TENNIS

Hokitika Guardian, 19 January 1928, Page 2

TENNIS

.MIRAMAR TENNIS TOURNEY. FRENCH SUCCESS. WELLINGTON, Jan. IS. In the Lawn Tennis tournament. France heat New Zealand in the first day’s play by two matches to nil, in ideal weather, on the Wellington Association’s courts at Miramar. The best game of the day was liartIcofi’s great light against Borotra. Ilartlcet frequently beat Borotra, wlm was somewhat below lorm. missing halt volleys and netting volley and out crossbark drives on the side line. Bartleet was driving hard to keep Borotra back Imm ihc net. lie succeeded sometimes, but as the gamdeveloped, Borotra gained ascendancy at tlie not, from where the final decision lay.

Bartleet played much better than against Ollivier in Christchurch. Borotra was foot faulting badly, though lie was not pulled up. Ho was a bundle of energy, and bounced about like an indin rubber ball. He hit the ground strokes hard and deep, but not alwavs accurately.

Brugnon had no trouble with Ollivier, who played without life. Brugnon was very quick on his feet and volleyed and smashed to perlection, and olteli made Ollivier look foolish. Both served several double faults. '1 he Frenchman was much the fitter of the two. He has a severe drive and is dangerous at the net. Ollivier fought well only in patches. Boiissus is definitely in a class above Malfro.v, who could not deal with thf French hoy’s severe drives, and wonderful smashing. Boussus made very few mistakes and volleyed from the net to leave Malfroy standing. Boussus hit Malfroy’s service as it has not been hit before, and he got the corners with great placing and control. Malfroy relied on steadiness and passing shots, but Boussus anticipated too well, and was too quick and too steady. Detailed results are as follows: — Jean Borotra (France) beat E. L. Bartlcet (New Zealand) 4-6, 6-3, 8-6, 0-4. Jacques Brugnon (France) beat G. Ollivier (New Zealand) 0-1. 3-6, 6-4. 0-1 . Christian Boussus (Franco) beat C. E. Malfroy (New Zealand), 6-3, fi-J 8-0.