Garrett New Canterbury Squash Rackets Champion

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31113, 16 July 1966, Page 16

Garrett New Canterbury Squash Rackets Champion

Giving probably the most ihteUigent and constructive display of his career, R. M. Garrett (Christchurch) won the Christchurch closed squash rackets championship at the Chester street courts last evening.

In a 62-minute, five-game final, always intense and interesting, mostly of good standard, Garrett finally overcame J. F. Henderson (University), 9-6, 7-9, 10-8, 3-9, 9-4. The result, while against the majority of predictions, was not really so unexpected considering Garrett’s form throughout the week. From the first round he produced fine drop shots and showed a new appreciation of the need for more than his well-known assets of I quick anticipation, deterI mined retrieving and court ! coverage. Garrett just survived his quarter-final match with D. J. Triggs, a contest which must have stood him in good stead, for Henderson lacked the benefit of hard matchplay in his progress to the final. Henderson Faltered Confronted by an oppo-i nent who was prepared to I try for everything, and who displayed his best touch I

when under real pressure, Henderson faltered a little when he found many of his best shots returned to good effect. The better stylist, and at his best perhaps the more complete shot-maker, Henderson was never other than cool and apparently composed. But he lost confidence in his own drop shot and faltered too often in the air. Garrett did more than his share of running: Henderson's greater pace off the ground meant that Garrett was frequently forced to retrieve at full atretch. But whiCe Garrett took advantage of most chances to aim a drop at the nick, Henderson preferred the tob. Although Henderson scored with some vicious drives across court, his tactics when in front were too predictable, and Garrett was able to position himself weM behind the centre court position without disadvantage. As a consequence. Henderson failed far too often to play the decisive winner when in good position.

Garrett Bolder Both had periods when they seemed to be in command; both faltered at times and played carelessily. yet the squash was usually constructive. Garrett's play was the bolder; some of

his touch wgs quite brilliant tn conception as well as execution, and it seemed Uvat he had de elded to keep playing his shots In all circumstances.

But there was very kttte in It in the final anelyats. Garrett scored two more points overall, he hit one more winner and made four less errors. It was bls decisive advantage In touch

and length which overcame Henderson s superior drives; he made less errors when It realty mattered, and throughout he concentrated extremely well. Results of other finals were: Women.—Mrs R. Woodhead beat Miss C. Swift, 2-9. 7 9. 9 1. 9-2. 9-5. Men's B Grade.—J. S Crosble beat N. B. Ullrich. 5-9, 9 4. 9-3. 9-1. i C Grade. —R. Taylor beat N. Gray. 9-2. 3-9. 10-9. 9-6. A Grade Plate. —R. D. Monk beat B. V. Hamilton. 9-9. 49. 3 WornenV’ Plate.—Miss B. Thomas beat Miss A. Sehraeder, 9-0. 9-1, 9-0. B Grade Plate —P. G. Z. Har ris beat B. T. Qulrke, 9-6. 93. 9-5. C Grade Plate.—R. M. Smith beat B. Frisk. 9 6. 1-9. 9 6. 4 9. 9-1.