BADMINTON TITLES

Evening Star, Issue 23368, 11 September 1939, Page 3

BADMINTON TITLES

THRILLING FINAL MATCHES STEVEN THE NEW SINGLES CHAMPION Brilliant badminton was provided at tho Otago and South Island championships, which were concluded at the Brydone Hall on Saturday night. Because of his form lately and his performances during the tournament, it was expected that Lyell Swallow would bo the singles title-holder, but in the most spectacular match of tho evening Steven beat him in two sets, 18-15 and 15-12. The winner was on top throughout the game, and though Swallow played a superlative defensive match, his opponent did not allow him to settle down at any stage. There were no other surprises, Miss Mavis Kerr having little difficulty in retaining the women’s singles title. Plenty of strenuous rallies were provided in the men’s doubles final between Swallow and Steven and G. R. Dickinson and J. 11. Laidlaw. Showing keen understanding and displaying better courtcraft, the former pair had control of proceedings early, ami though Dickinson and Laidlaw fought hard throughout, there was not the same finish about their game. The match was played at a very fast pace, and there were some thrilling rallies. Besid'es winning tho singles title, Miss Kerr was also associated with Miss J. Hay in winning the women’s doubles championship. They played the Christchurch pair, Mrs Stokes and Mrs Falloon, who showed consistent form, neither being perturbed over the deadly smashing shots of Miss Kerr. The Otago pair won, but they had to play at the peak of their form. The B grade events were responsible for, some interesting badminton. The women’s singles was won by Mrs S. Shacklock, and A. Aitken, a vastly-improved player, won the singles championship and played a prominent part in the winning of the doubles championship. The trophies won were presented by Mr E. C. Gorton, of Wellington, tho Otago delegate to the New' Zealand! Badminton Federation. A GRADE. MEN’S SINGLES. —Final.— J. Steven beat L. Swallow, 18-15, 15-12. MEN’S DOUBLES. —Final.— J. Steven and L. Swallow beat J. R. Laidlaw and G. R. Dickinson, 15-12, 15-6. WOMEN’S SINGLES. —Final.— Miss M. Kerr beat Miss K. Angell, 11-3, 11-7. WOMEN’S DOUBLES. —Final.— Misses M. Kerr and J. Hay beat Mesdames Falloon and Stokes, 15-8, 15-10. MIXED DOUBLES. —Final.— Abbott and Miss Samson heat Steven and Miss Angell, 15-6, 15-8. B GRADE. MEN’S SINGLES. ! —Final.— A. Aitken beat Lewis, 15-11, 15-10. Semi-final.—Pollock and Aitken beat Rhodes and Smith, 14-15,: 15-14, 15-10.