LAWN TENNIS

Otago Witness, Issue 3957, 14 January 1930, Page 50

LAWN TENNIS

Smash.

By

S. G. Al'Dougall placed a notable sue cess to bis credit by winning the championship singles at the South Canterbury tournament. His opponent in the tinal, which is described as “ one of the most thrilling finals in the history of the tournament," was W. G. Robertson, whom he defeated 3—6, 3—6, 6—2, 6 —o, 7 —5. The Otago man’s ability to raise his game at the crucial moment was the deciding factor in his victory (says a Timaru writer), and he is to be congratulated on a splendid performance in the face of overwhelming odds. Robertson ran to a lead of 4—l, and though Al'Dougall recovered to 3—4. the Timaru man took the first set 6—3. I’be second set still found Robertson dominating the situation, and from 5—2 he took the set at 6—3. In the third set M'Dougall ran to an early lead, and Robertson let it go rather than try to retrieve the position. In the fourth set AVDougali. who had been playing with the greatest steadiness throughout, made all the play and took the six games in succession to make the match even at set all. In the final set Al'Dougall quickly ran to a lead of 3 —o, making at least 10 consecutive games that he had won. Facing defeat. Robertson called up a'.l his reserves and drew level at 3 all, only to see M'Dougall advance to 5 —3, at which stage he had two match points. Surviving these, Robertson took this game and the next off his own service. Thrilling tennis marked the closing stages, but the Otago man by splendid serving and brilliant driving held the upper hand, an.l from 5-all advanced to 7 —5 amidst the applause of the largest lawn tennis crowd that has ever assembled in Timaru.

In the opening round of the tournament Al'Dougall beat Warne Pearse, of Temuka, I—6,1 —6, 6—4, 13—11 after a very long match, in which the Otago man showed an ability to force the pace when the odds appeared to be against him. His next opponent was L. Campbell, first man for Waimate, whom he defeated 6 —2, 6 —-4. He entered the final by defeating A. C. Barr, of Springston, 3—6, 6 —2. 6—o.

At Timaru, in the third round of the men's singles, G. Sumpter (Oamaru* defeated N. S. Cramond, 7 —5, 6 —4. Sumpter then met W. G. Robertson, but retired after he had lost the first set 6 —3. In the men’s doubles at Timaru, S. G. M’Dougall was partnered by W. R. ea, of football fame, who, since he turned his attention to lawn tennis, has become a South Canterbury representative player. They won their opening match with the loss of only one game, but in the third round were defeated by the title-holders, Innes-Jones and Cramond, 6 —3, 4—6, 6 — 3. M’Dougall is president of the Otago Association and Dr Fea is picsident of the South Canterbury Association.

Miss M. Gibson (Timaru) won the South Canterbury ladies’ singles by defeating Miss M. Sherris, of Christchurch, 6 — 3, 6- —4. Though it was largely a baseline duel, the tennis reached a very high, standard, and both of these young players should be heard of again. George Clark, formerly of Kaituna, competed with much success at the MidCanterbury tournament played at Ash burton. With Miss T. Cowan he ■won the mixed doubles, and he was runner-up, with R. Carleton, in both the men's championship and handicap doubles Curiously’ enough, it was his doubles partner, Carleton, who defeated him in the semi-final of the men’s championship singles.

Miss M. Andrew and I. A. Seay retained their titles in the mixed championship event at the Canterbury tournament, defeating Miss Al. Wake an 1 T. Rhodes-Williams, 9 —7, 6—4. Miss Andrew is a splendid mixed doubles partner and (says a Christchurch writer) she has improved out of all knowledge in .his department of the game during the progress of the tourney. She is now hitting with an accuracy that she has not before possessed and played a sterling game in the final. The way in which she drove and volleyed to the openings showed f at her fine play on the Saturday’ was .10 Hash in the pan. Ivan Seay’s brilliancy and generalship, allied with Miss Andrew’s dependability as a partner, made them a formidable pair. There were just a few too many mistakes for the game to reach the highest standard, but it was, nevertheless, an interesting one throughout, and the small gallery of spectators found plenty of interest throughout in the frequent flashes of brilliant play. Rhodes-Williams was still very inconsistent, but Miss Wake showed very much improved form. By her win in this event. Miss Andrew achieved the rare honour of winning the triple champion-ship-singles, doubles, and combined It was a remarkable tournament for her, and it revealed her in an altogether 'iffcrent light from formerly. Equipped with a wide range of beautifully-pi >- duced and effective strokes, she has previously lacked the application necessary to win points at crucial times. Her ’d erratic style, however, has now given place to an accuracy and steadiness which mi ke her a very difficult player to beat. With an excellent physique, she is speed.v on the courts and can return the most difficult shots with interest. E. L. Bartleet once more played successfully through the Men’s Championship Singles at the Auckland tournament. H is opponent in the final was AL Al. Morrison. of the Eden and Epsom Club, whom he defeated 4—6. 6—2. 7—5, 10—8. The match lasted over two hours. Bartleet. who served powerfully, exercised goo’ 1 control, and whenever Morrison threatened danger he was able to lift his game sufficiently to ward off the attack. In the final of the Ladies Singles Mrs W. J. Melody, of Wellington, beat Miss B. Knight, of Auckland, 6 —2, 4 —6, 10 —8. Miss Knight had previously created the surprise of the tournament by defeating Miss Marjorie Macfarlane, 4—6. 6—4, 6—2.

The meeting between Miss Marjorie Alacfarlane (Dominion champion and five times Auckland champion) and Miss Beryl Knight in the semi-final of the Ladies’ Singles in the Auckland tournament occasioned tremendous interest, and was marked by a dazzling display’ of back-hand driving and volleying on the part of the latter, who caused a sensation by running out a winner, 4 —6, 6—4, 6—2. after leading 3—l. 4 —3 in the first set, and_ 5—2 in the second and third sets. Miss Knight well deserved her win

against her doughty opponent, her tennis, except in the middle of the second set, being absolutely flawless. An unfortunate incident occurred during ’he Southland Association’s recent tournament, several players losing sums of money from their clothes. The thefts occurred at the Invercargill Club’s pavilion, where one man had a £5 note stolen from his trousers pocket, and two others lost sums of £2 and 5s respectively. In an exhibition match played in Sydney a fortnight ago, J. Crawford. Australian champion, defeated H. Hopman in a very long match, longer even than the championship match between these two players. The score in favour of Craw ford was 9—ll, 6—4, 6—l, 10—12, 6—4. Miss Eileen Bennett, one of England's foremost players and one of the world’s first 10," was recently married to Mr Edmund F. Whittingstall, an artist, at St. Margaret’s, Westminster. Entries for the New Zealand Lawn Tennis Championship meeting closed yesterday. Miss N. Lloyd, the wellknown Sydney player, is enteung, am: will be playing with Mrs Sturman in the doubles. They should make a good pair, as both are reported to be playing well. Miss Lloyd won the New Zealand Championship Doubles with Miss Lance in 1922. and again in 1926 with Miss J. Watson. Airs Sturman (nee Miss Nancy Curtis) won the National Singles in 1920 and 1921, the Ladies’ Doubles with Mrs Melody in 1921, the Mixed with Dr Allison in 1920, and again in 1921 with G. Ollivier. The alteration in the dates frex Christmastime to January 27 may prevent some players from taking part in the tournament, but provided the lead ing players can secure the necessary leave of absence the meeting should be successful. The courts are in splendid condition, playing fast and true, and they will be specially cared for from now on. so that players may be assured of a good playing surface. Spectators will see some good tennis at the gathering, and in all events the contests should be well worth seeing.

NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

ANGAS SECURES SINGLES TITLE. WANGANUI, January 6. C. Amras, the Canterbury and South Island Singles Champion, wrested the North Island title from C. M. Malfroy, of Wellington, when they met at the Wanganui courts to-day in the final of the Singles Championship. It was a gruelling five-set match, characterised by steady play and wonderful placements, although there was not a great deal of hard hitting.

Miss Nicholls, of Auckland, won the North Island Women’s Singles Championship. easily-defeating Airs Adams, of Wellington. 6—3, 6—2. Wilson and Mrs Melody, of Wellington had a comfortable victory over Rhodes Williams and Aliss Nicholls, whom they defeated. 7 —5, 6 —l, in the final of the Combined Championship event. For the most part Angas and Malfroy played a base line game, each being content to wait his opportunity to come in to the net and secure a winning point with a careful shot from overhead or a chopped volley’ which skimmed the turf. Four times previously Malfroy has met Angas and beaten him. but it is admitted by all who have seen the previous matches that Angas yesterday won on his merits. He was the more accurate of the two. and he gave his opponent little opportunity of passing him at the net. On the occasions when both did come in. Angas showed to the greater advantage, although Malfroy frequently scored with pretty angle shots that were well out of Angus's reach. There was only one ace served during the match, and that was by Angas Although Angas lost points from Malfroy s serve, which came off the ground with such a kick that the return shot lacked direction and failed to fall in play. Alalfroy appeared to be not at home in his play when the match commenced, and in the third set when the players were a set all, he made two mistakes at a critical stage which cost him the match. In the last and deciding set Alalfroy was exhausted. while Angas kept up a vigorous attack. The score was 6 —2, 3 —6, 9—7. 3—6, 6—2.

The final of the Women’s Singles Championship was a most disappointing match, being won very simply by Miss Nicholls. Mrs Adams started well, and took the first two games, but Miss Nicholls then got on to her drive and made it a very onesided contest. Airs Adams lost three games without winning a point. She was using a borrowed racket and playing much below form. Late in the week-end the finals of the juoubles Championships were played, Alalfroy and Wilson defeating Angas and Lampe 4 —6, 2 —6. B—6. 6—o, 6 —3, and Airs Alelod.v and Aliss Alyers winning the women’s title 10—12, 6—4, B—6.8 —6. Angas and Lampe changed their tactics at” a critical stage of the game, sending up lobs which appeared to be relished by their opponents. Whilst they were playing a winning game Angas and Lampe scored many points, chiefly through Wilson netting his returns, but as soon as they started to lo.b Wilson showed to advantage. Wilson also scored with his serves, many of which were unmanageable on the heavy court. Angas, however, also won many points in this department. He shone most in his volleying, which was perfect. His serve, which whipped across to the side-line and broke away to the forehand, left his opponents standing. Lampe's volleying was not up to his usual standard, and he netted many of his shots. Occasionally his smashes were just out. Alalfroy played all his shots soundly and showed fine judgment in his overhead work. He put a lot of screw on to his serve, but both Angas and Lampe were able to manage it.

Die final of the Women’s Championship Doubles was a match of prolonged rallies, which was finished on a wet court after a shower of rain. For the most part it was a base-line game, but Aliss Alyers finally invaded the net. and waiting her opportunity brought off a number of winning smashes. She obtained the winning shot of the match in this way.

TARANAKI CHAMPIONSHIPS. NEW PLYMOUTH, January 12. The Taranaki lawn tennis championships were concluded on Saturday. The championship events resulted 'as follows:—•

Men's Singles.—Charters (Whangarei) defeated Rhodes-Williams (Christchurch ), 6—4, 6 —3. Men's Doubles.—Charters and Stedman (Auckland) defeated Rhodes-Wil-liams and Dymond (Christchurch), 6—2, 7—5. Ladies’ Singles.-—Mrs Melody (Wellington) defeated Aliss Alyers (Wanganui). Ladies’ Doubles.—Airs Alelody and Aliss Andrew (Christchurch). Girls’ Singles.—Jean Ward defeated Joan Ward. The Alisses Ward are twin sisters who played prominently in all the ladies’ events. Alixed Doubles.—Rhodes-Williams and Aliss Nicholls (Wellington) defeated Stedman and Aliss Andrew, 3 —6, 6 — 3,

B GRADE DUNEDIN MATCHES. The B Grade lawn tennis competition was resumed on Saturday. The matches played resulted as follows:— NORTH-EAST VALLEY v. ST. A ND REW'S. Totals: Valley, 6 sets (78 games); St. Andrew’s, 10 sets (94 games). WESLEY v. ST. KILD A. (Wesley names first.) Totals: Wesley, 12 sets (111 games); St. Kilda, 4 sets (69 games). ROSLYN v. Sf. MARY’S. Totals: Roslyn, 11 sets (101 games); St. Alary's, 5 sets (85 games). ANDERSON'S BAY v. NORTH-EAST VALLEY. Totals: Anderson's Bay 10 sets (94 games), North-East Valley 6 sets (87 games). CAVERSHAM v. ST. CLAIR. Totals: Caversham 13 sets (110 games), St. Clair 3 sets (74 games). AIOANA v. ST. KILDA. Totals: Aloana 8 sets (95 games), St. Kilda 8 sets (91 games). ROSLYN v. ST. ANDREW'S. Totals: Roslyn 10 sets (102 games), St. Andrew's 6 sets (84 games).