing. To many, the most satisfactory feature of the afternoon was the fact that the Cochet of reality measured up to the Cochet of glamorous reputation. It would, of course, have been unreasonable on the part of the spectators to expect to see the devastating, invincible player who won the championships of Wimbledon, France, and America, or the inspired Cochet who fought for the honour of his country in the Davis Cup Competition. There were many reasons why hopes of that kind would have been futile. But those who expected to see a great player in action, a master of stragery and stroke production, were not disappointed. Here was a true artist of the court, a man whose skill, grace, and mobility made the game appear deceptively easy. It was a pelished exhibition that he gave of footwork, anticipation, and all-round stroke production, but especially of volleying. Nothing like his volleying has previously been seen’in Dunedin, his favourite base of operations being the vicinity of the service line, and there was an audible gasp from the gallery on one occasion when he actually volleyed a smash and won the point. . His smooth, unhurried game and the sustained accuracy and variety of hie shots were a source of delight, and his smashing, though not of the devastating quality. that one associated with him, was decisive and beautifully placed. His associates all reached a high standard, and nothing more exhilarating has been seen at. Logan Park than the Doubles match which brought a thoroughly satisfying afternoon to a close. It is not too much to say that the visit of Cochet and his Australian team-mates will he recalled as one of the “'high lights” of the Otago Lawn Tennis Association’s jubilee year. A very satisfactory feature of the day's play was the excellence of the umpiring. These responsible duties were carried out by Messrs G. I. Black, S. G. M'Dougall, and K. Bryan, each of whom gave their decisions promptly and called the score clearly. COCHET MAY RETURN Replying to " the official welcome that was extended to him at Logan Park last Thursday by Mr Sinclair and the Mayor, Cochet indicated that he might return to New Zealand, not next year, but,, he hoped, in two years’ time. He had visited many parts of the world, but, he declared with true Gallic courtesy, when he returned to France he would aay. that of all his experiences he had enjoyed his New Zealand tour most. From the Dominion he was going to Tahiti, then on lo the United States, where he had arranged to play a series of matches with Ellsworth Vines. A tour of several, of the South American countries would follow before his return to France. I know some of your New Zealand players,” he continued, “including Malfroy, but I hope that one day yon will have an even better player than Malfroy—one who will win the championship of Wimbledon, of France and of America. I. do not speak English very well, but, this is a good lesson,” added Cochet, who, despite the dainty afternoon tea that had been provided, contented himself with a glass of milk. . It only remains to be added that if he does return he is assured of a very hearty welcome in Dunedin. A SUCCESSFUL VISIT The gate takings for the professional matches at Logan Park last Thursday were one of the best ever recorded in Dunedin, and represented an attendance of close on 700 spectators. This is excellent for a week day. and provides an emphatic reply to those who suggested that Otaco should be grouped with the minor associations. Had the matches been plnved on a Saturday it is beyond doubt that all records would have been broken. As it was, Cochet and his associates .were thoroughly satisfied with their visit to Dunedin, and were well pleased with the courts, the weather and the whole of the arrangements. REMARKABLE SHOTS Many remarkable shots were seen during the professional matches at Logan Park last Thursday afternoon.. One of the most interesting was the manner in which Cochet, when chasing a ball that had gone over his head, would swing hia racket round in a complete circle and lilt the hall from underneath, imparting nearly as much pace to it as he did to some of his drives. Each of the four plavers also showed great skill and accuracy in retrieving deep lobs, a majority of these being returned backwards over the head and usually landing in the opposite court after going high into the air. Another memorable shot was that made hv Baker, who, on one occasion, followed his service in, and slammed a terrific low smash on his wav to the net. On two other occasions Baker smashed so. hard that the hall sailed clean over the hack fence, , , In the Doubles match the usual formation adopted was for the partner of the receiver to go in to the net. relying on the sound return of service of his partner to enable the pair to take up an attacking position from tha first return of service. THE JUBILEE TOURNAMENT Preparations are now in .train for the Otago Lawn Tennis Association’s jubilee tournament which will be hold at Easter, simultaneously with the South Island championships. Entries for all events close on March 30, and it has been decided in the interests of the accuracy of the programme that late entries will not bo accepted. In addition lo more valuable trophies than usual for the championship and handicap events, special prizes, taking Hie form of two first-grade rackets, will be presented to the local man and woman player showing the most improved form in the tournament. These prizes are the gift of Mr T. Grimsdale, of the Otrigo Sports Depot. It is to he noted that the association has decided to reduce tlie age-limit for competitors in the Veterans’ Doubles from 50 to 45 years. Among the probable Southland competitors n’t the tournament are W. G. Robertson fa former holder of the South Island Single,s Championship), M'Callum (who played against Moon here a few months ago), and Misses R. and J. Wilson. AUSTRALIAN VISITORS The (suggested visit of C. Donohoe and D. Chrystal. who, it was hoped, would play in’the jubilee tournament, will not now take place. Several of the South Island associations have notified Otago that- thev cannot conveniently arrange matches for the«se two players, and, as co-

operation of this kind was essential, it has been reluctantly decided that the trip must be abandoned. The falling: through of this trip, however, will bn compensated for next season. Mr Hines, of Messrs Slazengers, Ltd., who accompanied Cochet’s team aa manager, mentioned while in Dunedin last week that a tour of New Zealand next year by Bromwich and Huxley was practically a certainty, and assured the president of the Otago Lawn Tennis Association (Mr W. R. Sinclair) that these youthful stars would, without doubt, be brought to Dunedin. NOTES It i§ worth noting that in a plebiscite taken in England to find out the best lawn tennis players of all time, Cochet secured the second largest total. Anthony Wilding was placed fourth, and Norman Brookes seventh. A financial statement submitted to the last quarterly meeting of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association showed that the total receipts for the New Zealand championships amounted to £505 2s od. It was also mentioned that the expenses of M’Grath and Moon were £lls' 13s 4d. The loss on the Davis Cup match between New Zealand and Czechoslovakia was £l6B 15s 2d. . . The announcement of New Zealand's intention not to enter a team for the Davis Cup this year was made at a meeting of the council of the New- ■ Zealand Lawn Tennis Association last week. Mr A. G. Henderson, chairman of the Management Committee, stated that New Zealand was not entering a team, as Andrews would not be back in England until two days before the Wimbledon championships in June, and also that previous entries had resulted in financial loss. Speaking at a meeting of the council of the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association last week, Professor F. P. Wilson, Dominion president of the association, asked whether the strict distinction between lawn tennis professionals and amateurs could not be broken down. He said that he could see no valid reason for the maintenance of the distinction, and considered it might be a good thing for the association to be the first to hold an open championship tournament, as was done in golf. Speaking of the display given by Ollivier in* Christchurch on Saturday last, the Press says: Ollivier, playing in his fiist serious match since becoming a professional in 1929, rose to the occasion splendidly and gave a really polished display in partnership with Cochet against J. Willard and Baker. In everything but speed of foot was he the equal of the Australians. His return of service was consistently good, his volleying accurate, and his angle-smashing perfectly placed, although not severely hit. Above all, his lobbing and lob-volleying were important factors in breaking up the net attack of the opposing pair. The South Canterbury representative player, W. E. Renton, discussing his observations in Australia, states that, when playing matches, the Australians usually play a steadier game, and the more important the match the steadier becomes the play. In the final between Quist and Crawford, .which ran for well over two hours, both played for accuracy and position before going for a winner. Often the ball passed over the net at least 50 times in the course of a rally, and a final such as this in the terrific. Melbourne heat is an. endurance test in every way. LAWN TENNIS UNION The A'Grade match Kiwi v. Ravens; bourne, which was played on the Kiwi courts, resulted in a win for the former by a margin of seven games, the final score being: Kiwi, 8 sets (76 games); Ravensbourne, 8 sets (09 games). Tn the Men’s Singles Damage 6—3 was too steady for Facer, who did not play with his usual dash. P. Fort (Kiwi) was playing a steady game again Jackson in the early stages, but by good placing Jackson eventually took the set 6 —4. R. Facer (Ravensbourne), by good serving and hard driving from the back line, was too strong for J. M’Narey, winning 6—4. In the Women’s Singles Kiwi took three of the four sets. Miss Whyborn, by keeping all her shots low, did rfot give Miss Bullen a chance to put in her usual winner. Miss Facer (Ravensbourne) forced the play throughout to win comfortably from Miss Currie 6—l. Miss Gillies played steadily throughout, Miss Connor netting frequently to be beaten 6—l. The Kiwi pair, Ramage and M’Narey, forced the pace right from, the start to beat Facer and Jackson 6—4, the latter settling down too late to retrieve the set. A. Jackson and R. Facer, however, avenged their brothers’ defeat by beating Fort and M’Quarrie 6—2. Facer’s service and Jacksoms flat driving won many points in this set. In the'Mixed .Doubles the Ravensbourne pair, H. Facer and Miss Bullen, did not combine as well as they might have done, and thus went down to Ramage and Miss Whyborn to the extent of 6 —l. Ramage was ably backed by Miss Whyborn, the former’s overhead shots being very effective. A. Jackson and Miss Jarvis were down 3—l to the Kiwi pair, M’Qnarric and Miss Hunter, but rallied well to take the set 6—5. R. Facer and Miss Connor, led M’Narey and Miss Gillies 3—o, but the Kiwi pair were able to equalise matters at 5 —5. In the final game all the.players combined well, Ravensbourne taking the game and set. At a meeting of the delegates held on March 2 it was resolved to hold an Easter tournament similar to that of previous years. The events, which are all handicap, will consist of Men’s Singles. Men’s Doubles, Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Some fine tropin es have been given as prizes for pome of the events, and under favourable weather conditions a successful tournament should result.

It has also been decided to run a Men’s Championship Doubles, to be contested on the Kensington and Fire Brigade courts. This event should draw a good number of entries, and an excellent afternoon’s tennis should be witnessed. It is expected to be held on the Saturday preceding Easter.,