SPARKLING BADMINTON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22911, 19 June 1936, Page 11

SPARKLING BADMINTON

EXHIBITION BY J. F, DEVLIN

LOCAL PLAYERS SHOW PROMISE In the fairly large crowd which assembled in the Y.M.C.A. last evening to watch the badminton exhibition by the well-known professional, J. F. Devlin, (hero were many who were, no doubt, making their first acquaintance with this increasingly popular sport, Devlin made four appearances during the evening and on each occasion, delighted the spectators with n wonderful variety of strokes. Time and again during the evening, Devlin earned applause from the audience by employing a new stroke, which could well be termed a backhand drag shot. From the back of the court, after allowing the shuttle to drop within inches of the floor, Devlin scooped it up, and, with a dexterous turn of the body, placed it delicately over the not, forcing his opponents to rush from midcourt to the side-line in an endeavour to reach it. Another outstanding feature of his play was his easy ability to return difficult shots from almost any angle. Devlin has one particular asset which he uses to piofit, and that is his reach. When playing either forward or back it requires little exertion on his part to place the shuttle in a spot to his advantage. When receiving his opponent’s service, while engaged in Doubles play, Devlin adopts an uncommon stance; standing close up to the short service line, he places his feet in such a position that he is able to move to almost any part of the court without unseetning hurry. Last night’s play comprised a series of eight attractive games in which local and visiting exponents showed some excellent form. Of the local playera, Dickinson and Laidlaw displayed clover form, and by defeating Hull and Wilson (New Zealand Doubles champions) 15 —4 fully earned the prolonged applause of the spectators . On last night's form it would be interesting to local enthusiasts to witness Dickinson and Laidlaw paired together in an exhibition match with Devlin and Neale.

In the Singles, Devlin was opposed by Neale (New Zealand Singles champion), and, though Devlin was not at any time unduly pressed, Neale, nevertheless, made the game extremely fast and interesting. With clever and judicious placements, Devlin caused Neale to do all the running about, and the manner in which Neale returned some of Devlin’s shots spoke volumes for his great agility and fitness. WRIST WORK. With the greatest economy of effort Devlin achieves far more pace than the majority of players, and his backhand shotfi are wonderfully consistent. From the backhand court ho played innumerable clears, and his deceptive style in playing these strokes frequently baffled liis opponents. In all his games last evening Devlin never at any stage “ let up,” and at all times he played safely, yet unhurriedly. Devlin’s play ie a marvel of wrist work. If an opponent executed a good shot Devlin was not slow in complimenting the player, FAST DOUBLES PLAY.

The most interesting games to watch from a spectators’ point of view were the Doubles, and these were, for the most part, played at a fast pace. The best and by far the most exciting game in this section was that in which Devlin and Hull opposed Neale and Wilson, whom they eventually defeated 3 —nil after sotting at J4—all. This game produced some long rallies, in addition to the best smashing seen during the evening. Neale and Wilson smashed consistently, and though Devlin countered the majority of these with ease, his waa no simple task.

Playing with Neale, in another game against Hull and Wilson, Devlin again had his opponents rushing all over the court, but even so, both Hull and Wilson performed creditably and revealed sound understanding. There were few shots that Devlin found unable to return, though once or twice Hull caught him with a fast one, directed straight at his body. Neale, too, was responsible for some delightful shots, his clears from the back of the court being executed with shrewd judgment. The local players, Swan and Abbott, gave an interesting exhibition to defeat Dickinson and Laidlaw 15 —12, and Swallow and Turton 13—-9. s In the one woman’s event on the programme Miss Bolwoll defeated Miss Kerr 15—13. . ,

Devlin and the visitors will give exhibition games again to-night and to-morrow night. THE RESULTS.

Results of matches are as follows: SINGLES. J. F. Devlin beat J. W. Neale (Auckland) 15—1, 15—0, Miss Bolwoll beat Miss Kerr 15 —13. DOUBLES. Devlin and Neale beat Hull and Wilson 15 —9, 15 —(i. Devlin and Wilson beat Hull and Neale 15—I, 15—7. „ , , Devlin and Hull beat Neale and Wilson 3—o (setting 14 all). Dickinson and Laidlaw beat Hull and Wilson 15—4. Swan and Abbott beat Dickinson and Laidlaw 15 —12. Swan and Abbott beat Swallow and Tui'tou 15—9.