TABLE TENNIS

Southland Times, Issue 22915, 13 June 1936, Page 20

TABLE TENNIS

COMPETITIONS NEXT MONTH

(By

“Ping.”)

It is pleasing to note that the committee has fixed a date for the annual meeting, and enthusiasts may now look forward to competitive play early in July. Some of the keener players have commented adversely on the late starting of the competitions, but when one realizes that over three full playing months remain, it will be agreed that the committee’s decision is a wise one.

If, as is likely, two grades for men and one for women are conducted, the competition should arouse much more interest. Last season there was only one grade of eight teams, but already this year several new teams have intimated their intention of taking part. On the form displayed in the tournament last year, the women in Invercargill are fairly strong. Several of the badminton clubs were represented at that event, while the County women, and several others unattached to existing clubs, displayed pleasing form. Table tennis competitions have a strong hold in Dunedin just now, and it would no doubt create a good deal of interest if, later on in the season, a match could be arranged between a northern combination and a Southland

representative side. As well as allowing an outlet for the usual OtagoSouthland rivalry, such a game would give an indication of the standard of play locally. As yet, no outside games have been played, but “Ping” is confident that a fairly strong local side could be selected. On last season’s form, Oughton, Robson and Loudon (Lands), Strang and Smith (Wanderers), Nisbet (Mercantile), Larsen (Badminton), Jones (Power Board) and Brew and McLean (County) would all merit consideration, but with no matches played yet it would be invidious to speculate on this'year's chances. This season players will be taking part who have had experience in northern grade games, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against the local men.

The rise of the game during the last five years is shown by figures compiled in Victoria at the end of last season. These revealed that more than 3000 players were taking part in regular competitions. The Victorian Association controlled more than 80 teams, while numerous country associations, Churches, friendly societies and public body associations conducted their own grade matches. Part of the celebrations of the South Australian centenary will consist of an all Australian table tennis carnival, at which competitors from all states will contest singles and doubles championships. The present holder of the singles title is A. W. Champion, and with R. Lamont this player holds the doubles title.