LAWN TENNIS.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue XXIV, 15 December 1900, Page 1110

LAWN TENNIS.

(By “Vantage.”) The march between J. R- Hooper, New Zealand champion, and IL A. Parker, Auckland champion, in the penultimate round of the association championship, which took place on the Eden and Epsom fawn last Saturday, ■was watched with the keenest interest. The players themselves bad anticipated a hard struggle for the supremacy, and Hooper had been in strict training for about a fortnight, while Parker had been preparing himself for -an even longer period. _ . Play started at a few minutes to three in a drizaling rain. Hooper taking the first two games chiefly through errors made by Parker. The latter hud now got the length of the court better, and driving very hard and accurately rattled off the next six games in succession, taking the set, 6—2. Hooper now settled down to his work, and placing with fine judgment soon established a lead in the second set. This was perhaps the best contested set in the match, and though Parker struggled hard Hooper ran out a winner, t> —4. The spectators now settled down for a long contest, but when in the third set, after Parker had led at 2 —-1, Hooper took five games straight off the reel, it looked as if the match were already his. As it turned out, however, the effort had taken a good deal out of him, and Parker playing with great energy- and determination led through the fourth set. some of his strokes hereabouts being very fine. Hooper struggled gamely to make up his leeway, but Parker was not to be denied, and two sets all was called amidst applause. In the concluding set play palpably slackened, and Hooper especially showed signs of fatigue, his services being verv soft. Parker, seeing this, set himself to the task of wearing him down, and by careful placing relieved occasionally by a brilliant drive he ultimately won the set, 6 —3, the total score being 6—2, 4 —6, 2—6, 6 —4, 6 3 in his favour. The match was a fine exhibition of up-to-date lawn tennis. Parker has mastered his tendency to slog every ball, and at times played with as much self-control and accuracy as Hooper. At the same time, having worked his man out of position he never hesitated to attempt a decisive stroke, and continually- peered by this means. I am of opinion that Hooper relied too much on his safety to win, and made too little use of his across court, forehand drive, at which he is an adept. Hooper was very safe on his backhand, and some of his passes were quite perfect. Parker’s backhand was good and his forehand deadly, but bis volleying, especially his smashing, was very weak. The match was played under even conditions, and it can only be assumed that on the day the better man won. To show how close the match really was, Parker won by three sets to two, 24 games to 21, and 154 points to 145.

The other match in this round, between Ruddock and Rice, was played earlier in the afternoon. Riee is getting into better form every day, and is probably 15 better than he was at the beginning of the tournament. He proved himself too steady for Ruddock. winning- three sets straight though the latter made malny good strokes. The final of the championship will be played at Devonport next Saturday, as both Parker and Rice will be at the North Shore Club, representing Mount Eden in the inter-club matches. I consider this is only- right, as to confine all the matches to one lawn is not iu the best interests of the game. The final of the ladies’ championship, between Misses A. Nicholson and S. Rice, was played during the progress of the Hooper-Parker match. This was very unfortunate, and interest undoubtedly suffered, the spectators being-so intent on watching the struggle for the men’s event. Some difficulty was indeed experienced in securing an umpire for the ladies until Dr. Coates, the club’s popular president, kindly undertook the task, a feat which is deserving of lieing classed with Sir Philip Sidney’s refusal of the cup of cold water. Miss Rice made a very good stand against the champion, but the latter’s experience and judgment stood her in good stead at critical points, For example, there were four deuce games dwrinff the match, and all

of them were secured by Miss Nicholiwu. A little more skill aud knowledge of the game might have turned the scale in Miss Rice's favour in some of these cases, and this wonld have materially affected the score. At present, however, it would appear that Miss Nicholson is unquestionably the best lady player in Auckland, and I congratulate her accordingly. The points scored were: Miss Nicholson, 58; Miss Bice, 37. The visit of the Australian team is now an established fact, and information lias been received in Christchurch that the five players will compete in our championship and play an intercolonial match against New Zealand. The names are as follows: —A. W. Dunlop, S. F. Diddams, E. Waters, L. Laxpn, and 11. N. McKean. The following players will also accompany the team across and play in the handicap events:—Dr. Godfrey, R. C. Godfrey, H. Morris, R. Baillirn, J. C. Dunlop. If, as I understand is probable. Poidevin, the runner-up for the New South Wales championship, puts in an appearance, the New Zealanders competing will have a tough time before them. Mr J. Paton, the hon. sec. of the "Rew Zealand Lawn Tenuis Association. has written to the tournament secretary in Chrnstchurch strongly urging that a match between Victoria and New Zealand be arranged. This is exactly what I suggested last week, and 1 trust the officials will lose no time in arranging this important fixture.

The first inter-club match will be held next Saturday, the draw for. the first round being Devonport v. Eden and Epsom and Parnell v. West End. Each team consists of six ladies and six men. and as no singles wall be played there will be six matches in each ease. In the Devonport v. Eden and Epsom match the players have been arranged as follows:—Mrs Cooper and Miss M. Harvey (D.) v. Mrs Chapman and Miss A. Stewart (E. and E.), Miss Bush and Mr Howarth (D.) v. Miss D. Rice and Mr Turner (E. and E.), Messrs Buddle and Young (D.) v. Messrs Heather and Vaile (E. and E.), Messrs Macky and Mason (D.) v. Hooper and Rice (E. and E.), Miss Duder and Mr Whitaker (D.) v. Miss Gorrie and Mr Parker (E. and E.), Misses D. Alison and Marks (D.) v. ■Misses S. Rice and Sloman (E. and E.). The first three of the above matches will be played at Mount Eden, and the remainder on the Devonport lawn. The match between Parnell and .West End has been arranged as hereunder, the first three matches being played at Parnell and the remaining' three at West End. as in the above case: —-Mrs Philson and Miss Scherff (P.) v. Mrs Gentles and Mrs Newell (W.E.), Professor Segar and Mr Scherff (P.) v. Messrs F. Taylor and A. A. Davies (W.E.) Miss Thorne G'eorge and Mr Simpson (P.) v. Miss A. Nicholson and Mr Peacock (W.E.), Messrs Stevenson and Upfill (P.) v. Messrs Brabant and J. Paterson .(W.E.), Misses Davy and B. Atkinson (P.) v. Mrs Jones and Miss Nicholson (W.E.), Miss Mowbray and Mr Hill (P.) v. Miss Caldwell and Mr A. Goldie (W.E.). I am very sorry to hear that Mr ‘A. E. D'Arcy, the well known Parnell player, will be unable to represent his club in their match against West End next Saturday owing to an accident a few weeks back which has been more serious than was anticipated. As D’Arcy is one of the very best men in the Parnell team his noninclusion will materially lessen his club’s chance of a win. I have received the following interesting notes from a Southern player regarding lawn tennis in Christchurch: —“Harman was in very good form on the asphalt, and if he will only practise steadily should prove a thorn in the side of any one he meets. Collins and F. M. B. Fisher have both started. The former is in very fair fortn, but the latter is rather erratic, though as brilliant as

ever. Among the players whose names do not appear as yet in the annals of championship tournaments Kiver. a brilliant but rather uncertain player, and A. Wilding, are both in good form. The latter is very young, but is improving rapidly. Though young in years he has an old head. “Among the ladies Miss Nunnetey has not yet come to town, but Miss Lean and the Misses Simpson are getting ready for Christmas. There are not likely to be any fresh competitors for the championship among the ladies unless Miss Wilding enters, but there should be a large number taking part in the ladies’ handicap events. “The Park Company are hard at work upon the ground now. and the courts promise well. It is not yet decided whether the championship events will be played on the present lawn tennis ground or on courts specially prepared along the southern boundary of the cricket ground.’’

The annual meeting' of the Tarar naki District Lawn Tennis Association was held at Stratford on the 20th November, when delegates from Stratford, New Plymouth, Patea, and Inglewood Clubs were present. A satisfactory' report and balancesheet were presented to the meeting. Dr. Leatham was re-elected president of the Association, Mr A. E. A. Clarke, vice,-president (as representing the New Plymouth Club), Mr E. Griffiths, hon. secretary, and Mr J. E. Wilson, auditor. The colours of the Association were fixed as black and yellow. The New Plymouth Club is to be asked to have the annual district championship meeting on. its courts, ami the arrangements therefore were delegated to the delegates of the Stratford and New Plymouth Clubs, Messrs Kimbell and J. E. Wilson) and the hon. secretary. It is probable that the championship meeting will be held al New Plymouth during the New Year holidays. A scratch tournament was arranged on the tennis lawn, Waipawa. last Wednesday afternoon. The matches were arranged by the hon. secretary, Mr Norris, and Mrs .1. L. Reed gave tea. The following is the result: — LADIES’ SINGLES. Miss E. Clark v. Miss Arrow. 30 —18. Mrs Eames v. Miss Arrow, 10>—30. Miss D. Harding v. Miss L. Clark, 21 —30. Miss M. Harding v. Miss E. Clark, 25—30. Mrs McLean v. Miss Flynn, 30—10. Mr McLean and Miss L. Clark are to play off in the handicap. COMBINED DOUBLES. Miss Arrow and Downes v. Mrs McLean and D. Clark, 26 —30. Miss Baker and Robertson v. Miss E. Harding and Norris, 30 —25. Mrs Eames and Rennell v. Miss L. Clark and A. Clark, 28 —30. Miss D. Harding and White, bye. SECOND ROUND. Miss Buber and Dr. Robertson tied against Mrs McLean and D. Clark. Miss L. Clark and A. Clark beat Miss D. Harding and White. FINAL. ' Miss Baker and Dr. Robertson beat Mrs McLean and D. Clark, 30 —29. As was expected iu view of approaching inter-club tournament there was a good attendance of players on the Devonport lawns on Saturday' afternoon, and some interesing play was the result. The club play Eden and Epsom on Saturday afternoon next, and expect to have a “great time of it” (perhaps). Mason and Macky (D.) play Hooper and Rice (E. and E.), and the latter pair are favourites at “present” (and likely to be). Young and Buddle (D.) play Heather and Vaile (E. and E.), and an interesting “go” is anticipated. Howarth and Miss Bush (D.) meet Miss Rice and Turner (E. and E.), and the latter stand a good ehance of winning. Whitaker and Miss Duder (D.) are pitted against Parker and Miss Gorrie (E. and E.), aud if Parker retains his form of Saturday last against Hooper he and Mis* Gorrie should go “very' near” winning. Devonport reckons it’s all over bar

the shouting, and expect to win—if Parker stays away. Miss D. Alison ami Miss Marks (D.> will make a fairly good stand against Misses S. Rice and Slomau (E. and K.) notwithstanding they will meet two play ers of greater experience. Mrs Cooper, although absent on Saturday, can be relied upon to play a great game with Miss Harvey against Mrs Chapman and Miss Stewart, and whoever wins will have to “go for it" all the way. Indeed this match should prove a long way the most interesting of the series. All things considered the marine club will have a pleasant afternoon of it. and in the words of the song, “They never enjoyed themselves so much before.” ® ® ® FORCING PLAY V. BRILLIANT PLAY. (By Mr. J. Parmly Paret. in "Golf ami Lawn Tennis." Those who are constantly drifting with the tide seldom realise the progress of matters iu which they are most interested, and few of us appreciate the important developments iu lawn tennis skill which have been going on during the last five or six years. A few players have taken advantage of a little calm study of the causes of ex-Chatnpion Wrenn’s success, and, profiting thereby, have become the pioneers of the winning game of the future. But Wrenn's skill was lost on most players; it was all under the surface, and not many appreciated the forcing strokes that gave him so many easy chances to kill the ball. The skill of the brilliant player lies all on the surface, while that of the expert of Wrenn’s type, the player who depends on forcing strokes, lies hidden a little deeper. The brilliant player hazards all on one stroke, while it is not the last play of the rest that shows the skill of his safer opponent, for his greatest ability lies in the forcing stroke that so often leads to the error made by the brilliant antagonist. When forced into difficulties one stands or falls by a daring attempt to pass from an often impossible position; he scorns the lob; he tries repeatedly to kill from the base-line when his opponent is in a safe position, and loses into the net or out of court, for his recklessness. On the other hand, the forcing player meets a dangerous attack with a safe defence rather than a forlorn hope; he forces his antagonist into difficulties and runs in to kill the return when he has secured an embarrassing attack, and he lobs deep when forced on the defensive, and there, is no reasonable opening for a passing or forcing stroke. In short, one uses his arm only; the other plays with his head as well as his arm. The underlying principle involved in the modern forcing game is never to kill a difficult ball, and never to miss an easy one, and to work first, last and all’of the time for the sure ehance to kill. Against a new player in position to volley, it is customary either to try to pass him or lob over his head, but there is another alternative which the forcing player finds an excellent resort. This is the slow dropping stroke used so much by Wright; played close to the net and from a reasonably high bound, the ball falls so soon after passing the net that it is almost impossible to kill it. li used to one side, it forces the opponent out of position and offers a good chance to pass him on the next play, or draws him in so close that a short lob over his head on the next play will often score an ace. However, the forcing stroke is most useful when the opponent is still back in his court. Then the attack takes the form of a long, fast drive, reasonably high over the net, so as to make the’ball bound farther and be surer of good length, into the farthest corner of the antagonist’s court. If the first attempt to force the antagonist, yields a short return, one that falls near the service-line, he should be forced again on the next play, and the ball followed up to the killing position at the net. Tf the opponent keeps good length despite all attempts at forcing him into difficulties, it. is often necessary to run all the way in from the baseline in order to get the attacking position at the net, but this entails a good deal of risk of being passed. (To be continued next week.)