LAWN TENNIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1252, 7 October 1911, Page 12

LAWN TENNIS.

THE CUP DATES EAKMAEKED. [Br "FooTFAtrw."] Attitude of America. The American Association has again cablod—this tinio to adhere to tho original dates for tho Davis Cup. December 29 and 30 and January 1 are accordingly earmarked for tho great event. In suggesting earlier dates tho American Association probably endeavoured to moot tho convenience of one of its best players, W. A. Lamed. Tho submission to the original dates, no doubt, implies that Lamed will again be unable to inako tho trip to Now Zealand. Lamed has certainly been a remarkable flguro on the American courts ovor sinco the game was first taken up seriously in that country. Ho first came into prominence in 1892, nearly twenty years ago, when, as a student ut Cornell, lie won the inter-collegiato title. In the samo year he was tho runner-up at Newport in the national tournament to 0. S. Campbell, who was tho holder of tho championship then. In 1894-5-C ho was again the runner-up, and in 1901, after an absence from the game, during which lie had served through tho Spanish war, ho won tho all-comers' at Newport, and took tho challenge match from Malcolm D. Whitman by default. Tho next year ho successfully defended his title against tho great English player, K. P. Doherty, but in the following year was beaten by 11. L. Doherty, the champion of England. For four years he did not appear in the tournaments, but in 107 again won, defeating Robert Leroy. Ho lollowed this with victories for threo straight years, accomplishing the unprecedented feat of being champion six times. A meeting between N. E. Brookes and Larned would, therefore, bo brimfull of interest, and a match that would bo worth going many miles to witness. What Of Our Own Team? have boon conjecturing as to who will represent America wo have, bo far, heard notliing as to whom Brookes will select for our team. It is fairly cortain that A. W. Dunlop will not be back from England in timo to got into condition for tho strenuous matches that are likely to ensue. This will not apply to Heath, and as a result our singlo players will probably be Brookes and Hoath. It is, however, a somewhat open question as to who should partner Brookes in tho doubles. If Doust is not available, tho choice is narrowed down, and then Sharp and Campboll como into view. Timo will tell. Brookes will, in any case, probably choose four players. If so, Eice, J. C, Peacock (the present holder of tho New Zoaland championship), and Parker are likely to be thought of. It would be gratifying to learn that tho Now Zealander had been chosen, and would bo a source of great encouragement to our other players who are practically his equal. Tho time is now at hand when the decision must be made. On Wellington Courts. ( Last Saturday was a, perfect day for tennis, and all tho hard courts were well patronised by players eager to obtain practice. The matches will again take place this season, it having been finally agreed upon at tho meeting of the Wellington Association on September 21 that this should be so. If tho weather prove favourable, players should have settled down into something like form when the matches commence, and committees will have an opportunity of selecting teams so that membors will bo able to practise togethor, and the best results, for players and clubs alike, may bo obtained.

Tho majority of dabs hare already issued entry forms for their usual handicaps. These are to be played off during tho early part of the season, and they should soon bo in full swing. The new Eelburnc Club has now almost tho required number of members, and tho courts, ;will soon bo in course of construction. It is anticipated that play will conimenoo about tho New Year.

Trinity Club wp.s favoured with ideal weather for its opening day. Tho president of the club (Rev. J. Ward) opened tho courts in the presence of about 250 visitors, and wished tho club overy prosperity during the season. The membership is now complete, there being a. largo number of new members this season. Tho New Zealand Championships, Tho Now Zealand championship meeting will bo held iu Christchurch prior to the Davis Cup contest, and will tako place on December 20, 27, and 28, on courts adjoining the Davis Cup courts, on the Leicester Street side of Lancaster Park. Active preparations will now start with the laying-out of fcho courts, and later tho erection of tho necessary stands. Notices havo been issued to delegates and associations calling the annual meoting of the Now Zealand Lawn Tennis Association for Tuesday, October 31. Tho report and accounts will be issued within the next fow days.