TENNIS

Hokitika Guardian, 4 January 1929, Page 3

TENNIS

N.Z. CHAMPIONSI4IPS. BRILLIANT PLAY IN MEN’S DOUBLES. AUCKLAND WINS WILDING SHIELD. (By Telegraph—Press Association). AUCKLAND, Jan. 3. The New Zealand tennis championships concluded this afternoon in fine though windy weather. There was a large attendance of spectators, win thoroughly enjoyed the piav. In the final, Malfroy put up « great light against Bartleet in the men’s singles. With a set each, the Wellington player led 5—3 in the third set, hut then became a little slow and erratic, losing the advantage set. This was the turning point of the match, as Bartleet played his best tennis in the fourth set, and won the match.

Marjorie Macfarlane scored a good win in the final of the ladies’ similes, defeating tin.' title holder, Miss Spiers (Canterbury) by consistently good driving. 'Fhe game was played from the baselines, Miss Spiers occasionally going to the net with varying success; Miss Spiers played mostly to her opponent’s backhand and lmtl she billowed these shots in, would undoubtedly have met with more success. Miss Macfarlane made fewer mistakes, and thoroughly deserved her first success in this event.

The final of the men’s Roubles was the greatest game of the lournamenf. and a fitting finale to a highly successful function. Borides being of a particularly high standard, the pin; at times was brilliantly spectacular, and it* took the whole five sots to decide the issue. As in tho case of the singles match lietweon Bartleet and Malfroy. experience told in the end. but the holders of the title, Bartleet and Laurenson. were fully extended nil the wav.

Yesterday was a groat day for the Auckland Tennis Association, as the victories scored hv its representatives won for it the Wilding Shield for the first time on record. Neither Bartleet nor Miss Macfarlane had previously secured honours in the singles championships. Bartleet and Laurenson captured the doubles title last year, while Laurenson successfully partnered Olliv'er in 1922. Tlio following arc the results of today’s finals: — M,n’s similes: Bartleet (Auckland’' beat Malfroy (Wellington) 4—6, 7—5. B—o. fi - 4. Ladies’ singles; Marjorie Mncfarlane (Auckland 1 ) heat M. Spiers (Canterbury) fi—l. 3—G. fi—4. Men’s doubles: Bartleet ( Auckland) and Laurenson (Waikato) heat France (WeMimrtmri and Angus (Canterbury) 7—. 4—fi, fi—2, 3—o. 6-4. Wild’ng Shield: Auckland eight points, Canterbury five, Waikato one. Many spectators anticipated a com. paratively easy victory for Bartleet over Malfroy in the men’s soighs match, hut it was anything but that. Right from the start Malfroy played an attacking game, and utilised the American service with a lot of kick to Bnrtleet’s backhand, and followed in whenever he could to out off dangerous drives. Bartleet seldom went to the net until the final set, when he smashed nice!./ well out of his opponent’s reach. Malfroy employed changes of pace very cleverly, scoring m-'m points with well concealed tactics. In this respect both players maintained a very fine length throughout. Bartleet drove with great consistency in the fourth, and what proved t.o ho the deciding set. He slowly ran his opponent out of position several times, but Malfroy went down fighting gamely to the last.

Failing to attack vigorously .and lingering on the hack line cost Miss Spiers the ladies’ singles championship. The match was one of continual plugging from the base line and Miss Macfnrlnno proved superior, in this department. The challenger was by far the more steady of the two, and let nothing throw her from her usual sure game. From the spectators’ point of view, there was a terrible sameness about tTic match which robbed it oi much of its interest. Miss Macfarlano was content to stay on the base line, and it was from this position that, she won the match. A remarkable contrast was apparent between the steady driving of one. and the erratic and often hesitant play of the other.

Running Bartleet and Laureuson to the. full five sets. France and Angas packed the final of tlie men’s doubles championship with much excitement. The holders retained their title only after a desperate struggle, in which fortune veered from one side to the other. There was never a dull moinegt throughout the whole contest, every point being fully enjoyed by the crowded gallery. A hot pace was maintained from the beginning to the end. France and Angas proved themselves almost the 'equals of the champions. Long rallies at the net with the ball passing swiftly between pairs were a delight to watch. Slashing attacks were met hv brilliant defence, each point being fought out with fierce intensity. It was easily the most exciting of the whole series of championship matches.