LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 November 1919, Page 7

LAWN TENNIS.

NEW PLYMOUTH CLUB. The lawn tennis season will he ushered in this afternoon when the New Plymouth Club will hold its official opening. The courts are in splendid order, and with many former members back from the war, the club anticipates a ruccessful season. NORMAN BROOKES IN AUCKLAND. The fact that the famous international lawn tennis player, Norman E. Brookes, of Australia, was to play attracted about 200 people to the Remuera Lawn Tennis Club's courts this week. Mr. Brookes, who arrived in Auckland by the Niagara last week, after taking part in various championship contests in England and the United States, had not played for several weeks and consequently was considerably out of form, while the heavy condition of the turf, consequent upon the luxuriant growth of grass, also hampered him. The champion played a single with Dr. J. T. Laurenson, and won each of three sets, (I—l, 6—l, fi—2. Partnered by K. G, Archer, ho then played Dr. Laurenson and F,. W. Griffiths, and each pair won one set, 6—4. L. Robson then replaced Archer, and the score was 4—3 in favor of Brookes and Robson when play was abandoned. Brookes gave many indications of his wonderful mastery of the game. His serving and volleying, marked always )iy accurate placing, evoked continual applause. Ho seemed to have entire command of the court, anticipating every move of his opponent, carefully working him out of position, and then finishing with a crisp volley or drive. Both in overhead and ground work the left-hander got in some amazing work with his 'backhand. Forceful and welldirected, his backhand is one of his most deadly weapons. It is characteristic of Brookes that lie does everything so coolly. The most difficult shots look to be the easiest things in the world when performed by him. Effort with him is reduced to a minimum.

Dr. Laurenson, who was Brookes' opponent. in the singles, won the singles championship at the last university tournament. He is a player with good forehand and backhand drives, ana some of his backhand shots were particularly good. It is no liaht task for anyone to play a man of Brookes' calibre, and in spite of the fact that hc had had only one or two games previously tliis season, Dr. Laurenson put up a very good light.