CAN CHAMPIONS BE DEFEATED?

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19258, 20 December 1930, Page 10

CAN CHAMPIONS BE DEFEATED?

KEEN CONTESTS LIKELY IN NEARLY ALL EVENTS. (Written for the “Star.”) Who will hold the Lawn Tennis championship of New Zealand for the coming season? A strong entry has been received, and the events at Wilding Park next week should be keenly contested, with the issues doubtful till the final rounds. The present title holders are:— Men’s Singles.—C. Angas (Canterbury). Men’s Doubles.—Messrs A. L. France and C. M. Malfroy (Wellington). Women’s Singles.—Miss D. Nicholls (Wellington). Women’s Doubles. —Misses M. Wake and M. Andrew (Canterbury). Combined Doubles.—Mrs Thomson (nee Tracy) and N. R. C. Wilson. All will be defending their titles with the exception of France and Mai-! froy, who have been divided by Mal r froy’s visit to England. Form this season has given little indication of the players’ capabilities, but there are prospects of very keen competition, with, in the doubles events, a number of likely combinations offering. The singles are less open. Angas Should Win. In the men’s singles, C. Angas, of Canterbury, should be able to hold his ground without much difficulty. There are three notable absentees from the Iraw in E. L. Bartleet, I. A. Seay and 3. M. Malfroy, and this should make his task much easier, though strong opponents are still offering. Of these D. G. France is considered to be the most formidable, but it is reported that he has lot shown very good form lately. Dr Laurenson is likely to upset calculations, though he has not the array of strokes possessed by the other two men. It is possible that Dr Laurenson may not come down from the North Island. If N. R. C. Wilson could strike consistent form, he might also cause some trouble, as he has the stroke play of a champion. Below these men are a number of players who should provide bright and interesting tennis in the earlier rounds. The younger Canterbury players may provide a few surprises, and T. W. Patterson, who lately has shown sparkling form, should also do well. Canterbury’s Also? In the men’s doubles there is more room for speculation, as several candidates are offering who have good claims to the title. The France brothers and Wilson and Stedman are very strong pairs, but many critics of form consider that Angas and Seay, the Canterbury pair, have a good chance of annexing the title. The doubt lies with Seay, who has not had much practice this season, and is at best a rather erratic player. With Seay at his top form, there would not be much doubt of the result. Another pair who will go far are Wallace and Lampe, of Wanganui. They have had a lot of experience together and, are , both excellent doubles players. These four pairs should contest the semifinals, and on present form it is probable that Wilson and Stedman will gain the verdict. Many Women Offering. A number of women players, all of equal calibre, are offering in the singles, the result of which will depend on the form shown by Miss Dulcie

Nicholls, the present champion, and of Mrs Dykes. The Wellington player had not had a game on the grass this season until yesterday, when she played practice games with Miss Wake and Miss Andrew at Wilding Park, and she is stated to be, at present, rather out of form. Mrs Dykes, as Miss May Speirs, was the most prominent woman player in New Zealand up to last year, and, if she can produce anything like her old form, she should trouble all opponents. Apart from these, Mrs Adams, Miss Marjorie Macfarlane and Miss M. Wake will all be strong contenders, and possibly the title may change hands. In the first round an interesting match should be between Miss M. Myers (Wanganui) and Mrs W. A. Scott (South Canterbur}'). Holders Doubtful. It is considered doubtful if Miss Wake and Miss Andrew can hold the doubles title gained by them last year. This year there are several strong pairs entered and competition will be very keen. Miss Wake and Miss Andrew meet a hard pair in Mrs Scott and Miss Gibson in the first round, and if they survive, there are Mrs Adams and Miss Nicholls, the Misses Macfarlane, and Mrs Thomson and Miss Howe, all with strong claims, to be met and conquered. Mrs Adams and Miss Nicholls are considered the most likely pair. Some Good Combined’s. There should be many good matches in the combined doubles, and Mrs Thomson and Wilson will have to fight hard to retain the championship. Mrs Adams and D. G. France are possible winners, but Miss Andrew and Seay and Miss Wake and Stedman will be hard pairs to beat. With Seay concentrating on the doubles, the Canterbury pair’s chances are very bright.