Ping-Pong Tournament.

Gisborne Times, Volume VIII, Issue 505, 19 August 1902, Page 3

Ping-Pong Tournament.

(By “ Pcfk.")

There -was not a seat to spare when “Puff” entered the Theatre Royal last ovnning, and of course ho had to stand throughout the proceedings, which lasted from 7 p.rn. to nearly midnight. Not that ho minded much, for had he not upon many occasions stood knee-deep in mud, without any covering for his head, for nearly two hours to watch an interprovincial football match, and what was a game of football to a ping-pong contest. Tho space at my dis-

posal does not allow me to make comparisons. Tho first contest that claimed my attention was tho gentlemen’s singles, which produced some fast and exciting games. 11. N. Watson, who comes from tho country with a great reputation, wasted very little tirno on T. Steele, who wan disposed of by 31 points to 12. G. Somervill proved too good for Leslie. .T. Harding and F. Eure had no

.rouble in disposing of their opponents.

Keesing’s driving tactics fairly nonplussed 11. Miller, whilst 11. E. Hill’s screwing powers were responsible for liis succoss over A. L. Belleiby. W. Saudlant knew too much for Doyle, who was several points behind when the bell rang. Great things were expected from .1. A. Harding, and he fully justified tho hopes of his admirers by disposing of . ich a vetoran as Dr Craig. In the

second round Harding met a tough customer in G. Butler, whose style was too

much for tbo gonial host of tho Masonic, iloyto could not induce Ifvverson to toe the mark, and therefore claimed a victory by defuuit. Tbo popular Mt. Eden bowler got through the second round, und had hard luck in being beaton by Butler in tho third round. Moricc, Mcllroy, Butler, and Stanley Coleman woro tbo quartette that got into tho semi-finals. Morico was too good a tactician for Mcllroy, and Stanloy Coleman was able

to smile over Butler. Tho final was disappointing, Stanloy falling an easy victim to Morico.

Tho ladies’ singles produced a number af interesting matches, although, on tho whole, the play was much inferior to tho Academy of Music display. Tho eight players to coino into the second round wore Mcsdaines Kane and Watson, Misses Itoynolds, Smytho, Somervill, N. Morico, Heaney, and Seymour. Miss C. Reynolds mado a vory poor stand against Miss Smythe, who evidently had mado a deep study of ping-pong. Thoro was only a difference of two points botwoon Mrs Kano and Miss Somervill, tho latter claiming tho victory. Miss Heaney proved too good for Miss ivlorice, and Miss Seymour was pleased with herself after she dofeated Mrs Watson. Tho semi-

finals attracted a great deal of attention, and applause was frequent. The gams between Misses Heaney and Seymour was disappointing, being anything but a brilliant display. Both competitors appeared tired, and there were too many net balls. Miss Heaney received the congratulations of her friends. Miss Smythe had all the best of the game with Miss Somervell, and in the final also showed her superiority over Miss Heaney, whom she defeated by 31 to 12. Tho match Town v. Country was keenly contested, and resulted in a victory for tho former. In the gcntlomon’s division W. Coleman taught H. N. Watson a useful lesson, tho young Gisborno player excelling in every department of the game. Aviss realised how little he knew of ping-pong when ho met Morico. Waimatn Branson was in great form, and always had a point to the good of Soytnour. Bradley’s score against Peach was not recorded. Bellerby has more respect for Williams since ho beat him at pingpong. D. Scott was elovcn points behind A. T. Coleman. H. E. Hill makes a better secretary of a tournament than he docs a playor. lie was boaten by Dods by 31 to 26. G. McLean did not properly understand the green, and this fact accounted for Bright’s easy victory. In tho iadios’ matches each side won four games, but the score on tho aggregate was four points in favor of tho town. Mrs Watson plays a pretty game of pingpong, and was warmly complimented on her victory over Mrs Kano, who played a sterling gamo. Contrary to expectations, Miss M. Davies was defeated by Miss Smytho, tho score being 31 to 28. Miss Soyinour appeared at her best against Miss Shaw, tho card reading 31 to 22, Miss N. Morice played a steady and consistent gamo, and defeated Miss E. Bradloy by 31 to 27. Miss B. Bradley lost few chances, and has reason to be proud of her victory over such an expert playor as Mrs W. Sandlant. Miss A. Bradley met her match in Miss Heaney, tbo score being 31 to 22. Miss R. Reynolds was too fast for Miss C. Boylan. Miss MeCredio boat Miss C. Reynolds by 31 to 27. The mixod doubles was responsible for some good, and also some very indifferent play. Mr and Mrs Watson easily disposed of Mr Nolan and Miss F. Davies by 21 to 14. Master and Miss Simson claimed a victory from Mr and Miss MeCredio by default. Mr and Mrs 11. Sandlant know too much about the gamo for Mr DeLautour and Miss Maunsell. J. Peach and Morico won their game by 21 to 20. In tho second round Lyttloton and Miss Seymour had no compassion on their opponents, and treated the spectators to an exhibition of ping-pong as it should be played. Mr and Miss Morice just won

by a singlo point. Avia and Miaa Smyths thoroughly undoratood one another’s play, and easily defoated Mr Nisbett and Mrs W. Sandlant. H. E. Hill and Miss I. DeLautour were too good for their opponents. Tho'duet game suited Mr Sherriff ! and Miss Heaney, who woro warmly applaudod for thoir meritorious victory over Mr W. Sandlant and Miss Somervell. and Mrs H. Sandlant took all the bloom off Peach and his partner. Mr and Mrs Watson were merciful in their treatment of their juvenile opponents. In the semi-finals Lyttleton and Miss Seymour rnado no game of it against W. Coleman and Nolan, the latter being defeated by 21 to 8. Mr and Mrs Watson could not overcome the opposition of Shorriff and Miss Heaney, who played in thorough harmony. The final resulted in a keenly-contested game between Sherriff and Miss Heaney and Lyttleton and Miss Seymour, tho first named winning by 21 to 17, amidst loud applause, tho victory being a most popular one. MrE. G. Matthews undertook tho secretarial dutios, and proved the right man in the right place, the great success of tho tournament being in a largo measure duo to his efforts.

Refreshments were provided by a committeo of ladies, who did all in their power to rnako the evening an enjoyable ono. The proceeds of the tournament are to be dovoted towards beautifying the Recreation Ground, and it is expected that a substantial sum will bo raised for the purpose.