NEARING THE FINALS

Taranaki Daily News, 8 January 1927, Page 4

NEARING THE FINALS

TARANAKI TENNIS TOURNAMENT CONCLUSION TO BE REACHED TODAY SPECTACULAR GAMES PLAYED YESTERDAY

The continuation of the Taranaki Lawn Tennis Championship Tournament at New Plymouth yesterday was characterised by ideal weather conditions and tennis of a high order. Some of the semi-finals in the championship events were played, and considerable advance was made in the handicap events.

The final of the men’s singles will be played this morning between Dr. North (New South Wales) and the winner of the Haege (Victoria)—Malfroy (Wellington) match- The other finals will be played cither this morning or this afternoon.

CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS

SUMMARY OF POSITION. IMPORTANT MATCHES TO-DAY. Following are the approximate times of starting of the important matches tc be played to-day. 8.30 a.m. —Semi-final of men's championship singles between Haege (Victoria) and Malfroy (Wellington). 9.30 a.m.—Both semi-finals of ladies’ championship doubles, (1) Mrs. Smith (Wanganui) and Miss Malcolm (New Plymouth) v. Misses Lloyd and Watson (New South Wales); (2) Mrs. Marshall and Miss Cameron (Wellington) v. Mrs. Allison and Miss Rundle (New Plymouth). 10.30 a.m.—Final of men’s singles between Dr. North (New South Wales) and winner of semi-final mentioned above. Also semi-final of men's ehampionship doubles between Lampe (Wanganui) and D. France (Wellington) and F. and N. Peach (New South Wales). 11 a.m.—Final of ladies' doubles. 12.30 p.m.—Final of men's doubles between Dr. North and McCausland (New South Wales), and winner of semi-final mentioned above. Afternoon (2 p.m. or later). —Final of ladies’ singles between Miss Lloyd (New South Wales) and Miss Watson (New South Wales); final of boy’s’ singles between J. Ewart (New Plymouth) and Drew (New Plymouth); final of ‘ girls’ singles between Miss Gayton (New Plymouth) and Miss Nutting (Inglewood) ; final combined doubles, finals of all handicap events. The above times of starting are approximate only, as each match depends in this respect on the length of time occupied by the preceding match. It has been found necessary to stage several of the most important matches in the morning owing to the fact that some of the competitors, such as Dr. North, for instance, are likely to be playing in a number of different matches. YESTERDAY’S PLAY REVIEWED. The surprise of yesterday’ was the defeat of D. G. France, the New Zealand representative player, by the young W ellingtonian Malfroy 3—6. 6 —4. 6—4. France did not play up to his form of thfe previous day, while Malfroy gave hie best performance of the tournament. The most spectacular match of tlje day was the semi-final of the doubles, in ■which Haege (Victoria) and Malfroy (Wellington) lowered their colours to Dr. North and McCausland (New South Wales) 11—9, 6—4. In the early stages the match was a splendid exhibition of the best tennis art, though towards the -end the players, especially the younger pair, appeared fatigued as though finding the strain and the pace of the contest rather serious. Several good players were defeated yesterday after hard-fought games. Fitzgerald. fighting every inch of the way, went down to Haege 10—8, 6—2; Malfroy eliminated France 3 —6, 6—4, fl—4; Dr. North defeated Peacock fl—l, fl—2; and Lampe defeated Noel Wilson fl—4, 6—4, only to be defeated himself by Dr. North. after a gruelling struggle 6 —2, 4—6, fl—4. DR. NORTH IN FORM. Dr. North was in good form in his match against Peacock, his backhand being particularly strong, whilst he often engineered his opponent out of position, his placements being very accurate. Peacock had difficulty in finding his length, being inelined to over-drive. Dr. North won the first three games and in the fourth was leading off Peacock’s service 40—0 when Peacoek made a good recovery and took the next five strokes to win the game. The next game Dr. North won off his own service to love. The sixth game, in which there were some great rallies, also went to the Australian after the score had stood 30 all. He had no difficulty’ in winning the seventh game and the set. Dr. North took the first four games of the second set. In the fifth game Peacock double-faulted twice, and the score stood at 30—40 against him. He evened up with a short shot over the net and went on to win. Each took the next games off their own service. In the eighth and, as it proved, the last game, there were some great rallies. Dr. North led at 40 love, when Peacock striving desperately to avert defeat. finally got a hot shot past the Australian. However, he was beaten next shot with a beauty. LAMPE v. WILSON. Meanwhile Lampe (Wanganui) and Noel Wilson (Wellington) were having a stern struggle on the next court, victory going to the Wanganui man by 6—4, C —4. It was a hard game keenly contested throughout, there being some very long rallies. It was anticipated that the Wellington player would make

a bold bid to roach the semi-finals, and when he led at 4—2 his chances looked bright. The Wanganui veteran, however, was not to be, denied, and with good generalship he varied his play, using the lob with effect, whilst Wilson’s placing was not as accurate as has been the case, and he frequently just failed to keep on the court. At times some great tennis was witnessed. Lampe opened. the service and, Wilson outdriving, the score read 40 —0. Then Lampe dou-ble-faulted, but won the game. Each won off their service in turn till the score read two all. when, by magnificent placements, Wilson won off Lampe’s service and also off his own. leading at 4 —2. In the next game Lampe served two doubles, but got some good drives past Wilson to win 4—3. Wilson also double-faulted but recovered, and after some good rallies Lampe lobbed one whieh Wilson just drove out, and the scores were 4 all. In the next game Wilson put in some strong drives, but Lampe, bv lobbing consistently, won the game, and also next, in which Wilson double-faulted, and the set. In the second set Lampe won the first game off his own service, getting in I some nice cross shots. He also took the second off Wilson’s service, but the Wellington man, playing more from the baseline, won the next game. In the fourth game Wilson got past Lampe on two occasions, but Lampe then got his opponent on the run by deadly placements on the corners to win 3 —l. Lampe smashed a couple into the net , and lost the fifth game, whilst Wilson I evened up to three all by winning off his own service to love. The seventh game saw Wilson more accurate, and after several deuces had been called Lampe prevailed. Wilson again evened up to four all by winning off his own service *to 15. Fpm then on, Lampe assumed the upper hand, winning off his own service to 15 and off Wilson’s to love, his driving and accurate placing being features. HAEGE v. FITZGERALD. Haege (Victoria) defeated Fitzgerald (New South Wales) in two straight sets that ran to 10—8, 6—2, and provided plenty of interest. A feature of the game was Fitzgerald’s strong backhand and splendid placing that kept the winner always on the move. Haege, however, was strong with his forehand drives and also got in some killing smashes. Haege opened the service with a double and put the next into the net. Smashing brilliantly, however, he won the game after deuce had been called twice, and also took the next two by. bare margins. Fitzgerald won the next game off his own service after some spirited rallies, and Haege, by accurate placements, led at 4 —l. The New South Welshman had Haege moving all over the court next game and went out to 15. Fitzgerald just missed the sideline by inches, giving Haege the next game 5 —2. Fitzgerald, playing steadily and placing well, had Haege hard pushed all the time and, lobbing and driving in fine style, won the next three games and evened up at 5 all. Each won alternately off his own service, their work evoking applause. The interest of the spectators was intense as the score read 8 all. Haege’s next service saw the score at 15—30, when he dropped a short one over the net and evened up. A fine rally ended by Fitzgerakl netting, and he outdrove the next ball to lose the game. In the eighteenth game he gave two double faults, but evened up at 30 all with a nice cross sltot. Some fine tennis ended in Fitzgerald netting an easy shot and the set ended when he netted a lob from Haege. Fitzgerald won the first game to 15 off his opponent’s service, but lost the next to the same score. Deadly smashing gave Haege the next game, but Fitzgerald, by playing his opponent out of position, won the next to love at two all. It looked as if it would prove a strenuous struggle, but Haege was able to win the next four games on end and the match. They were all close games, the sixth one running into several deuces. The anticipations that a great struggle would be witnessed between Dr. North and Lampe, to decide which was to compete in the final, was quite borne out by the play, the match running into the full three sets before Dr. North ran out the winner by 6—2, 4—G, 6 —4. Each held the advantage in turn, but the winner was the more consistent. The Australian led off Lampe’s service 40 —30, but he drove the next three over the baseline and lost the match. In the next game, however, he struck his length and evened up with a beauty down the sideline. North slipped when taking a lob shot, giving Lampe the advantage, and finally, after a hot rally, misplaced one and Lampe led 2 —l. North now got well into his stride and. driving and volleying well, took the next five games on end and the set. North opened by taking the first game off Lampe’s serve, hut after an even break in the next game Lampe sent a hot one down the sideline that North drove out. Lampe had North moving and took the lead next game for North to even up off his own service. The

next two went to the Wanganui man though North beat him with a shot that dropped on the net and swung over. The next two games went to North, who was placing well. Forcing and smashing shots gave Lampe the ninth game and the lead, which he maintained in the next game to win off North’s service. Lampe lost the first three serves of the next game, but had retrieved the position to 30—40 when North returned one to hit the net and roll over. Lampe, by determined smashing, evened up. North, using his strong backhand, took the next two games, but Lampe won the next to 15 and evened up off North’s serve by driving and lobbing. The next game saw some great rallies. North sent down a winning drive that Lampe returned out of reach, to lead 4—3. He lost the next game to love and. though In made strenuous efforts to recover the position, North took the next two games, the set and the match. THE OTHER SINGLE. The match between Malfroy and France was a struggle between players of much the same style and tactics. Overhead work was little in evidence, the players for the most part driving crisply and cleanly to alternate baseline corners in an endeavour to work their opponents out of position and then slip past them with a swift eut stroke. Malfroy took the first two games of the first set, and it was apparent that France was not at his best, his play lacking the accuracy and sting that it bad on Thursday. Malfroy continuallyscored with a swift passing shot down the side line that left France standing. France, however/ took the set 6—4, and looked to be well on the road to victory. He became more distressed as the match progressed, however, and on the play Malfroy well deserved his win. Misses Lloyd and Watson had little difficulty in winning through to the final in the ladies’ singles. In the semi-finals the opponents were Mrs. Grant and Miss Ballantyne respectively, and both were disposed of in straight sets. Miss Ballantyne this year is not the Miss Ballantyne of old, and appears to be right out of form. In two brisk games, Miss Watson beat Miss Ballantyne in a semi-final of the ladies’ singles. 6—3, 6—2. Both set about the match in a pleasingly businesslike manner, and with no frills and no laborious waste of time settled the affair in sound tennis. It was a good piece of workmanship. Miss Watson relied mainly, and as the result proved successfully, on well placed low drives io the side lines. Miss Ballantyne’s drives had less speed, were less accurate, and were too high over the net. She scored good points by clever volleying. after forcing Miss Watson out of position. Both made some fine recoveries with difficult shots. PLAYERS START EVENLY. The first set was played keenly and evenly to 3 all. In the sixth game Miss Watson led with her service by 40 —30. Miss Ballantyne, volleying splendidly to the base line, brought up deuce. Good driving to the side lines gave Miss Watson the lead at 4—3. Miss Watson taught Miss Ballantyne out of position nt the net and took the next game with good drives, 5 —3. Serving strongly, Miss Watson took the set with a serve that kept low at 6—3. Miss Watson started well in the second set and appeared to be gaining the ascendancy, taking three games in a row. Miss Ballantyne was driving out. In the fourth game with the score at?0 —40, Miss Watson served a double fault, 3—l. Miss Ballantyne dropped her service, Miss Watson taking the game to love. Good volleying and a chopping to the base line gave Miss Ballantyne the lead in the next game at 40—30, but she lost the game by erratic driving. By hard hitting, Miss Ballantyne took the next game to love. For a while Miss Watson lost her length in driving, and Miss Ballantyne was lighting every point. A long bout of deuces gave Miss Watson the game and the match at 6—2. THE MEN'S DOUBLES. Lampe and France will play in the semi-final of the men’s doubles this morning against F. and N. Peach, and the winner will meet Dr. North and McCausland in the final late in the morning. The most spectacular exhibition of the afternoon was opened when Dr. North and McCausland met Haege and Malfroy in the semi-final of the men’s doubles. Through a long set of 20 games the pairs ran 'neck and neck. Right up to the 18th. games each side with the exception of one game, won consistently on service. Frequent clever rallies and volleying quartets at the net kept the spectators on the qui vive until a quick drive or a smash gave the point to one side or the other. Haege lost his own service at the 19th. game, and the Australian took the nextgame on their service and with it the set. Two all was called in the second set but Malfroy was becoming erratic, netting or driving out many of his balls. The Australian’s drew ahead to 5—3, when Haege rallied for a last effort,, but he and his partner were able to take only one game. Haege and Malfroy proved too good for Sandrell and Charters, running out winners in two straight sets 6—l, 6—3. The winners were never fully extended, their net play being superior. In the first set Sandrell won the fifth off his own service, whilst in the second, they won the third, fourth and sixth games. Lampe and France had to fight hard to stall off the veteran Peacock and the young Wellington player Wilson, who ran them to three sets before finality was reached, Lampe and France winning a —7, 6 —4, 6 —4. The spectators were treated to a splendid exhibition, some of the games running to several deuces. France was in good form and frequently got between his opponents, whilst Lampe was very steady.

In the ladies’ doubles Mrs. Smith and Miss Malcolm play Misses Lloyd and Watson in one semi-final this morning, while in the other semi-final Mrs. Marshall and Miss Cameron meet Miss Rundle and Mrs. Allison. In the combined doubles Watson and Miss E. Ballantyne began their match against Shaw and Mrs. Smith last night but owing to darkness falling it had tc be discontinued, and will be finished this morning. Shaw aud Mrs. Smith are leading. The winner of this match plays N. Peach and Miss Rundle, the better of these two pairs meeting Dr. North and Miss Lloyd in the semi-final. In the other half of the draw Valentine and Miss Whitwell play Haege and Miss Simpson, the winner of this match meeting Atmore and Dr. Atmore, to decide who shall play McCausland and Miss Brewster in the other semi-final. All the first round match and four out of eight second round matches have been played in the men's handicap doubles.

One semi-final of the ladies’ handicap doubles will be played between Misses Earltrop and Simpson and Misses Nicholson and Dawson. In the other half of the draw all the first round matches

have been played, but only two matches out of four in the second round. Nicholls has reached the semi-final in the men’s A grade handicap singles. All the first and second round matches are finished, and three out of six third round matches.

In the final of the B grade handicap singles, Patterson plays Christie. Miss Preedy and Miss Whitwell meet in one semi-final of the ladies’ handicap singles. In the other half of the draw the better of Miss Baker and Miss Lobb will meet Miss Preedy in the semi-final.

Following arc the details of yesterday's play:—

CHAMPIONSHIPS. MEN’S SINGLES. Fourth Round.—Haege defeated Fitzgerald, 10—8, 6—2; Malfroy defeated France, 3—6, 6—4, 6—4; Dr. North (New I South Wales) defeated Peacock, 6—l, 6 2; Lampe defeated Wilson, 6 —4, 6—4. Semi-final.—North defeated Lampe, 6—2, 4—G, G—4. LADIES’ SINGLES. Third Round.—Miss Watson defeated Miss Cameron, G—l, 6—2; Miss E. Ballantyne defeated Miss M. Preedy, '6—4, 6—2; Miss Lloyd defeated Mrs. Allison, 6—o, 6—o. Semi-finals.—Miss Lloyd defeated Mrs Grant, 6—2, 6—3; Miss Watson defeated Miss Ballantyne, 6—3, G —2. MEN’S DOUBLES. Third Round. —Peach Bros. (N.S.W.) defeated Dickie and Wallace, 7 —5, 6 —4; North and McCausland defeated Pearse arx.l Melody, 6—l, 6—2; Haege and Malfroy beat Sandrell aud Charters, 6—l, 6—3; Lampe and France beat Peacock and Wilson, 5—7, 6—4, 6—4. Semi-final.—North and McCausland defeated Haege and Malfroy, 11—9, 6 LADIES’.. DOUBLES. Second Round.—Mrs. Marshall and Miss Cameron defeated Misses S. Preedy and Herbert, 6—3, 6—2. Third Round.—Misses Lloyd and Watson defeated Misses M. Preedy and Mantell, 6—l, '6—l; Mrs. Marshall and Miss Cameron defeated Misses E. and L. Ballantyne, 6—4, 5—6, 6—4; Miss Rundle and Mrs. Allison defeated Miss Brewster and Mrs. Peacock, 6—2, 6 —l. COMBINED DOUBLES. First Round. —Harrison and Miss Sladden defeated Ross and Miss Day, 3 fl, 6—2, 6—2. Second Round. —Martin and Miss Barltrop defeated King and Miss Newman, 6—3, 6—4; B. Valentine and Miss Whitwell defeated B. McCarthy and Miss Nutting, 6 —4, 3 —fl, 6 —l; N. Peach and Miss Rundle defeated Harrison and Miss Sladden, 6—l, 6—l; F. Peach and Miss Watson defeated Fitzgerald and Mrs. Bullard, 6—l, 6—l. Third Round.—Brewster and Miss Bain defeated Welsh and Mrs. Marshall, o—l, 2—G, 6—3; Dr. North and Miss Lloyd defeated Martin and Miss Barltrop, 6—o, fl—o. Fourth Rounds—Dr. North and Miss Lloyd defeated Brewster and Miss Bain, fl —6, 6—o; McCausland and Miss Brewster defeated F. Peach and Miss Watson, 9—7, o—3. HANDICAP EVENTS. MEN’S SINGLES—A GRADE. Second Round. —Shaw (owe 4-6 15) won by default from Pryke (rec. 1-6 15); Dr. Valentine (rec. 2-6 15) defeated McClune (scr.) 9 —o; Grant (owe 15 2-0) beat Wagstaff (scr) 9 —2; Martin (owe 15) beat Scott (scr) 9—5; Foden (owe 15 2-6) Beat Sowry (rec. 15) 9 —2. Third Round. —Shaw (owe 4-6 15) beat Peters (scr) 9 —B; Grant (owe 15 2-6) beat Charters (owe 15 2-6) 9—6; Thompson (scr) beat Gore (owe 2-6 15) 9—6. Fourth Round.—Nicholls (scr) beat Thompson (scr) 9 —2. MEN’S SINGLES—B GRADE. Fourth Round. —Patterson (rec. 2-6 15) defeated D. R. Richards (owe 1-6 15) 9 —3; Christie (owe 2-6 15) defeated Pease (owe 15) 9—4; Peters (scr) defeated McCarthy (scr) 9—l. LADIES’ SINGLES. First, second and third rounds.—Miss M. Nutting (rec. 15) defeated Miss Thorpe (scr) 7—4; Mrs. Sole (ree. 15) defeated Miss Herbert (owe 15). 7 —4; Miss Lobb (rec. 4-6 15) defeated Miss Thompson (scr) 7—6; Miss S. Preedy (owe 2-6 15) defeated Miss Wilson (rec. 1-6 15) 7 —5; Miss Walker (rec. 1-6 15) defeated Miss Bell (scr) 7 —4; Miss M. Preedy (owe 2-6 15) defeated Miss Dell (rec. 15) 7—6; Miss Walker (ree. 1- 15) defeated Miss B. Nutting (owe 15) 7 —2; Miss S. Preedy (owe 2-6 15) defeated Miss Gayton (rec. 4-6 15) 7 4; Miss Whitwell (owe 2-6 15) defeated Mrs. Lobb (rec. 15) 7 —5. Fourth Round.—Miss Whitwell (owe 2- 15) defeated Miss Walker (ree. 1-6 15) 7 —-5; Miss S. Preedy (owe 2-6 15) defeated Miss Sole (rec. 15) 7 —5; Miss Al. Preedy (owe 2-6 15) defeated Miss M. Nutting (ree. 15) 7—6. MEN’S DOUBLES. First Round.—Sandrill and Charters defeated Smith aud Christie (ree. 2-6 15) 9—7; Welsh and Dr. Hooper (owe 39 4-6) defeated Allen and Wilson (ree. 2-6 15) 9—3. Second Round.—McKay and Peters (scr) defeated McCarthy and McHardy (scr) 9—2; Harrison and Barnes (rec. 4- 15) beat Welsh and Dr. Hooper (owe 30 4-6) 9 —2; King and Wagstaff (scr) defeated Boon and Newell (scr) 9—7. LADIES’ DOUBLES. First, second and third rounds. — Mesdames Grant and Bullard (owe 30) defeated Misses P. and D. Baker (owe 2-0 15) 7—5; Misses B. Nutting and Bell (owe 15) defeated Mrs. Birch-John-ston and Miss Leatham (rec. 4-0 15) 7—l; Misses Win Swell and Newman (owe 15 2-6) defeated Misses Fox and Peach (rec.' 4-0 15) 7—3; Misses Barthorp and Cowper (rec. 15) defeated Misses Sladden and Lewis (rec. 3-6 15) Fourth. Round.—Misses Baltrop and Simpson (owe 30) beat Misses Hawkins and Day (rec. 15) 7 —4; Misses Nicholson and Dawson (rec. 15). beat Misses Horner and Rawson (scr.) 7—l. PLAYERS FOR TO-DAY. The following players are requested to report on the New Plymouth courts at 8.30 a.m. to-day. Misses S. Preedy,

Whitwell and E. Ballantyne, Mrs. Smith, Messrs Haege, Malfroy, Foden, Welsh, Grant, Richards, Johnson, Atmore, W. M. and J. J. Valentine, Shaw and Watson.

It was announced late last night that N. Wilson and Ellis had won by default i.i the men’s handicap doubles from Gore and Scott.

AUCKLAND TOURNAMENT. FINAL STAGES NEARED. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, Last Night. The Auckland provincial lawn tennis championships are nearing the final stages, and the finals, with the exception of the ladies’ doubles, which was decided to-day, will be played to-mor-row. The chief results are:—■ MEN’S SINGLES. Fourth Hound.—Bartleet beat Brinsden, 4 —6, 6 —3, 7—5. Semi-finals. —Bartleet beat, S. F. Nicholson, 6—2, 6 —4, 8 —o; A. W. Sims beat T. Clark, 6—l, 6 —o, 6—3. >- LADIES’ SINGLES. Semi-finals.—Miss M. Speirs beat Miss B. Witherow, 6—2, 6—l; Miss B. Knight beat Miss J. Ramsay, 6 —2, 6—l. MEN’S DOUBLES. Semi-finals. —E. L. Bartleet and H. L. Robson beat H. Entwistle and W. G. Watkins, 7 —5, 7 —5, 7 —5; E, W. Griffiths and H. Brinsden beat 11. E. Rowlands and T. Clark, 6—4, 2—6, 6 —2, 6—4. LADIES’ DOUBLES. Semi -finals.—Mesdames Scott-Watson aud Arneil won from Misses W. McPherson and A. Fletcher bv default; Misses B. Knight and Colebrook beat Misses M. Napier and N. Whitelaw, 6—4, Final.—Misses Knight and Colebrook beat Mesdames Scott-Watson and Arneil, 7 —5, 6—2. In the combined doubles, A. W. Sims and Miss Knight beat V. R. Johns and Miss M. Speirs, 6 —2, 6—2 in one semifinal. E. W. Griffiths and Miss M. Lowry have reached the other semifinal,and. will play the winner of the second round match between T. Clark and Miss Miller and H. Brinsden and Mrs. Scott-Watson.