LAWN TENNIS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3489, 25 January 1921, Page 49

LAWN TENNIS.

| N.S. WALES v. CANTERBURY. ' CHRISTCHURCH, January 18. The lawn tennis match between New South Wales and Canterbury was concluded to-day, the visitors securing a somewhat easy win. The courts were heavy at the outset owing to the rain overnight, but soon dried and played excellently. i WELLINGTON v. NEW SOUTH WALES. WELLINGTON, January 21. I The New South Wales tennis team defeated Wellington by five matches to three yesterday. The visitors said it was the hardest series they had played m Now Zealand. AMERICA v. AUSTRALIA. j SYDNEY, January 21. 1 The American lawn tennis players met the Australians in two singles matches and one doubles game at Double Bay in the presence of several thousand people and in fine, hot weather. : Washburn (America) and Ilawkes (Australia) opened the programme. The Australian effectively employed the serving service, and Washburn experienced great difficulty in gauging the distance, but displayed excellent judgment in moving into position at critical moments. He treated the spectators to a fine display on the back-hand, and also showed some nice cross drives.

Johnston (America) was at first uncertain, and allowed Heath (Australia) to gain a lead, but he quickly gave the crowd a glimpse of his splendid fore hand drive, which he employed with great severity and accuracy. His strokes were char terised by exceptional force, and he smashed frequently with cannon-shot velocity. In the doubles Tilden and Johnston proved veritable speed merchants. The contest was a brilliant exposition, bristling with thrilling rallies. Tilden immediately impressed the onlookers by his lightning services and killing returns. Both of the visitors directed their play to O’Hara Wood in preference to Brookes, but Wood was in rare fettle, and responded nobly. At times he was the “star” performer of the court, his volleying and smashing being of the highest order. Brookes was a real general, keen in anticipating, excellent m his judgment and placing and playing for position, but his strokes’lacked the fire of his vigorous opponents. The Americans appeared to have the first set _ won, but the Australians drew level at 6 all, and a sterling struggle ensued to the end. The visitors eclipsed the local players in the remaining sets. The fol- v lowing are the scores : W. Washburn defeated J. P. Hawkes, ’ 6—4, 6—4. W. M. Johnston defeated R. W. Heath, 6—3, 6—3. W. T. Tilden and W. M. Johnston de- * feated P. O’Hara Wood and N. E. Brookes, B—lo, 6—2, 6-4, 6—2. January 22. The lawn tennis match between the Americans and Australia was continued at Double Bay in fine hot weather. There was an attendance of 5000 persons. Johnston (America) and Hawkes (Australia) opened the programme, but the visitor was not seriously extended. In the succeeding match Tilden (America) registered 3—o in the first set against Brookes (Australia) by his terrific service and lightning returns. Brookes, v who was always calm, drew level at 4 all, due chiefly to his scientific net play. The second set produced brilliant play. Brookes was chopping and volleying up to inter- , national standard, and he won a great set. The final saw both champions at their best in a neck-and-neek struggle, Tilden • winning eventually, though he lacked the brilliancy of Friday’s play. The Doubles contest between Washburn and Johnston (America) and O’Hara Wood ' and Heath (Australia) revealed play of a higli-class order, with the Americana always superior. Wood again acquitted himself with distinction, especially in the rallies, but he was not well supported by Heath. Johnston’s smashing returns ail'd Washburn’s excellent net play had th* Australians guessing all the time, and the '' Americans won three straight sets. Results : isW. M. Johnston defeated J. P. Hawkes, 6—3, B—6. W. T. Tilden defeated N. E. Brookes, 6—4, 6—B. 7—5. W. Washburn and W. M. Johnston defeated P. O’Hara Wood and R. W. Heath, 6—3, 9—7, 6—l.