TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume IX, Issue 822, 21 February 1903, Page 3

TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP.

Tho championship mooting was advanced another stage yestorduy aftornoon, when the ladies played off thoir first rounds. Tho afternoon turned out an ideal one for tennis, though tho rain that foil during the morning had made the courts a bit slow. Tho matches played yesterday were Mrs H. N. NVatson against Miss McCrodio, which resulted in an easy win for Mrs Watson by 6 2, 6—4, arid Mrs Barlow against Miss F. McCrodie, which was won after a good fight by Miss F. McCrodio by B—6, 7—5. In tbo first match Mrs Watson was too good for Miss McCrodio, though Miss McCrodie is deserving of ovory pruiso for tbo wav she stood- up against a soasonod player like Mrs Watson. The first sot Mrs Watson won oasily, and sbo started well in tho second sot, getting two garnos in to love. Thon Miss McCrodio mudo an extra effort, and by cool placing managed to get the noxt four games straight off. Mrs Watson, howover, thon changed hor stylo of play, and nonplussod Miss McCredie, by winning tho next four games and tho set.

In the other match a very even go was played, and first Mrs Barlow, and then Misß F. McCredie were in tho load. Both sets wero ding-dong goes, but Miss F. McCredie apparently had more up her sioove than hor opponent, and finally won aftor a really good tussle. This is only the winner’s second season, and tho way she played up shows what can bo dono with plenty of practice and enthusiasm. Tho final tc bo played to-day betwoon Mrs Watson and Miss McCrodie should bo a very even go indeed, and as both are confident of winning, an exciting match should bo played. This match starts at 2.30, and at the same time tho final for tho men's championship will bo playod between Barlow and Watson.

For tho championship we pick tho present holders in both cases, namely Mrs Watson and Mr Barlow ; but wo recommend tho runuors-up to never say die, and keep on playing to their best ability until they are wiped out.