MANAWATU TENNIS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 248, 10 January 1928, Page 13

MANAWATU TENNIS

STEDMAN BEATS LAMPE (Special to TUB SUN.) PALMERSTON N., To-day. The first annual tournament of the Manawatu Lawn Tennis Association opened yesterday in ideal cool conditions. Among the competitors are: E. L. Bartieet (Auckland), C. E. Malfroy (Wellington), M, L. Larape (Wanganui), E. W. Griffiths and A. C. Stedman (Auckland), Miss B. Knight (Auckland), and Miss D. Nicholls, Miss D. Higgitt (one time Palmerston Ciub champion). Lampe (Wanganui) was defeated by the Auckland colt, A. C. Stedman, 6—4, 7 —5. Lampe at no stage of the game looked like a 3vinner, Stedman keeping him continuously on the run with fast cross-court drives and clever placement. The Wanganui veteran did not seem to be at the top of his form, but it is doubtful even at his best if he would have held Stedman, who has th „ makings of a champion. Another excellent match was that between Stedman and Charters (Auckland) and Lampe (Wanganui) and Malfroy (Wellington), in the men’s doubles. Stedman and Charters witJi fast driving and concerted net play took the first set 6—4. The second set developed into prolongued duel, with the young Aucklanders looking like winners when, at four all, Charters ciTfne down badly and ricked his knee. After a spell the game was resumed, but though he fought gamely, it was obvious that Charters was badly handicapped. At 10—8 they lost the set, Lampe and Malfroy taking the third set 7 —5. In the second round of women’s championship singles, the meeting of Miss D. Nicholls and Miss M. White (Wellington) produced a long-drawn-out test of endurance. Some lengthy rallies took place, but Miss Nicholls’s fine driving power and court craft enabled her to win out comfortably, 6—2, 6 —3. Miss Myers (Wanganui) had a hard three-* set fight to beat Dr. Witherow (Palmerston North). Both women relied more on steadiness than speed, and by this means Dr. Witherow took the first , 3 et, 6 —4. Miss Myers rallied, however, and in the next two sets outplayed her opponent to take the final set, 6 —o, 6 — o.