TENNIS EXHIBITIONS
THE CHINA MAIL, JULY 3, 1989.
W.T. WANG CREATES GOOD IMPRESSION BUT LOSES Fine Strokes But Unable To Stand Conditions
Dr. Tyau Does Well In Mixed Doubles Exhibition Match
GENERAL impression among spectators at Chinese Recreation
Club yesterday afternoon at the charity lawn tennis ex- hibitions was that W. T. Wang, former Shanghai player now turn- ing out for South China in "A" Division of the League, is little in- ferior to Tsui Wai-pui, colony tennis champion.
Conditions yesterday for spectators were killing! Heavy rainfall of the early morning combined with the hot- test sunshine of the year made the ground steam. What it must have been like for the players can well be imagined!
It is not surprising therefore that neither Tsui nor Wang were at their best throughout. Fol- lowing some brilliant exchanges, both men were apt to have pro- longed lapses whilst they endek- voured to restore flagging_energy.
With but a little more concentration would it is quite possible that Tsui have won in straight sets. After a rather weak opening, he settled down and led 5-8 and was playing well enough at that stage to indicate that he would have little further difficulty in taking the set.
on
Wang made a gallant come-back, however, and driving accurately both hands and maintaing constant pressure from the net, he crept up to level, dropped the next game, but then| went out at 8-6.
+
The second set was a complete anti- climax. Wang, although he was not winning games, held his own in the rallies at the outset. When Tsui had obtained a commanding lead, however, he simply gave up trying and whils Tsui was winning the last two games for the set, the play was quite ludri- cous, Wang not attempting to return anything not right on his racket...
After Wang had taken advantage of
SCORES
Tsui Wai-pui (C.R.C.) beat V T. Wang (late of Shanghai and now of South China A.A.) 6—8, 6-1, 6-3,
Lau Fook-kee and Mrs. Chiu Chun-chiu (C.R.C.) beat Dr. P. Tyau and Miss Yeung Wai-bun (S.C.A.A.) 6-4, 6-4.
H. D. Rumjahn (I.R.C.) and Tsui Yun-pui (C.R.C.) beat Tsui Wai-pui (C.R.C.) and Szeto Bick (South China) 6-4, 7-5.
KIM
W. T: WANG
tended and what had promised to be a great final set, fizzled out tamely.
It was subsequently discovered that Wang had developed cramp and was unable to take part in the, doubles exhibition as arranged.
he
His lapses notwithstanding, Wang created a very favourable impression. He has all the strokes of Tsui-pos- sibly not quite as potent a service but in yesterday's terrific heat, the sustained net attack which is obvious- ly his favourite method of campaign- ing, took a good deal out of him and it is not surprising that he was not able to stand up to it physically. the interval to bath and change, Next item on the programme was a came out a different man. Playing mixed doubles match between Dr. brilliant attacking tennis for which Phillip Tyau, better-known to the local Tsui could find no counter, he swept tennis world as S. C. Dew of South through the first three games and then China, partnered by young Miss Yeung,
Wai-bun, against Lau Fook-ki, veteran C. R. C. League player and Mrs. Chiu Chun-chiu.
led 3-1.
AMAZING REVERSAL
he
SPORTS PARADE
THIS
HIS may be rather a blunt statement to make, but it is very true nevertheless-the standard of Hong Kong tennis is not high!
After watching players like Tsui Wai-pui in action in the local cham- pionships and being roused to some enthusiasm by a success such as his recent one over A. Sanchez, the Philip. pines No. 1 ranking player, tennis enthusiasts might be inclined to the opinion that our tennis is pretty high- class!
When one considers the displays by our leading players in the past
how against touring internationals, ever, one realises that that optimistic view is rather too optimistic!
Rarely are local players, on leav ing the Colony, heard of again in connection with tennis.
There are one or two, however, who are making names for themselves and through fairly obscure beginnings of in- might yet reach the realm ternational tennis and thus give us
some reflected glory in which to bask
**
Two such players are Kenneth and Warwick Shute, the twins from Cen- tral British, School, who caused some- thing of a sensation a few years ago when they made their first appearance in the Colony tournaments. at Hong Kong Cricket Club in shorts and school caps.
ers.
Aged about 12 at the time, these two players, whilst showing a remark- able aptitude for the game," did not impress particularly as stroke play
confidence Their supreme
in themselves and their complete lack of Then came an amazing reversal of
Dr. Tynu is not. the ideal mixed
nervousness, combined with great form. One minute Wang was playing player-he has little confidence in his tenacity, however, made them oppon championship tennis, the next he was lady partner-but he revealed a sound ents to be respected, as several more a spent force. Tsui sailed gaily through knowledge of the game and his suc- mature players inclined... to... take the next five games without being excesses in "B" Division are quite un- matches with them patronisingly
derstandablo,
found to their cost. Lau Fook-ki, after an indifferent That their experience in Hon start, was also very sound, his canny Kong tennis did
a great deal to placements earning many points.
strengthen their game is borne out Of the two ladies, Mrs. Chiu, with by their record at Home during the her vast experience, was the better player but Miss Yeung served fairly reliably, and revealed a beautifully fre back-hand drive. In other phases of the game she was too erratic.
Successful Seamen
STICK TO SHERRY!!
Amontillado Fino
Owing to the inability of Wang tr play in the doubles, Szeto Bick part- nered Tsui Wai-pui against H.D. Rumjahn and Tsul Yan-pui and lost 4-6, 5-7, Wai-pui's efforts in his single affected his game considerably.
TODAY'S TENNIS
The Chinese Recreation Club and South China match fixed for to-day having been postponed, the following is the revised "A" Division programme "A" Division [C. de R. H.K.C.C.
C.R.C. VH.K.U.T.C.
ed North in 1985 to secure victories over Shanghai's leading woman players.
year.
of but
I have not a complete record their tournament activities, perusal of Dunlop's Lawn Tennis Al- manack for the current year reveals some outstanding successes for them in major juvenile tournaments.
*
*
In the Boys Singles Championship of Britain, Kenneth reached the fifth round where he was beaten by D. G. Snart, the subsequent winner, by 36, 6-0, 6-2.
did In the doubles, the brothers even better, reaching the final and only succumbing to D. N. Hardwick and P. E. Hare after a great three- set struggle. The Hare, here men- tioned, is incidently a brother of player, and a boy for whom a great Charles Hare, British Davis Cup
future is predicted.
In the Public Schools' tournament, the Shutes did even better. Repre senting King's, Rochester, they scored. an overwhelming victory over M. D. N. Cobbold and J. Michelmore (Char- terhouse) in the final, dominating the match to such an extent that they did not concede a game. ...
JUST one more Hong Kong player two former on the futures of these
R. M. Ricketts, formerly out here as a member of the staff of Messrs. Butterfield and .... Swire/ This lank young man, an Interport cricketer, in 1985 and 1986 and TIN- ner-up to 8. A: Rumjalin in-- lony singles in 1985, won the doubles in the Cheltenham tour last year in
erahip Hamburger.
The sta
Hong Kong realdents with
great interesti
FLOREN
Juvenils tennis at
mention: noticing.
Kong
juntor
was among. chose
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