PING-PONG TOURNAMENT

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 486, 28 July 1902, Page 2

PING-PONG TOURNAMENT

CONCLUDING EVENING’S PLAY

(By “ Pen-.")

It was tho concluding night of tho tournament-, and the ping pongers had mustered in strong forco for a final lluttcr. There was the usual rush on tho part of the spectators for the best scats, and thoso who arrived Into had to stand. Tho Ladies’ District Championship was tlie chief subject of discussion. Miss Seymour was tho pronounced favorite for this event, and ail oyes wero upon her us sho faced Mrs Kano. Tho gamo was fast and furious, but Mrs Kane proved too groat a tactician for her opponent, who was hardly in her best form. In tho semi-final, Mrs Kane plnyod a magnificent game ugainst Mrs Barlow, who was polished off to tho tune of 61 points to 45. The final Btrugglo was between Miss N. Davies (who heat Miss N. Morico) and Mrs Kano, and a good game was generally looked forward to. There is nothing; brilliant in tho play of the Kaiti representative from a spectator’s point of view. Thoso who woro opposed to her, however, found her a most irritating plnyor. No matter whether they screwed, drovo, or tried tho usual parlor stroke, tho ball was always quietly returned over tlie net, and, exorcising wonderful pationco, tho young lady steadily and surely woro her opponents down. Miss Davies defeated Mrs Kano by 51 to 26, and at tho conclusion of tho gamo was loudly cheered. It was certainly a grand performance for a girl of thirteen years of ago to put to tho blush so many old and tried players. Morioo’s victory in the Junior Boys' Competition augured well for his chance in tlio Championship. lie mot \V. L. Coleman, and half-way through the gamo appeared to have him at iiis mercy, tho scoro being 32 to 21. Thero was a general laugh when Coleman stopped for a moment to tako offhiß coat, but the removal of that garment certainly had a good effect, and ho was alongside his opponent boforo ho got into tho forties. There was great excitement as tlie players scored point for point, tho card reading 42 all, 44 all, 45 all, but when Coleman got 40 to his opponent’s 45 thoro was deafouing applauso and a fair amount of cheering. Tho partiality shown by the spectators in this respect was a bnil foaturo of tho gamo, and was hardly fair to Morice, who foil off perceptibly in bis play towards tho close. With tho score at 49 all, Morico mado a couple of bad strokes, and wont out of the competition. Coleman had a very easy battle after this, Bright giving him a byo, whilst in tho final Sharp mado only a fair stand, being defcatod by 51 to 42.

The combined doubles reminded one of i tho usual screaming farce that terminates a variety show entertainment, It was really too funny for anything. Prior'to tho first round Lyttelton treated tho spectators to an exhibition of hand ping-pong, which although fairly amusing is not half so entertaining as the ordinary game of puff. In the doublo competition tho two players on oithor side had only ono racquet between them. Things got dreadfully mixed at times, and tho furniture was much knocked about. Mias Seymour and Mr Lyttelton played Mists Nolan and Mr A. S. Seymour. The first-named young lady evidently thought she was playing rounders, and whenever alio dropped the racquet she caught tho ball, and of course put her side out. Mr H. A. Barton got on wonderfully well with his partner, and won b.y 21 to 18. The duet game suited Miss Bright and Mr Craig, who proved too many for Miss Wallace and Mr Kretchmar. Stanley Coleman’s sharp returns were the feature of the game that he played with Miss F. Davies against Miss Cook and Mr 11. Miller. Miss Ida DoLautour and Mr H. E. Hill did not properly understand one another's play, and this accounted for their downfall by Mr and Mrs Barlow. J. Peach had a plum of a partner, but nevertheless they were plucked. Mr and Mrs W. Sandlant could not agree over the possession oi the racquet, and were beaten by Mrs Kane and Mr Sharp by 21 to 9. Miss Coleman and*'" Mr \V. L. Coleman proved one too many for Mr and Mrs H. Sandlant, after a really fine exhibition of tho game. Miss C. Boylan and Mr Barton were two points better than Miss Nolan and Mr Seymour. Stanley Coleman smiled on his partner after they defeated Miss Bright and Mr Craig, but they did not look so happy after they met Miss Boylan and Mr Barton, who came into the final with Mr and Miss Coleman. The latter game was fairly exciting at the conclusion. Mr Barton had good reason to congratulate his partner on her excellent play, the score being 21 to 13.

i The presentation of prizes was the last 3 item on the programme. His Worship the Mayor, who has the reputation of being able to make a speech on any subr ject, was not behind when It came to 3 ping pong. lie had, he said, derived great , amusement from the proceedings, and i thought the game afforded plenty of exeri cise to the players. Miss N. Davies was the chief prize-taker, scouring the championship and ladies’ singles trophies, as well as Mr W. Good’s prize for the junior girls’ competition. Mrs Kane, aa runnerup for the championship, receive! Mr A, ’ S. Seymour’s trophy. There was great cheering as Mr W. L. Coleman was called upon to come forward to receive the championship trophy, but the young gentleman was not to be found. “He should not retire after being so successful,” remarked His Worship. A very handsome pair of brushes, presented by Mr T. Adair, .vas what Mr F. Sharp received for being runner-up. Mrs W. Sandlant was awarded Mr Steele’s prize for her bid for victory in the ladies’ singles. Mr G. Morice carried off the Rev. H. Williams’ prize for junior boys’ competition, as well as the gentlemen’s handicap trophy. Mr Dalrymple’s prize, for the runner-up in the Singles, was won by Mr G. C, Lyttleton. The trophies in the teams’ match were allotted as follows : —Miss

Seymour, Mr Townley’s prize; Miss Heany, Mr Rosie’s prize ; Miss Coleman, London and Berlin Company s prize ; Mr G. C. Lvttleton, Mr J- Innes’ prize ; Mr v A. T. Coleman and Mr W. L. Coleman, Mr W Miller's prize ; combined doubles, Miss C. Boylan and Mr H. E. Barton, Mr W l’ettio's prizes. For being runner-up in the junior boys: competition, Mr S. Coleman was awarded Messrs Crawford and Son's prize. The runne(S up in the teams’ com petition, also received trophies presented by Mr J. McKee, Miss Dournan, acd others. *~ It is expected that as a result of the tournament, that fiom £35 to £4O will accrue to tho funds of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union’s Coffee rooms.