LATE CITY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 378, 12 June 1928, Page 13

LATE CITY

AUSTRALIANS AT TENNIS

BECKENHAM TOURNAMENT

REHEARSAL FOR WIMBLEDON

/United Pd. —By Telegraph. — Copyright) (Australian Press Association.)

Kec d. Noon. LONDON, Monday. Fifteen Australians entered the Beckenham tournament, which is a

dress rehearsal ot Wimbledon, and which proves an international affair this year. The meeting of Cummings and Col-]j-3 was an exciting encounter. Cumtniugs was first worried by the cut which Collins imparted to his forehand strokes, and his excellent length. Cummings tried to voliey, but was passed by clean, low shots. Only when Collins began to sacrifice length and overdo the spin business did Cummings come into his own. He was deadly with anything short. Cummings led 5—3 in the third, but Collins was hitting with shrewd judgment and took the lead. Rain intervened, upon which Cummings retired.

Hawkes played confidently throughout, but Moon was hard pressed in both sets, eventually winning by his pace off ground strokes. Moon and Hawkes meet in the next round. Boyd, slackening after his first set against Lycett, lost the next six games, but driving well, he won the third. Mias Akhurst was the most consistent, and quickly adapted herself to conditions and won the second set without being seriously extended. O'Hara Wood was in his best form, driving with great confidence. Bickerton made a good uphill fight, winning by taking the second set from 3—5 down. Negotiations for the Australian women to play the United States Wightman Cup team during the week before Wimbledon have broken down, as Miss Helen Wills wishes to practise at Wimbledon. The other American women are willing to play, but it is considered an official match is undesirable, unless the strongest team is available. Hawkes beat Dadd, 6—l, 6 —2; Moon beat Brame-Hillyard, 7—5, 6 —4; Rogers (an Irishman), beat M. Lambe ia New Zealander), 6 —o, 6 —o; Miss Boyd beat Mrs. Lycett, 6—3, o—6, 6—4.