LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1922, Page 5

LAWN TENNIS.

BRILLIANT PLAY AT WIMBLEDON, PATTERSON BEATS ANDERSON. - By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright Received July 9, 5.5 p.m. London, July 8. Despite daily cold and showery weather, tho tournament at Wimbledon continues to attract large attendances. Mdlle. Lenglen is still the greatest box-office drawer the game has ever known. Frequently when she was appearing 20,000 attended and thousands were turned away. It is agreed that no previous Wimbledon ever had such a galaxy of talent, especially in the men’s singles, but the play would be more interesting if, like in America and other countries, the best men had been distributed over the various sections of the draw. As it is, Lycett had a comparatively easy ran in the top half, whereas Anderson, Patterson, O'Hara Wood, Norton, Kingseote, Cochet, Boratra, and Mishu, in the bottom half, had to eliminate one another In the early rounds. The best-informed circles are unanimous that the three Australians have shown quality above anything at present available in England. and if the draw had been difiterent it is agreed that Anderson and Patterson would have contested the final instead of the semifinal. It is noteworthy that the Press new claims Lycctt as England’s best, though a». a tennis-player he is essentially an Australian}. Anderson and Lycett and Patterson sand O’Hara Wood are equal favorites in the mmr's doubles, while Lycett and Miss Ryan and O’Hara Wood and Mdlle. Lenglen are favorites in the mixed doubles. In the semi-final of the men’s singles, Patterson defeated Anderson, 6—l, 3—<6, 7— 9, 6—l, 6—3.

THE PLAY DESCRIBED. SUPERIORITY OF PATTERSON. FAVORITE FOR THE FINAL. Received July 9, 11.5 p.m. London, July S. The enthusiasm at Wimbledon reached a climax to-day for the Anderson-Patterson semifinal and Mdlle. Lenglen’s long-antictpated revenge in the ladies’ final over Mrs. Mallory. Queues formed outside the ground early In the morning, and a full-capacity crowd remained in the centre court of the stadium till eight in the evening to see the matches decided, despite two hours’ interruption by rain. The King and Queen were present. Anderson appeared to have a slight majority of supporters among the crowd, but Patterson defeated him in convincing fashion, primarily owing to his whirlwind service and Anderson's own indifferent service, which enabled Patterson effectively to use the chop shot, which prevented Anderson’s best forearm placements from operating. Patterson dominated the first set to an extent that surprised everyone, taking the first five games. Only in thb fourth did Anderson score more than a couple of points, running to deuce three times. Anderson took the sixth to love on his own serPatterson led in the second set, 2—l, 3—2, 4 2, 5—2, 5—3. Finding for the first time opportunities of playing winners tn Patterson’s left side line, the latter had five deuces. The third set was a more even fight. It was interrupted by rain at 2—2. Patterson led 5 4, and then Anderson for the first time beat Patterson on the latter's serve. Patterson led 7—6, but Anderson took the next after the longest rallies of the match, concluding with a love game off his own service. Patterson, serving terrifically, forged ahead all the time in the fourth set after being I—l, Anderson only winning an odd point in each of Patterson’s service games and serving feebly himself. Anderson’s fate was early decided in the fifth set, but the sixth and the longest game of the match fell to him. Lycett is not expected to trouble Patters very seriously in Monday’s final. Mdlle. Lenglen beat Mrs. Mallory, G—2, 6—o, in a determined fight, the deciding factor being Mdlle. Lenglen’s ability to vary her 'pace at the right moment, thus the tiefeat «>f Mrs. Mallory's dogged defensive on the hark line. Mdlle. Lenglen s triumph was most popuLondon, July 7. Mrs. Mallory beat Mrs. Beamish, 6—2, G—2. Mdlle. Lenglen beat Mrs. Peacock, fi—o. 6 At seven o'clock, despite two and a-lialf hours’ delay, owing to heavy rain, the crowd shouted for the Patterson-Anderson match, but it was officially announced that it was over-, late for, such an important five-set match, andinstead the semi-final between Mrs. Beamish and Mrs. Mallory was played. London, July 7. At Wimbledon, Lycett beat Gilbert, B—6, 9—7, o—3, after a. long-drawn-out struggle, unmarked by brilliance on either side. Queen Alexandra witnessed the play. Before the gates opened there was a queue a mile long. Owing to rain, the Patterson v. Anderson match has been postponed till to-rinorrow.