LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 172, 7 December 1912, Page 8

LAWN TENNIS.

BRITFSIi ISLES v. NEW SOUTH WALES.

By Cable—Press Association —Copyright.

Received 0. 11) p.m. Sydney, December C.

The British tennis team opened a tournament to-day against New South Wales in extremely 'muggy and warm weather. The courts were affected by rain overnight and in the morning. The best display was given by Horace Rice and Dixon, who reproduced their Melbourne struggle, though the result was different. Otherwise play throughout the afternoon was disappointing. E. L. •Jones shaped creditably against Lowe. The young Australian's back-hand work was noticeable. Lowe's best winning stroke is a forehand across-the-court drive. Lowe seemed lacking in condition, and the heat affected him. Lowe won. o—4, o—B, o—2. The Rice and Dixon match was contested with great keenness Dixon was anxious to avenge his Melbourne defeat. Rice displayed his usual activity, but the amount of running about the court he was compelled to undertake in order to effect fine saves, produced its effect at the finish, Rice tiring badly in the last two games. Dixon's placing was judicious, and he made many beautiful half volleys, though a number were inaccurate shots. Dixon won. 5—7, (J —2, 6-4.

Parke and Lowe and E. Wright and A. B. Jones met in the doubles. All played below form. The match was closely contested and prolonged, but interesting, and poor except for a few flashes of smart play. Inaccuracy marked the play of all four. This match Parke and Lowe won. 7 —5, 9—ll, 6 —4. The attendance was about two thousand, including the Chelmsfords.