OLLIVIER WILL NOT PLAY IN N.Z. CHAMPS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18010, 22 November 1926, Page 9

OLLIVIER WILL NOT PLAY IN N.Z. CHAMPS.

THINKS AUSTRALIANS WILL TAKE HONOURS. That be did not intoad, at ragout, to defend hia titlo as champion lawn tannic player of the Dominion at the championships At Auckland this year, was the reply of Geoffrey OUieier, when asked his intentions by a ‘'Star” reporter this morning:. He added that Don France, who was runner-up to him at the national championships last year, had asked him to be his partner in the doubles competition but that he had declined. “Boiled down to this," said Ollivier, “the expenses are too solid. The only solution is that if Canterbury challenges for the Wilding Shield, then we will get a certain amount of expenses. I believe that Auckland is keen on Canterbury challenging. “I’m not satisfied with having the Wilding Shield matches after the championships,” he added. “If they are played before, I will consider going.” Future Champions. The question as to who would get the championship was then discussed. It was suggested that Don France might have a chance, but Ollivier said: “I don’t there will be a New' Zealander in it at all. There's Kalms, the Australian, and then there’s Norman Peach. There’s no knowing what he might do.” “If the Australians do not come, who do you think will get it?” he was asked. “Andrews is the man who might do it if the Australians do not come,” was the answer. The name of Don France was suggested as a likely champion, but Ollivier considered that while he had some brilliant shots, he did not seem to be able to last the games out. Speaking of Den France, he said that France would not be taking part in the tournament. Regarding himself, Ollivier said that he was playing fairly well at present, but was not in a condition to last out a tournament. He would need to practise daily if he were to play in the tournament. “To keep fit for tennis, one has got to play tennis,” he said.