TENNIS CHAMPION BACK

Taranaki Daily News, 13 January 1932, Page 9

TENNIS CHAMPION BACK

RETURN OF A. C. STEDMAN.

AUSTRALIAN VISIT UNLIKELY.

A. C. Stedman, lawn tennis singles champion of New Zealand, returned on Monday to Auckland from a trip to Australia. Just before leaving he took part in.the County of Cumberland championships and reached the last eight in the men’s singles and the semi-ifinals in both doubles events. In the singles he was defeated by Crawford, 6 —l, 5—7. 6— 2. Partnered by J. Spence he was beaten in the doubles by N. Peach and A. Willard, and in the combined event Stedman and Miss Hattersley were beaten by A. Willard and Mrs. Buttsworth, 7 — 5. 6 —B, 6 —3. Stedman spoke enthusiastically of the wonderful reception lie had had and the hospitality he received. He was impressed with the standard of play, more particularly the volleying capabilities of all Australians. He considered that the better fours used the lob more than New Zealanders, while the receiver’s partner frequently stood in. The New Zealand champion stated that there was only a remote possibility of the visit of a New South Wales team to Auckland owing to the number of important fixtures that are impending. The Australian championships are to be played in February and those of New South Wales in March, while the Japanese players will meet a New South Wales team this month. Neither C. Donohoe nor C. Spurdie, both wellknown to Aucklanders, have found places in the team. •Stedman will pair with N. R. C. Wilson for the men's doubles and Miss J. Hartigan in the combined doubles in the New Zealand championships at the end of the month.