TENNIS

Hokitika Guardian, 24 January 1921, Page 4

TENNIS

GAMES IN SYDNEY

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION SYDNEY, January 22.

At tennis the Americans met the Australians in two singles and one doubles match at Double Bay in the presence of several thousand people and in fine hot weather.

Washburne and Hawk opened the programme. The Australian effectually employed the swerving service, M'ashbourne experienced great difficulty in guaging the distance, but displayed excellent judgment in moving into position at critical moments. He treated spectators to a line display of backhand and also an invaluable crosscourt drive.

Johnston was at first uncertain, and allowed Heath to gain the “lend, but quickly gave the crowd a glimpse of his splendid forehand drive, which he employed with great severity and accuracy. His stroke:- were characterised by exceptional force, smashing frequently. with cannon shot velocity.

Tn doubles Tilden and Johnston proved veritable speed merchants. The contest was a brilliant exposition bristling with thrilling rallies. Tilden immediately impressed onlookers by bis lightning services and killing returns. Roth visitors directed play to O’Hara M'ood in preference to Brookes, but Wood was in rare fettle and responded nobly. At times he. was the star performer of the court, his volleying and smashing being of the highest order. Brookes was a real general, keen in anticipating, and excellent in judgment, but his strokes lacked the fire of his vigorous opponents. The Americans appeared to have the •first sot won. but Australia drew level six all. A stirring struggle ensued to the end. The visitors eclipsed the local players in the remaining sets. The following are the scores:-—M'ash bourne defeated Hawke 6-1, 6-4; Johnston de leak'd Heath, 6-3, 6-3; Tilden and Johnston defeated O’Hara M'ood and Brookes 8— 10, 6—2, 6—4, 6—2. SYDNEY, January 23.

The tennis tourney was continued at Double Bay in fine, hot weather. Tho attendance was 5000.

Johnston and Ilnwkes opened the programme, but the visitors were not scriontdjv extended. In the succeeding match Tilden registered 3—o in the first set against Brookes by a terrific service and lightning returns. Brookes was always calm and drew level to 4 all, due chiefly to scientific not play. The second set produced brilliant play. Brookes’s chopping an~d volleying was up to international standard and he won a great sot. The final saw both champions at their best in a nock and neck struggle, Tilden winning eventually, though lie lacked the brilliancy of Friday’s play. 0 To-day's doubles contest between M'ashburn and Johnston and O’Hara M'ood and Heath revealed play of a high-class order, with the Americans always superior. M'ood again acquitted himself with distinction, especially in the rallies, but lie was not well supported by Heath. Johnston’s smashing returns and Wasliburn’s excellent net play had the Australians guessing all the time, and the Americans won three straight sets. Results: Johnston defeated Ilnwkes 6-5, 8-6; Tilden defeated Brookes 6-4, 6-8, 7-5; M'ashburn and Johnston defeated O’Hara M'ood and Heath 6-3, 9-7, 6-1.