Dogged Tennis Paves Way for Good Finals.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18349, 29 December 1927, Page 5

Dogged Tennis Paves Way for Good Finals.

LAURENSON NOT STYLISH, BUT CAN OUTLAST GRUELLING MATCH.

DR J. T. LAUREXSON'S grim winning fight against A. L. France yesterday was welcome, not only as an evidence of hard training and determination, but as a triumph of modern tennis against what a lady in the grandstand described truthfully as the “poisonous" chopped deliveries that were popular years ago. But there was a lot of sympathy for France in his failure to clinch a match in which he had a lead of the first two sets, and the odd game time after time in the final set, when he went down 15-13. «

Laurenson will play Bartleet to-day and if Bartleet cannot. win on clean fast aces he will be beaten by sheer doggedness, in which Laurenson excels. The semi-finals arc being played this afternoon, and it looks as if the final to-morrow will be between Ollivier and Laurenson, with the odds all in Ollivier’s favour. *

Sturt, by beating Wilson and Seay in five sets, has put up a great performance, but nobody could imagine Seay pushing Ollivier to five sets, and there is not likely to be any surprise in this semi-final.

Ollivier*s game with Don France was too tame. France was unable to do more than swap long drives, which

(Team well to beat Auckland’s best pair.)

usually ended in Ollivier-s favour. It is safe to say that Len France would have made a much better showing against the veteran, who had his work cut out two years ago to do what Laurenson did yesterday.

Ollivier’s play, like that of Miss Speirs, is what has interested the gallery rather than the result of the match. When either of these great stylists makes a superlative shot the gallery are inclined to laugh rather than applaud, because it all seems so simple and flawless. This was the case when Miss Speirs was taking a love set off Miss Tracy. But Miss Tracy was shrewd enough to reduce her game to mere pat ball (Miss Speirs failing twice to get up to a service that trickled over) and this paid her better. Miss Speirs was most brilliant, however, in the doubles against the Auckland pair.

MRS ADAMS LOSES IN SEMI-FINAL.

HOLDER OF nTLE

IS ELIMINATED.

Miss B. Knight. the Auckland player, had had some very narrow escapes before reaching the' semi-final, and it was thought that the titleholder, Mrs R. P. Adams, would account for her fairly decisively. However, after taking the first set at 6-3, Mrs Adams tired * rapidly, the oppressive heat having its effect, and Miss Knight won the last two sets, 6-4, 6-1. In the last set Mrs Adams won the first game, only to lose the next six in a row. The game produced some attractive tennis, both players driving well, and Miss Knight playing some great shots at the net. Towards the end Mrs Adams was well below her best form, being unable to do anything right.

Mrs Adams did not settle down at once, Miss Knight taking the first game. The games see sawed to 4-3 in favour of the Wellington plaj-er. There was some pretty play in the eighth game, both players driving in great style. Miss Knight followed a deep drive into the net. winning the point with two fine volleys. After leading 40-30, Miss Knight lost the game. Mrs Adams won the ninth game and the set, 6-3, with two stinging cross-court drives. The tennis had been fextremely good, being mainly characterised by base-line driving to the corners and tne side-lines. Mrs Adams placed superbly, but was slow to strike af length. Miss Knight was making some splendid recoveries, and when she came to the net, she generally won the point. On her service. Miss Knight won the first game of the second set. after deuce had been called. A deuce game on Mrs Adams's service saw’ the champion win by eleven placements. Miss Knight was just missing the side lines. The

(Who enter the final' of the doubles against Misses Speirs and Partridge.)

third game was a love one. Mrs Adams keeping her opponent on the move and then driving to the opposile line. By storming the net, Miss Knight , twice had advantage points but Mrs Adams fought tenaciously, saving the game by some beautiful drives to the corners. After half-a-dozen deuces. Miss Knight evened the games with two smashes. In the fifth game Miss Knight had game point after being down 0-40. A weak volley, a double-fault and an out gave the game to Mrs Adams. Miss Knight took two deuce games to lead 4- The wind troubled both players in their games, there being a number of “outs.” Mrs Adams evened up the scores at 4-all on her service, driving powerfully to take the game to 15. Aided by the strong wind, Miss Knight sent down some fast low drives to lead 5- Mrs Adams double-faulted and hit two easy ones into the net, to lose the second set at 4-6.

Two passing shots down the side-line gave. Mrs Adams the first, game of the final set. Mrs Adams seldom came to the net, where a weak forehand vojley cost her points. A cross-court backhand smash and some good length drrving saw Miss Knight even up on Mrs Adame's service. Mrs Adams was erratic, failing to strike a length, and she lost the third game, also at deuce. Two of her well-known cross-court drives gave the server a 40 30 lead, but Miss Knight, driving beautifully on the back hand, won the game to lead 3-1. Sirs Adams appeared tired, and some

great drives were interspersed with several erratic drives. The Aucklander was, on the other hand, very steady and won the next game. Miss Knight was now dominating the game, Mrs Adams offering little opposition. With a lead of 5-1 Miss Knight ran to 40-15 on her service, Mrs Adams driving out to Jose the set and the match. Miss Speirs and Miss Macfarlane. Miss Macfarlane, serving with the nor'-wester, lost a long-driving game after hitting the- first two sighters into the net Miss Speirs beat her opponent twice when finesse was called for. Miss Speirs took the next game to love with the wind, and the next with the loss of an ace. driving hard to Miss MacfarJane’s backhand, to lead 3-0. The much-boomed Auckland drive was returned with interest, usually to the backhand. Miss Macfarlane wop the next w r ith the wind by coming to the net at the last rally. Miss Speirs had led 40 15 and advantage in twice, but the nor'-wester was decidedly tricky. Miss Macfarlane attacked

(Went down to the Canterbury Pair.)

with- service, but lost a love game against perfect steadiness. With 4-1 and the wind, Miss Speirs was down 15-40 on her own errors, although she had control of the game. She kept up a persistent attack on Miss Macfarlane’s backhand, putting over a short slice when Miss Macfarlane was expecting a forehand drive to the open court. Miss Speirs won this game after deuce had been called twice. %The difference between the two players was in stroke

(Present title-holders in the doubles, but not' likely to win this 3 r ear.) equipment and courtcraft. Miss Macfarlane could drive like fury on the forehand, but it was Miss Speirs who placed her drives for winners. Miss Speirs lost the next two on errors. Miss Macfarlane was much more aggressive with the wind in the ninth game, and ran to 30-0. Miss Speirs was cleverly allowing for the nor'-wester, and took the next four shots and the set 6-3.

The change of ends gave Miss Speirs service with the wind. Twice in the game. Miss Speirs came into the net for an artistic placement to . the .‘.pot her opponent was running away from. Miss Macfarlane could not stand up to the terrific punch behind Miss Speirs’s drives. Miss Macfarlane won the next two games, however, on very aggressive play with the wind. If she could break through for a game against the wind, she was in a favourable position. She ran to 30-0 with some great recoveries. She was 40-15 when Miss Speirs netted a smash, and won the game when her opponent drove a long one out. Miss Macfarlane leads 3-1. She deserved great credit for some good recoveries on the backhand against hard drives. Miss Speirs had been rather inclined to keep off the forehand court even when it was open, but she seemed to realise this in the fifth and sixth games, in which she pulled up to 3-3, the last game being a love one against Miss Macfarlane’s service with the wind. In the next game, which Miss, Speirs won against the wind, the Aucklander was very tenacious, especially on the backhand, which was well-pounded. Miss Speirs finished off the game with two perfect volleys, the first of which Miss Macfarlane did very well to recover. Miss Macfarlane took a love game on service against the wind: When she was down 15-40, Miss Macfarlane scored a perfect forehand ace, viciously hit. but netted the next rally’, and Miss Speirs led 5-4 with wind and service to Miss Macfarlane. In the next game, Miss Macfarlane was 0-15, 15-15, 30-15, 30-30, 40-30 (on a great service), deuce (Miss Speirs recovering a net-cord shot), van-in and. 'game. Miss Macfarlane was forcing the pace, and Miss Speirs showed signs of distress. Miss Macfarlane won the game and led 6-5 on aggressive play, finishing the game with a nicely disguised backhand drive along the side-line, the first shot Miss Speirs had not covered. Then Miss Macfarlane dropped a love game on service, and the score was 6-6. The wind had dropped to a dead calm, and it was oppressively hot. Miss Speirs lost the odd game though playing carefully. Both ladies again dropped their services, Miss Macfarlane leading 8 7. Miss Speirs used a drop shot in winning the next game, but lost the odd game by being drawn in and passed. Miss Macfarlane led 30-15, but was run round too much and lost the lead, 9-9 Miss Speirs, nursing her strength, and using head-work rather than aggression, 1 crept into the lead again, and Miss Macfarlane. serving, was down 15-30. She got to 30-30 and 40-30, and won a long driving rally when Miss Speirs netted weakly. Miss Speirs won a love game to lead 11-10. It was a meritorious win, because there was a net-cord recovery in it and a pretty smash. Miss Speirs had a lead of 30-15, but} lost the game on a couple of weak shots, her footwork being listless. She continued her run of outs for a love game. Miss

(Put up an unexpected fight.)

Macfarlane was 30-15, and got to set

point at 40-30. She dropped it by driving out wildly. .She had another and won the set 13-11 when Miss Speirs put a drive out.

After a long interval, both players being all in, Miss Macfarlane ran away with the first two games. She lost the next two after leading 40-15 in the fourth. The wind at this time was blowing boisterously. Miss Speirs lost a. 40-15 lead in the. fifth game, but won it on cross-court placements after deuce had been called. Miss Speirs was a little fresher, but Miss Macfarlane was still the A puff of wind gave Miss Speirs a lead of 4-2 at 40-15. She was 40-15 in the seventh, but lost the game after deuce had been called seven times. Miss Macfarlane had the wind in this very long game, but she was fighting grimly, and several times turned losers into winners. Miss Macfarlane evened to 4-4 and won the odd game on vicious driving. Miss Macfarlane had service and wind in her favour and a tired opponent, who was content to return shots with a bit of chop on them. Miss Macfarlane was 300. 30-15, 30-30, 30-40 and game to Miss Speirs, 5-5. Miss Speirs was 30-15, but missed a volley. She was 40-30, but was run off her legs in the next rally. However, she won the game against the wind and Canterbury’s hopes revived. In the next game, with Miss Macfarlane serving, Miss Speirs drove the first two for clean winners on the forehand, her opponent hardly making an effort to take them. The next one she shied down the side-line for a winner to Miss Macfarlane's backhand. The fourth she put down the line for a clean winner. It was a love game on superlative shots. The Frances Beaten. Combining excellently, and giving a slashing display of doubles play’, the France, brothers smashed their way’ through the first set of their match with Malfroy and Lampe. The score 6-2 was a full indication of the state of the play’. Len France's chop-service and his heavy cut. strokes worried the opposing pair. Don France was deadly at the net, smashing powerfully. Malfroy was prominent for some heady play’, but he was slow to settle down. He made some great recoveries off seemingly impossible shots. Although steady’, Lampe was the weakest of the four. The second set was dominated by Malfroy. who produced some great tennis. His attractive ground strokes gave him ample opportunities for his brilliant net work. He volleyed splendidly’, while his overhead work was magnificent. The Frances were going fairly’ well, but did not play’ with much dash. Don was lobbing with great judgment, but he failed to kill several easy ones. # Malfroy won the second set at 6-3 after leading 3-0 and 4-1. The Frances jumped to 2-1, and led 40-30 in the third set. At this stage a great rally ensued, the ball crossing the net nearly twenty times. Skilful placement by Len France had the other pair in confusion, but Malfroy' raced from corner to corner to bring off some amazing returns. The rally finished when Don France put up a short lob for Lampe to smash out bey’ond the base-line. Don France won his service to love, giving him a lead of 4-1. Malfroy thus evened up at 4 all and 5 all, taking the set at 7-5.

The Frances could do nothing right in the fourth set. failing to strike form at any stage. Malfroy continued brilliantly’, while Lampe improved considerably. The last set was a love one, Malfroy’ acing his service twice in the sixth game. Miss Andrew and Seay.

While the Miss Andrew and Seay v. Miss Dallas and Hay match was not a very interesting one, it produced flashes of brilliant play. With Hay serving, he and his partner started off well and took the first game to love. Miss Andrew and Seay were warmed up to it *in the next and the latter was responsible for some spectaclular shots at the net. Miss Andrew was slow at times in getting on to her drives and netted a number of returns. Miss Dallas play’ed a steady game throughout the first set. Seay's overhead work, however, was very effective, and he kept up the pressure, winning the set 6-2. They opened strongly in the second set and were leading 4-0. Then Miss Dallas and Hay took a game. Miss Andrew’s play was improving steadily. Seay played without a letup and the Canterbury pair took the set 6-1. Seay’’s smashing and volleying throughout the match was spectacular. Boys’ Singles. 11. A. Barnett was much too good for Cant whom he defeated 6-1, 6-2. The Chatham Islands boy was superior all through and never looked like being beaten, leading 4-0 in each set. Cant had the better stroke-equipment but Barnett's ability to return everything and his superior brainwork enabled him to win the critical points. Barnett should win the final.

The other finalist in the boy’s’ event is R. A. Howe, who defeated D. A. M'Caskey in a gruelling and prolonged contest, 6-1, 3-6. 6-3. There were some bright rallies, both boys driving with plenty of pace and judgment. Young Howe is sound on both wings and is very steady.

Girls’ Singles. A gruelling and hard match between Miss Dini and Miss Rudkin saw both girls exhausted at the finish. Miss Rudkin was the better player, adding more variety to her strokes, but her opponent lasted much better and won on her endurance. Miss Rudkin took the first set at 6-5 only to lose the next set at the same score. Miss Dini led 3-1 in the last set, but her opponent evened up at 3-all and 5-all. Long rallies marked the last games, Miss Dini winning at 7-5. Miss Fleming, who should win the title, defeated Miss Longmore somewhat easily by 6-1' 64. This was a better match than the other semifinal, both girls going for their shots. Mis.s Fleming was a bit erratic at the finish, but recovered to win the last few games.

TO-DAY’S RESULTS. The following are the results of today's play:— COMBINED DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP. (Best of three advantage sets). Present Champions: Miss M. Speirs (Canterbury) and D. G. France (Wellington). First Round. Miss M. Andrew and I. A. Seay’ beat Miss R. Dallas and W. J. Hay’, 6-2, 6-1. Miss M. Myers and M. L. Lampe beat Miss M. Wake and K. J. Walker, 6-4, 4-6, 8-6. Second Round. Miss M. Tracy and N. R. 0. Wilson beat Miss J. E. Ramsay and W. Pearse, 6-1, 6-3. Miss M. Andrew and I. A. Say beat Mrs W. T. Melody and W. T. Melody, 6-2. 16, 6-3. Miss B. Knight and L. G. Knott beat Mrs Y. V. Pritchett and S. W. Field by default. LADIES’ SINGLES CHAMPION SHIP. (Best of three advantage sets.) Present champion, Mrs R. P. Adams (nee Miss A. Howe). Semi-final. Miss B. Knight beat Mrs R. P. Adams, 3 6, 6 4, 6 1. Miss Speirs beat Miss Macfarlane, 6-3, 11-13, 7-5. _

MEN’S DOUBLES CHAMPIONSHIP. (Best of five advantage sets.) Present Champions: L. G. Knott and N. G. Sturt (Auckland). Third Round. C. E. Malfroy and M. L. Lampe beat D France and L. France, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5 6-0. BOYS’ JUNIOR SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP. (Best of three sets; third only’ advantage). Present Champion: C. E. Malfroy (Wellington). Semi-final. R. A. H. Howe beat D. A. M’C'askey, 6-1, 3-6. 6-3 H. A. Barnett beat A. R. Cant, 6-1, 6-2. GIRLS’ SINGLES CHAMPIONSHIP. (Best of three sets; third only advantage). Present Champion: Delia Newton (Auckland). Semi-final. Miss N. Fleming beat Miss C. Longmore, 6-1, 6-4. Miss B. Dini beat Miss E. Rudkin, 5-6, 6-5, 7 5. NEW ZEALAND PLATE. (Best of five advantage sets.) (Open to all competitors who have been defeated in the first or second round of the men’s single championship.) Third Round. R. J. Bagge beat E. L. Prebble, 2-6, 3-6, 6 1. 7-5. 6-2. J. H. Sheppard beat W. R. Robinson, 6 4, 3-6, 3 6, 6 4, 6-2. Fourth Round. C. Angas beat R. H. Tait, 6-3, 6-3, 6-0.