A CHAMPION

NZ Truth, Issue 1210, 7 February 1929, Page 14

A CHAMPION

Bartleet Must Go Long Way (From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) ' Since captaining the New Zealand.team against the British tennis players early this season, E. L. Bartleet, of the Remuera Club, has not looked back. JJIS wins in,-,the Dominion champion - ship and then again m the Auckland tournament were to be expected, for he is now playing on the top of his form. • ' '■ ;■ When Gregory, skipper of the British team, toid "N.Z. Truth" that m Bartleet New Zealand had its strongest allround player, he was only expressing the opinion of many tennis fans, especicilly of those m Auckland; but with Geoff. Ollivier still m the field, the suggestion was not too popular. •"' Now, however, Ollivier. has retired from the. amateur name, and with his disappearance, Bartleet is the only man playing tennis m the Dominion to-day who can step into his shoes. With Bartleet gaining: top form at express speed season after season, it is doubtful .if Geoff, would have held the title of New Zealand singles champion for much longeivfor there is little doubt that the Auckland player had every- 1 thing m his favor against Ollivier except experience. Bartleet's victory m the singles at the Auckland championships was a foregone conclusion, and, j judging by the performances put /up '■."against' him, some astounding 1 improvements will have to be made, by Auckland . players before Bartleet gives up the title.