..

Vol. VII. No.9 MAY. 1949

Victor Barna: The Artist of Table Tennis THROUGHOUT the world, the name of VICTOR BARNA is known. His personality and his mastery at the table have given to him a fame beyond that of any other player our game has so far produced, and a position among the small band of the truly great sportsmen of any country and any time. VICT

RECENT~y, B~rna has annou~ced his intention of giving up serious com'petltlve SIngles play. ThIS does not mean that we shall not see him in action; there will be doubles events and exhibitions, and, Barna being the man He is, no doubt he will be willing to answer an occasional special caU for the next season or two. Nevertheless, this does signal the end of an epoch of some twenty years during which his name has been continuously included in everyone's list of the greatest active players of the world. AT the E.T.T.A. General Council Meeting in February there was a spontaneous demand that. the Executive should arrange a public subscription so that some appropriate presentation might be: made to acknowledge the immense srervice which this great p~ayer has done for Table Tennis in this' country, and so that a trophy might be purchased upon which his nam'e \vould be permanently inscribed. THE feeling at the Annual General Meeting of the Association has clearly shown that the suggestion is one that appeals to table tennis people generally, and the Victor Barna Fund has accordingly been launched. Leagues, Clubs and individuals \vho would like to contribute ·should send their donations to the Honorary Treasurer at the E.T.T'.A. Office. OUR PRESIDENT

HE name. 'I H. Oldroyd. Esq.", has T appea red on the. official documents of the English Table Tennis Association as President since 1931. but of recent years ill-health has prevented him from making long journeys to attend big events as he always used to. Nevertheless·, he has con­ tinued to take a deep interest in the game, and to support our Association in many ways by his counsel and influence. This charming new study of Harold Oldroyd with his grandson conveys, we feel, more than a surface impression of this much-loved northern gentleman. It is, we· suggest, a symbol of that happy feature of English sport - the ha nding - on of high enthusiasms and high qualities from the el~;r t.o th? younger g,enerati?,ns. . when cork bats were introduced. From Brian IS 3 . . . I m 73, Writes our 1923-28 his home was an open house to all President, "doesn't it sou1nd awful?" We enthusiasts of the modern game; he had beg to disagree. one of the first full-sized tables in the He also says: "I assure you the littl~ Manchester area. chapple is very original." But Brian will From the Presidency of the Manchester not do badly if he copies Grandpa where League he graduated to his present office. sport is concerned. Up to 1914 Mr. And now he acknowledges only one am­ Old royd was one of the fastest bowlers and bition-that is to complete his collection of biggest hitters in the Lancashire League. Wisden's Cricket Annual, of which he has and afterwards achieved a 2 handicap at every volume trom its inception in 1864 golf. with the excep"Hon of 1866, 1868. 1869, 187 f His "ping-pong" memories go back to and 1875. If any reader can help, we shall the vellum-bat days of I 890-odd, with the be pleased to pass the information on to really serious stuff coming along about 1904 Mr. Oldroyd. . NORTHEAST ENGLAND THAMESIDE "OPEN" "OPEN" (at Plaistow, 2-7th May, 1949) (at Scarborough 16-18th April, 1949) Surprise visitor to East London was Miss Adele Wood was the only com­ Miss Margaret Fry, who played with petitor to regain a title; to this singles tremendous spirit to beat Winnie Dakin, crown sbe added both doubles. The of Southend, after the latter had out-hit other little Wood, Shelagh of Leeds, Birmingham's Jean Mackay. Miss Fry partnered her nobly, and these girls proceeded to pull off a "forlorn hope" should have a gr,eat future as a doubles in the final against Pinkie Barnes, in pair. Adele displayed very sound defence spite of trailing 5-10 at the change-of­ and good judgment in attack. ends in the 3rd game. Her t~ght defence Best men's match came not in the saved the Bristol girl but it is fair to say seniors, but in the Youths' final, when that Pinkie lacked her usual fire in Michael Thornhill stole the honours attack. from Brian Kennedy. Brian, however, In the absence of thrice holder Johnny claimed the major singles event, in which Leach, the men'~ field was very open; Thornhill fell by'the wayside. Another Jack Carrington showed considerable junior, M. Medd (Hull) impressed by his resource in overcoming the varied styles form in defeating R. Rhodes, of of internationals Craigie, Sharman and Harrower in turn to win the singles. Scunthorpe. Details:­ Flnals- M.S.: J. Carrington bt. R. Shannan 15, M.S.: B. Kennedy (Leeds) bt. D. Shaw -15, 18. (Manchester) 18, 11, 17. G. Harrower bt. R. Langner 16, -22, 15. M.D.: Kennedy/A. Thompson bt. M. Sheader/ Final: Carrington bt. Harrower 16, 18, 6. M. Thornhill 16, 17. M.D.: Sharman/Craigie bt. Harrower/Macka~ X.D.: A. Thompson/Miss A. Wood bt. P. 15, 18. Skerratt/Miss A. Peake 13, -19, 10. W.S.: Miss M. Fry bt. Miss L. Barnes 15, W.S.: Miss A. Wood (Manchester) bt. Miss -17, 17. N. Senior (Sheffield) 18, 17. W.O.: Miss R. Rowe/Miss D. Rowe bt. Mrs. lV.D.: Miss A. Wood/Miss S. Wood (Leeds) E. Adams/Miss P. Cantor 19, 19. bt. Miss J ..Walker/Miss M. Smith (Leeds) X.D.: D. MUler/Miss .J. Roberts bt. Langner/ 15, 12. Miss F'ry 17, -17, 12. Under 19 Youths'- Junior Mens': P. F. Smith bt. M. Isaacs Thornhill bt. Kennedy 16, -14, 16. 18, 21.

Page Two THE WILMOTT CUP AND J. M. ROSE BOWL Manchester's Dual Triumph

ALTHOUGH played on' Easter Saturday, with 84 0 in the shade and all that, the Wilmott Cup semi-finals and final, held in conjunction with the Sporting Record Schools tournament (see else-where) attracted an audience of A. J. WI LMOTT. over 200, and they certainly had value Donor of the Cup, for money. paid tribute to As generally expected, Manchester veteran Dawes. retained the trophy, but I am sure that they will be the first to 'yield pride of place to the 44-year-old Bristol veteran, with a heavily bandaged ankle which Charlie Dawes, wh.o..'. in no uncertain obviously ,gave her great pain. fashion, put paid to the strong challenge Most exciting match was the other of the all-Surrey County South London semi-final, between Croydon and Central. League side. Central started as strong favourites, led It is not putting it too strongly to say by Corbillon Cup star Pinkie Barnes, but that he outclassed the Internationals Pinkie's team mates had an off day, and Ron Sharman a'nd Ron Crayden. Neither the Croydon team, playing steadily, well of these leading players had any answer deserved to appear in the final. . to his soft sponge rubber bat game, with In view of the summery weather on the awkward side-spin, and quick both days, the question of earlier finals "bash." No doubt the two Rons have will have to be investigated thoroughly. now received plenty of advice to the In past years it has proved impossible to effect that all their side spin does not arrange because of the clash.with Open take on sponge rubber, but only comes Tournaments, but it is hoped that next back to them, but they certainly didn't season the finals of both competitions can know it on Easter Saturday. Crayden, be staged during March. too, was in great form, and won a thriller against Swaythling Cup player Aubrey J. M. ROSE BOWL Simons in the opening match. Semi-finals: Manchester bt. Wembley 5-1; In the other semi-final, Manchester Croydon bt. Central 5-3. Final: Manchester bt. Croydon 5-0. Details: Miss Wood and proved too good for the Southampton Mrs. Taylor bt. Miss D. Gearing and Miss C. Civil Service, although the "pride of Weightman 21-18, 21-13; Miss D. Watkins Hampshire," Muller, did well to beat bt. Miss D. Plater 21-10, 23-21; Mrs. V. Taylor bt. Miss Gearing 21-15, 21-14; Miss Les Cohen. Watkins bt. Miss Weightman 21-11, 17-21, 22-20; Miss A. Wood bt. Miss Plate.r 23-21, THERE was never really any doubt as 21-17. to the result of the final, especially WILMOTT CUP as Benny Casofsky continued his recent Semi-finals,: BRISTOL 5, SOUTH LONDON 4: (for Bristol, Simons bt. Sharman bt. Head brilliant form, just beating Aubrey. lost Crayden; Dawes bt. Crayden bt. Simons in the best match of the day, and Sharman bt. Head; Pickett lost Crayden, showing how Dawes should be disposed Head, Sharman). MANCHESTER 5, SOUTHAMPTON CIVIL of. Nevertheless, Charlie still had kick SERVICE 1 (for Manchester, Casofsky bt. in him, and Les Cohen made no more Welsh, Saunders; Lurie bt. Saunders, impression than the South London Muller; L. Cohen bt. Welsh, lost MUller). Final: MANCHESTER 5, BRISTOL 2. players had before him. Casofsky bt. Simons -11, 16, 17; bt. So Manchester took home the trophy Dawes 14, 17; bt. Pickett 13, 12. for the fifth time, and the scene changed Lurie bt. Pickett 8, -19, 12; lost Simons 18, 14. to Croydon, and the question "could Cohen bt. Pickett -14, 18, 7; lost Dawes Manchester pull off the double?" And 18, 10. pull it off they did, in no uncertain fashion, beating Wembley and Harrow VERA DACE THOMAS 5-1 in the semi, and then Croydon 5-0 A daughter, weight 7t lbs., was born in the final. Although assisted slightly on Monday, April 25th, to Mrs. Vera by the fact that Audrey Fowler, down (Dace) Thomas at Bromley. with fibrositis, could not play for Vera has, of course, been out of the Wenlbley, they were clearly the best all game this winter, but, like our other left­ round side on view, and thoroughly handed international star, Dora Beregi, deserved their success, especially as one plans to return to serious competition in of their players, Doreen Watkins, played time for next season.

Page Three EUROPE CUP CHALLENGE ROUND Men Win WOlnen Lose For the final match against Czecho­ Before choosing the team to play slovakia "B" the Selectors decided to Hungary in Budapest on May 12th for rely upon the same team which has been the challenge round of the Europe Cup nominated for our earlier successful (women's competition), the Selection rounds (v. Holland, v. ItalY, v. Belgium, Committee held a trial at the Bishops­ all 3-0, and v. Jugo.slavia 3-1). gate Police Station, in which .five girls, This was: Peggy Franks, Betty Steventon, Molly J. Leach (Essex), V. Barna (IMiddx.), Jones, Pinkie Barnes and Joan Crosby, A. Simons (Gloucestersbire), J. Carring­ ton (Surrey). But as our two leading men ,,,ere fit, only Leach, and Barna were called upon to make the air trip to Bratislava on May 7. The match on May 9 was watched by nearly 2,000 spectators amid terrific excitement. Victor Barna spaced his efforts out wonderfully well to win the vital first match against Tokar in the fifth set. This was a fine performance, as Tokar is one of the finest fighters in JOAN CROSBY the Continental game. BETTY STEVENTON Leach with his medium counter­ were invited to take part. The girls were attacking made sure of the wooden-bat to.1d ~efore play commenced that anyone \vielder Marinko. On pap~r our pair WInnIng three matches would be certain should have won the doubles', but the to be selected. (Each girl played all the two Slovaks ar'~ also good in this depart­ others·.) ment, as they proved last year when Terrific form was shown by Joan winning the trophy. Leach's ensuing Crosby, whose strong attack and counter struggle with Tokar turned out to be the attack proved too much for all the other key match; T'okar's determination was girls. Peggy Franks and Betty Steventon shown by his c'ome-back in the fourth also played well, and they constituted the game" in which the English No. 1 had a team, with Molly Jones in reserve. lead ·of 13-7. Mrs. Crosby bt. Miss Jones 16, 18; bt. Miss Steventon 13, 11; bt. Miss Barnes 17, Results :­ -17, 9; bt. Miss Franks 15, 18. ENGLAND 3, Miss Franks bt. Miss Barnes 11, 9; bt. CZECHOSLOVAKIA "B" 2 Miss Jones 16, 14; bt. Miss steventon G. V. Barna bt. F. Tokar -21, 18, 19, 15; lost to Mrs. Crosby. 16, -9, 18. Miss Steventon bt. Miss Barnes 18, 6; bt. J. Leach bt. M. Marinko 17, 17, 12. Miss Jones 16, 17; lost to Miss Franks Leach/Barna lost to 'Tokar/Madnko and Mrs. Crosby. -17, 17, -19, -16. Miss Jones bt. Miss Barnes 16, -20, 17; Leach bt. Tokar -11, 16, 13, -15, 16. lost to Miss Franks, Mrs. Crosby and Barna lost to Marin-llo 22, -6, -18, Miss Steventon. -19. As we go to press comes, the news that. our team was defeated by five n1atches to two. Results:­ JUNIOR INTERNATIONAL Crosby lost to Karpathi, 18-21, 14-21; lQst to Farkas, 10-21, 13-21; Franks beat Kiraly, MATCH' 21-13, 21-15· bt Karpathi, 21-18, 22-20; lost to Far.k1as,' 11-21, 13-21; Steventon lost England 6, Wales 4 to Farkas, 12-21, 14-21; lost to Kiraly, 7-21, In this match, played at New Brighton 24-22, 20-22. on Easter Monday, April 18th, the Welsh ,DETAILS: boys showed that they had nearly bridged R. Baker lost to D. Edmunds 21-13, 19-21, the gap which was apparent last year 16-21. .. W. Pierce bt. D. Evans 21-14, 21-11. between them and our own boys. D. Ellison lost to A. ~Iorris 21-14, 15-21, 14-21. Louis Devereux (South Devon) came L. Devereux bt. M. Jones 21-18, 19~21, out with 3 wins for England, Bill 21-18. . Pi·erce (Liverpool) also notched 3, and Ellison and Balier bt. Edmunds and Evans 13-21, 21-15, 21-11. Derek Ellison of Bolton was a little Devereux bt. Morris 14-21, 22-20, 21-16. below par with only one. Derek hCi;s no Ellison lost to .Jones 17-21, 18-21. need to be discouraged at this solitary Baker lost to Evans 12-21, 13-21. Pierce bt. Ednlunds 21-11. 21-10. setback after a season of consistently Pierce and Devereux bt. Jones and Morris good results. 21-15, 21-19.

Paqe Four Sido in the final. Angelica Roseanu is apparently playing as well as ever, as she defeated Hruskova, the world finalist, in 3 straight games to win the Roumanian title. OLD INTERNATIONAL ON TOP THE Moscow Cup, contested by 145 men's and 39 women's tea p1 s, attracted fifteen hundred. spectators to the Sportsmen's Club, Moscow, to see the finals. In the women's finals, the FRANCE Central Athletic & Gymnastic Institute beat the "Wings. of the Soviet" Physical ENGLAND men beat France 7-2 in Culture Society 3-1. In the men's Paris on April 5th, despite a surprise final, which the newspaper Trud (Labour) loss by Leach in the first. match of the team won 3-2 from the "Dynamo" encounter. Our No. 1 possibly under­ factory, Duskesas, who has held the estimated the capabilities of the young Moscow individual title for the la&t three all-rounder Gaston Roothoft, playing in years, won both his singles matches and his very first i n t ern a t ion a I match. shared the doubles victory to clinch the Aubrey Simons and Dennis M.iller, thus contest. Pre-war a Lithuanian Swayth­ warned, duly beat the giant-killer when ling Cup player, Duskesas competed in their turn came. the World Championships in London in Simons came out unbeaten and Miller 1937-38 and in Cairo in 1938-39, when did well to overcome the experienced he won the Consolation Singles. Agopoff, but could not quite control the fluent attack of Michel Lanskoy. NAP HANDS The flavour of this first post-war Richard Miles, whom we saw defeated victory against France was dulled. by the by his countryman, Reisman, in the absence of Haguenauer and Amouretti, English Open at Wembley, turned the who have played such a big part in our tables on young Marty in the final of previous losses. They were away on the Am,erican Open by beating him 3-0. '~exhibition duty" in Indo-·China. Miles thus won his home champion­ Scores:­ ship for the fifth time in succession, a J. Leach bt. Agopoff 22, 17; bt. Lanskoy performance which we cannot find 10, 15; lost to Rootboft -18, 18, -14. equalled in the men's record books, A. Simons bt. Agopoft 9, 14; bt. Lanskoy 15, 13; bt. Roothoft 10, 14. although we believe that Miss Medny­ D. Miller bt. Agopoff 14, --18, 19; bt. ansky did this in Hungary in earlier days. Rootboft 17, 17; lost to Lanskoy -16, If she didn't, she ought to have done, -16. seeing that she actually won the cham­ AFRICA pionship of the world five years run­ ning-1927 to 1931 inclusive. ACCRA T.T.A. has, with the per­ nlission of the International T.T. Federation, applied for attachment for "THE FUNDAMENTALS OF one year to the E.T.T.A. Accra is the TABLE TENNIS" capital of the Gold Coast, and the by Victor Barna players of. its youth centre planned to This book repays the trouble of care­ ful r~ading. It is not really a book. for make a 120-mile trip over Easter to play beginners, but for club players like my­ a challenge match at Cape Coast, where self. The beginners' section merely they hoped to introduce the new service shows how we started wrongly-but that and demonstrate the doubles game. is too late now! Of the many points which struck me, two In HUNGARY particular remain in my mind as not being followed SUfficiently by the ordinary player. OSEF KOCZIAN finished up his good They are first, the use of the wrist when season in a bla.ze of glory. chopping, and secondly, in doubles, the playing J of every ball to help your partner. Not only did he win the Hungarian Buy the book yourself, beginner or expert. National Championship, beating Marinko and you will find something of interest to you. Don't read it superficially-study it, for there in the final by 21-11, 21-15, 20-22, is much more than first meets the eye. 21-14, but he also followed this up with I can find it in me to wish that there were a triumph in the Roumanian Open a few words on clothing, for Victor Barna Is an example of tidiness at the table also. National Championships. There he R. A. defeated Bo Vana (his Stockholm con­ ArCKNOWLEDGEMENT. queror) in the semi-final, leading him The portrait of Victor Barna on our front 16-1 at one stage, and went on to beat cover is by Peter Madge, of Sydfmham.

Page Five INCORPORATION OF THE E.T.T.A. Report on the Annu'al General Meeting

THE average club member probably gives little thought to the complexity of the work which has to be done by the English Table Tennis Association; but a little reflection will give anyone who has been to Wembley <>n finals night, for example, an idea of the size of some of the enterprises ,;carried through each year. It may come as a shock, therefore, that the legal position of the Association under its present constitution is such that it cannot as an Association enter into any contract or agreement, but that ,one or more of the officers has to sign any legally binding document on the E.T.T.A.'s behalf and, in an extremity, would have to bear the legal and "financial consequences. The reason for this is that the E.T.T.A. small bodies in elections-it·does not is not, in the eyes of the law, a corporate affect voting for other purposes. body; and the remedy lies in legal incorporation of the Association. Such * * * a step was in the minds of our adminis.. 1rators for some years before the war, A VETERANS' event for women was .and post-war developments have made added to the National Champion­ it more than ever desirable. Duri'ng the ships programme, and the National past twelve months, the details of the Executive was autborised to run the ·question have been thoroughly investi­ National Junior Championships separ.. gated, and at the Annual General Meet.. ately from the main events and to include ing of the Association on April 30th, junior doubles and mixed doubles. The the Executive presented a report to the age for juniors in Open Tournaments was men1bers and was given authority to brought into line with the international 'proceed with incorporation. This will rule, and it was announced that a Junior mean a Special General Meeting, prob­ County Championship will almost cer.. ably towards the end of June, when the tainly be run next season. 'proposed constitution of the incorporated A suggestion that the affiliation fees Association will be put before the mem­ should be raised slightly so that a rebate "bers for approval before it is submitted could be given for prompt paymen.t was to the "Board of Trade as required by the referred to the Executive for considera­ 'Companies Act. tiOD, but it was agreed that in future a Club which belongs to more than one * * * League should pay only 5/- E:r.T.A. affiliation through each League, instead ,OTHER business at the Annual of the full 7/6. General Meeting included the receipt of the National Executive's report * * * on the past season's activities, discussion of the tribute to Victor Barna which had ITHE Officers for next season are un­ been suggested by members of the changed (Ivor Montagu, Chairman; 'General Council, and a lengthy list of W. J. Pope, Secretary; A. K. Vint, resolutions proposed by the Executive Treasurer). The new Executive Com­ Counties and Leagues. One important mittee members are:­ decision was that, for E.T.T.A. County N.E.-E. Reay. Administration purposes, there should be no County of London; the Executive will N.W.-W. Stamp, E. Worsley. now have to split up the L.C.C. area Yorkshire.-L. E. Forrest. between Essex, Kent, Middlesex and Midlands. - M. Goldstein, D. J. Surrey. In future, too, Leagues with Rowley. more than ten Clubs in membership will ~ast.-C. Richards. be able to appoint two Council members to vote at E.T.T.A. elections whilst S.W.-H. J. Amery. leagues with twenty-six or mor~ Clubs London. - G. R. Harrower E. G. will appoint three Council "members the White. ' obj~ct of this ~hange being to lev~l up South.-F. G. Mannooch, Miss L. :a lIttle the votIng powers of large and Ferguson. Page Seven -COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS END-OF-SEASON REVIEW b:.v GEOFF. HARROVI'ER

CHESHIRE'S CHALLENGE FAILS JTHE GREAT UNDEFEATED CONSIDERABLE interest was J. LEACH (Essex) aroused when, after just win­ D. HEAPS (Cheshire) K. CRAIGIE (Middx. 2nd's) ning the Northern Division on W. MULLER (Hampshire) MISS M. JONES (Gloucester) games average, Cheshire challenged MISS D. SMITH (Northumberland) Yorkshire, wooden spoonists of the Premier Division, for their place in on the 66 ~o mark. Amongst the girls, the forthcoming season. Yorkshire, Molly Jones played in every match and as the challenged county, had the kept her 100% record, including a win choice of venue, and the match was over Peggy Franks, a percentage also played in Bramley, Leeds, on April gained by Pinkie Barnes, who, however, was not available against Essex and 30th. Unfortunately? one of the Gloucestershire, so did not play Franks Cheshire players, Miss Banks, or Jones. mistook the starting time, and In the Northern Division there were arrived for a seven o'clock kick-off few good individual perfornlances, all instead of four o'clock, but York else being overshadowed by the close fight for the leadership. However, much shire sportingly agreed to play a of the credit for Cheshire's eventual men's doubles, in order that the success must go to Heaps, who kept a full progranlme should be played. 100 ~£ record, playing in every match, whilst other men with good averages. The sting was taken from Cheshire's were Alan Thompson (Yorkshire 2nds) challenge by the comparatively poor showing of the No.1, Heaps, from whom 87% and N. Roberts (Durham) 83%, whilst Miss D. Smith, the NortIiumber­ much was expected. He had an off day, 100~~ and lost comfortably to both Rosenberg' land player, had a record for five appearances. and Kennedy. W. Devine, however, had In the Home Counties Division, the one of his best days, and had good, if Middlesex International, Ken Craigie, close wins over both Kennedy and Mitton. Miss Grimstone put up a went through the season without defeat, creditable performance against the more whilst Michael Thornhill had only one­ experienced Nora Senior, and only lost loss and averaged 83 %. Of the other two -close games 21-23, 19-21. So counties, the leading player was Leo Yorkshire won 7-2, and remain in the Thonlpson, his 80% average being a first Premier Division. class performance for a player over 40. The Bucks girl, Sylvia Flax, won 4 out When reviewing the season, pride of of 5 ladies' singles. place must be given to Middlesex, who Hampshire, who swept the board although losing Peggy Franks, and play­ again in the Southern Division, supplied ing two matches without Victor Barna, the only two players with good averages won the Prem,jer Division by an even in that section, Muller having 100% and clearer margin than last season. True, it Minter, who missed one match, 80%" was still two points, but the games With the threatened retirement of some average was also clearly superior of their players, Hampshire will have to whereas last season Essex had the best fight hard next season against the young games average. One reason for this was Surrey hopes. the ,Success of the second and third men's Although Derbyshire finished as strings, Harrower and Bernard Crouch, wooden spoonists of the Supplementary the first named having a 70% average Divisiion, failing to record a win, one of and Crouch 66 %. Apart from the their players, D. Walker, won 7 out of 8 opening match, at least four out of the games, a most encouraging performance, six men's singles were won in every and shared the leading position in the match, sometimes five or six. Other averages with E. G. Anderson, of leading averages in this division were Nottinghamshire. J. Alcock, of the same (playing in three matches qualifies):­ county, also lost only one tnatch, but had Johnny Leach 100%, Aubrey Simons two fewer appearances on the table. 90%, Victor Barna 87%, Benny English International Betty Steventon Casofsky 80%, Maurice Kriss 70%, easily won the three singles in which she­ with Crayden, Sharman and Goodman played. Paqe Eight CAMBRIDGE COLTS COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPS Cambridgeshire County Selectors, instead ·of aiming for a "respectable" average Continued fro1'[l page 8 position in the Home Coun'ties Division, decided to build for future years and FOR THE FUTURE plunged three juniors into their county IT will be recalled that last season side. Here you see two of them, JOHN 15 counties entered 19 teams in three CORNWALL (left) and JOHN THURSTON divisions, whereas this year 19 counties (right), who learned so much from their entered 24 teams in five divisions. Next experience this season that they met in the season \vill see a still further increase, final of the Senior County Singles Chal)1­ and it is possible that seven senior pionship. Cornwall won the title, after divisions will be in operation. several deuce points in the deciding game. In the West Country, Devon are extremely keen, and have applied, failing the formation of a Western Division, to SPaR TING RECORD play in the Southern Division! What about it, you lagging counties in the SCHOOLS CHAMPIONSHIP West? Don't force Devon to undertake Youngsters Show Good Form By arrangement with the English Table tremendous journeys because you are Tennis Association, the finals of the Sporting slow to organise. Record National SdhoQls Comnetition was played off on Easter Saturday at the Polytech­ #; Note.. that I mentioned seven "senior ,­ nic Extension, at the same time as the vViJmott divisions. ~fainly due to' pressure by Cup final. This achieved the dual object of Kent, several junior county matches have providing perfect conditions for the boys, and been played towards the close of this also enabling them to watch some of England's best players in action. season, and there has been a demand for The standard of play put up by all four a' junior division, or divisions. It seems schools was extremely high, although it was perhaps fitting that the school, who included most probable that the 'four' home two boys well known to the E.T.T.A. and counties, Essex, Kent, Middlesex and tournaments, should win the magnificent trophy. Surrey, will enter Junior teams, and it By sheer determination, coupled with the experience gained in tournament play, they won is hoped that other counties will also be through in the final against much older, and able to encourage their youth. indeed, more stylish players. In fact, two' I hope in our next issue to be able to eminent judges of the game gave their opinion before the final commenced that Bournemouth give further news of developments were "certainties." towards a bigger and better Champion­ Sporting Record are to be congratulated ships. Readers from areas where there upon sponsoring such a fine tournament, and it is understood that they will again organise is as yet no county organisation, and the event next season, when it is anticipated who are interested in the Championships, that the entry will be more than doubled. would be doing a service to the County Semi-finals: Borden G.S. bt. Rhondda Tech. School 3-2. Bournemouth School bt. Oldham Championships Executive by indicating High School 4-1. their interest to League Secretaries. Final: Borden G.S. bt. Bov.rnemouth 3-1. Page Nine TABLE TENNIS IN RUSSIA TABLE Tennis in Soviet Russia be struck "with such force that the appears to be in the same stage eye could hardly follow it," and as it was in this country about noted .how " after driving the thle year 1930. The journal Soviet defender fifteen or twenty feet back Sport published a description of from the table with a series of a friendly ,match between the sn1Qshing strokes, the attacker would Spartacus Sporting Club and a large unexpectedly place a sJwrt ball engineering factory, using phrases barely over the net." strangely 'reminiscent of those days when we still had to persuade Such was the mastery of skill over people to come to watch table tennis. mere muscle that the star of The chief engineer .(one might call Spartacus, a speed-man of lacrosse him the Comrade Director?) was and a long-distance skater, sport­ rather surprised to find that the ingly admitted that he was just not .. spectators were fascinated" and in good enough training to cope with that the " participants turned out in the leader of the factory team. (He sporting kit with gym shoes." There did mention, too, that his wrist was is the usual reference then to the bad, but we have heard Western "primitive game which one played players do this before now.) on the dining-room table" or-here The evening had a happy ending is perhaps a Soviet speciality " in, because-but how did you guess?­ the foyer of a cinema." We really the Director himself became an must talk to Mr. Rank about this! enthusiastic table tennis fan, and OUf director saw with amazement very soon "ping-pong tables were that the little celluloid sphere could installed in all the Red Corners."

INTERNATIONAL PLAYER ALEC. D. BROOK TABLE Complete Spo~ts Specialist and Outfitter What is YOUR Sport? FOR THE TAB.LE TENNIS PLAYER Leach, Bergmann, New Lightweight Barna, and all autographed Bats. TENNIS Special E.T.T.A. Official Shirts in Royal, Navy, Maroon and Myrtle, 26/6 each. Attractive Zip Bat Covers, 616. COMES OF AGE Fast, Medium or Slow Bat Rubber, 1/­ a piece. "How To Play Table Tennis," by Victor Barna. 1/3 inc. post. by Sol Schiff Tournament 'Tables, the finest post-war models, with cabinet legs, 30 Guineas. Club model, £21. With a·n introduction by FOR ALL SPORTSl\IEN the Hon. IVOR MONTAGU Delightful Parisian style Windcheaters in Sky, Canary, Gold, Maroon, White, Green and Nigger. Now 20/-. This bo:::>k tells you how the game Cricket Boots, Buckskin and Leather, ;from' 31/1. is played'from the first stroke right Bradman, Hobbs, Hutton and all 1eading makes of Cricket Bats, Boys, Harrow on to the finer poi nts of strategy and Full size. Fine selected Tennis Racket for the and tournament play. average player or beginner, 32/6. Slazenger, Dunlop Tennis Balls, and a 40 II J good quallity Ball at 8/3 half-doz. ustrations 7/6 net Running Spikes from 30/-. Postage and packing 11- extra.

RICH & COWAN 36, EAST STREET, HORSHAM Tele, : Horsham 1833.

Page Ten Adrian answers'. • • A. A. Haydon replies to your. questions

affect the' result of the match, you might expect every doubles player to know the ruling throughout. . Yet you have only to look in on "Doubles Night" at a tournament to see several matches thrown away through lack of knowledge or lack of planning on this point. Frequ,ently the pair have not given any thought to it until the umpire asks them whait they wish to do at 10 in the Please put in plain deciding game, and then they cannot English about the way in think quickly enough. Even more often which vou are allowed to do you see a pair start the game without serve i"'n doubles? I have realising which player is going to receive had an argument with the rest of the from which opponent. Club over the method of serving in the A small point of interest is that when second or succeeding games. the deciding game reaches deuce score, I say that you can' change your no further change of order takes place. positions as you think best after the The score may reach up to the 30's opposing pair have decided who shall which means that the pair which chose serve. the order from score of 10 have had The rules are quite clear on 'this point. twice as nluch advantage, as the pair The tealm which re'cei'ves service at the who chose firsLJ< This is one of the start of ANY PARTICULAR GiAME factors which supports the fashionable is entitled to decide which player shall dictum: "always serve first if you win receive from which. the toss in' a double match." The other That order .of receiving then holds important factor is that your opponents good throughout that game of 21 points, may help you by making what proves unless it happens to be a. deciding game to be a wrong decision in that first of a match. Tbe" deciding" game may game; you can then hold them to the obviously be the 5th in a, best-of-5, or same order in the second game when it the 3rd in a best-of-3, or tbe only game is your choice. of a single-game match (now happUy On the other hand, if you are up becoming a rare event). against an obviously better pair, storming In any sucb deciding game, the first tactics may be better for you. In that "choice-of-order" only holds good case you would give them service and until one or othe'r pair reaches the s'core choose the favourable order of receiv­ of 10. fbg, relying upon snatching the first The cboice then p!asses back to the game and upsetting their morale. other p'air, i~e., the pair who served first Of course even the best-regula.ted of in that particular" game. They are doubles teams may make the wrong entitled to ask their opponents to change decisilOns aibout tbe playing order, in order of receiving from that point until sp,ite of discussions and 'arguments for the game and matcb i:s finished. weeks in advance! But that is part of Don't· forget that the "change-of­ the fun of 'the game. order" must be chosen at the score of to-afterwards it is too late. The ump,ire does not have, to rem'ind you, ALEC. BROOK so it is up to you to know your rights and exercise them. DEPARTURE of Victor Barna to tour Remember that the order-of-serving Australia with Richard Bergmann never cbanges, it is always the order-of­ this summer leaves Alec Brook without receiving which is changed. So, if you a stage partner for a time. As Alec are serving when the score of lOis always likes to be prepared for anything, reached, for example, you may be losing he would be glad to hear of a possible 4-10, you then ask your opponents to "understudy." Whilst applicants need change round, while you carryon not be quite so good as Victor, an serving. ability to return a few balls safely on In a matter which can so seriously the table is clearly indicated!

Page Eleven ~ NO CODDLING FROM III ~ THIS· MOLLY Scottish Open Championships (at Edinburgh, April 16th - 17th, 1949) CHIEF features of the Scottish Cham­ pionships were the storming attempt of Miss E. Pithie to wrest the women's title from the firm grip of Miss Elliot, and the dominance of the W'elsh in the men~s events. Miss Pithie showed remarkable bene­ fits from her experience at Stockholm, and her close approach to the Elliot standard must rank Scotland...-as serious contenders for the Corbillon Cup next year. The Wales team (mixed) had on the previous day, beaten Scotland 5-3 at Dunoon, all Scottish points being scored

'> by their girls. The Welsh men did not, of course, expect to prevent Richard Bergnlann from winning the singles, but one of them, M.onty Smith, came mighty close to doing so. It was only by virtue of a time-limit score of 19-15 in the MOLLY JON ES, whose ciaims to Cor­ third ganle that the ex-world champion billon Cup rank were considered so strong overcame the defensive tactics of Monty; by Gloucestershire T.T.A. that they ta bled while Stan Jones and John Davies beat an official request for an enquiry into the Bergmann and the fourth Welsh boy, methods a nd policy of the International Glyn Morgan, in the doubles final. Selection Committee. The National Execu­ The eager John Davies prevailed over tive passed a vote of confidence in the his "bogey," Stan Jones, in the semi­ selectors' work. final 2-1; and in addition to his men's doubles success, partnered Nancy Roy At the same time, it was agreed that, Evans to victory over Helen Elliot and whenever possible, future women's trials her Polish partner, Zajac (adopted by the should be held separately from the men's. Scottish crowd as "Zig-Zag"!). to allow more exhaustive tests to be made. M.S.: Bergmann bt. J. Davies 3-0. Molly, although no stylist, is a very M.D.: J. Davies"nnd S. Jones bt. Bergmann determined fighter, and c~n point to vic­ a.nd Morgan. tories over touring American and Czech W.S.: Miss H. Elliot bt. Miss E. Pithle 2-1. internationals, as well as most of the leading W.D.': l\liss Elliot and Miss Pithie won. • Enqlish girls. MIDDLESEX (HERGA) OPEN (at Harrow, April 4th - 9th, 1949) AUBREY SIMONS was in good form Results: M.S. Semi-finals: at Herga Club, winning three events. Simons bt. Craigie 18, -16, 16. His 3--0 viGtory against Ron Sharman Sharman bt. Harr-9wer 13, 14. showed how much his attack has im­ 1\1.S.: Simons bt. Sharman 15, 12, 17. M.D.: Simons/Harrower bt. Sharman/ proved; previously Sharman had been Craigie 18, -17, 20. able to neutralise it by his agile. defence. X.D.: Simons / Miss J. Roberts bt. M-ichael Thornhill made a plucky Glickman/Miss A. Fowler 15, 14. attenlpt to pass Simons on the way to W.S.: Miss P. Cantor bt. Miss P. Veal -15, 20, 13. the selnis, and is obviously learning a W.D.: Misses R. and D. Rowe bt. Misses lot from recent hard matches. Mace/Mullender 17, 19. Miss Pauline Cantor, of Broadstairs, Boys': D. Marco bt. J. Cornwall 15, 12. kno\vn to us until now as a hard­ Girls': Miss R. Rowe bt. Miss M. Marston smashing junior, surprised everyone by 12, -12, 12. winning a sticky senior's final against The prizes were presented by the ever­ Peggy Veal. of Willesden. The recog­ popular Mus. Jean Bostock, who as Jean nised favourites-l\1ace, Lentle, Adams, Nicoll first took to table tennis and lawn the Fo\;v]er sisters and the Rowe twins­ tennis in the Herga Club. Jean was all feB by the wayside in this topsy­ playing an exhibition la\vn tennis match turvy event. on the club courts.

Page Twetve Looking Around OPINIONS of the white dress experi­ ment which have so far reached the with George White magazine suggest that the majority are nition given by the press to the wide against the idea. Laundry troubles and public interest in our game has, indeed, the soap shortage are mentioned by one been one of the outstanding features of a or two; others feel that, whatever the season noteworthy in many other respects opinion in the United States, white shirts also. cannot help but ink:rfere with the play * * * of the man at the other end of the table. MAGAZINES on table tennis seem to The people with washing worries say that the conditions in which one has to be springing up everywhere nowa­ change and play at many open tourna­ days. Those run by individual Leagues, ments would make it quite impossible to however, are rarities and it is good to see turn o.ut in clean whites for every match. such an excellent production as that All nght for finals, perhaps; but if published by the enterprising Lowestoft colours. are worn for the' preliminaries, officials. Good luck to Bat Chat - but there WIll be an added strain to play in I hop.e players Lowestoft way won't for­ finals - as well as two lots of kit to get to read Table Tennis as well. carry hOll1e afterwards. . T~ose who don:t run to printed pub­ lIcatIons are takIng up the idea of * ** regular news - sheets. From a recent ANOTHER man with a grolise writes issue of Bed.ford County Notes ,comes , from the United States. He is the following:­ Irving Levitatz, who has been doing well The Committee deprecates the in State tournaments over there recently prevalent cust0111 of electing Vice­ and sends a s.ubscription to Table Tennis Presidents mainly for a monetary because the U.S. magazine, Topics, hasn't consideration, and is resolved that ,enough space to carryall the European the essential qualifications for a news he would like. His complaint is Vice-President shall be related to that .l!.S. newspapers don't give enough the services applied to the benefit publICIty to the game, a piece of news' and promotion of the sport, that comes as a surprise to us over here Could it possibly be said better? hug~ Where we imagine that those * * * American papers must have room for ~ ,everyt.hing. No doubt M,r. Levitatz A N THE R interesting publication would be amazed at the space which our WhICh has come my way recently is .austerity newspapers have been able to a very nicel¥ produced history of the give to Table Tennis recently. The recog- North Middlesex League. As far as I know, this is the first effort of this kind. MIDDLESEX NOTES Editor Jack Dale has filled it with A thrilling struggle was seen in the final of interest, and sales should bring in a the men's team Championships, before West worth - while sum for the League's Eal1ng, strongly represented by Ron Sharman Ken Craigie and I,.,en Adams, just got home 5-4 "Promising Players Fund." against Gallants Farm, who fielded Geoff. Mr. and Mrs. Dale (previously League Harrower, Jack Glickman and Stan Sterlini. champion Miss Vi Weavers) have been At one time Gallants Farm led 4-2, aided by 'Glickman beating Craigie and Harrower defeat­ playing and working for the League , ing Sharman..In the ladies' competition, Herga since 1934, but Jack has been able to were worthy wmners, beating Wembley Institute lift the curtain on the "dark ages" of in the final, the winners being represented by Mrs. Milburn and the Misses Fowler and 1931, when the League started as Enfield Ingram. and District T.T.L. Nort'h Middlesex retained the oNorman Pegg Trophy given for the Premier Division of the [EDITOR'S NOTE. - George White has Inter-League Championships, but only after a overlooked the League history which playoff with Staines, in which they were nzay claim to be the first ever. That was successful by 6-3. Willesden won the East Zone and West London the West Zone. Willes­ "Twenty-One Up," describing 21 years den winning the play-off 7-2. In challenge in the life 01 the Manchester and Dis­ mat.ches for a place in the Premier Division next season, Willesden just beat Wembley 5-4, trict T.T.L. When reviewing this we sug­ after an excellent match, whilst West London gested, by way of leg-pull, that in the have still to play Central. stream-lined future Manchester might West London became the first champions of the Junior Championships, beating Willesden, find themselves an extension of the North the East Zone Winners, by 6-3. Nine Leagues Middl.esex League! Oh, well.. there's competed in this junior competition, and it is still time; and after all, it would be one hoped to increase upon this number next season. Medals are to be awarded to both way of bringing the Wilnl0tt Cup down West London and Willesden. South again!] Page Thirteen JOHNNY 'LEACH

­ World /Champion

WRITES ON TABLE TENNIS EVERY WEEK IN ..

OUT ON Reveille FOR THE FRIDA YS Weekend

Page Fourteen ESSEX HONOURS LEACH at the Closed Championships, April 16th - 18th, 1949 ADDED interest was given to the Essex C los e d Championships at Southend when the County Executive decided to make finals night the occasion of the presentation to Johnny Leach of an inscribed plaque and an accompany­ ing cheque, representing the contribu­ tions of well-wishers from all over the county. RON LANGNER ARTHUR HAYNES When formally handing over the In one week became For .25 years the Com­ Essex Closed Cham­ petition Secretary of " trophy," the chairman, Mr. Corti pion a nd London London League Woodcock, emphasised how proud Essex League Champion. folk were that such a typical son of Essex as Jo.hnny should have achieved the feat of bringing the World Cham­ pionship title to England. The Leach family were the guests of CIVIL SERVICE CHAMPIONSHIPS the County Association for the day, and ,AdanlS takes another step forward the presence of three-year-old junior lohn suggested that there· will be a good IN the finals of the Civil Service Cham­ man to carryon the Leach standard pionships on April 6th the sound when Johnny settles down to gardening. defence and judicious counter-hitting of Meanwhile, as neither Leach took an L. G. Adams (Middlesex) proved just active; part in the play, Essex supporters too good for A. G. Scarsbrook's non­ were heartened by some fine displays stop forehand attack. The women's final from the other county stars, some young was less exciting, and Betty Steventon and some not-so. It was a very well­ made no mistake this time after her sur­ known "not-so," Ron Langner, who prising defeats in the previous years. tooK the men's singles and thereby set the seal on a long run of consistently The bigge'st surprise in the doubles' finals· good results in tournaments and county was the defeat of the Mixed holders, Miss Steventon and Bolton, by the War Office pair, matches. Haywood and Miss Dakin. The chief factor­ The prize could-indeed, should-have was the way Haywood's counter-hitting of all gone to the other Ron, Ronnie Hook, Miss Steventon's shots kept Bolton purely on ~he defensive. Russell and Tabbenor, both of when the latter led in the final by 2 Woolwich, won the Men's doubles, the clean ganles and 20-18. Langner's half­ hitting o! Russell being a feature. volley backhand driving had, until then, Jean Malget (Junior Girls) was the only been unable to pierce the newly im­ player to retain a title, and the high standard proved chop-defence of Hook, now of the Junior Boys' competition, won by K. adopting the Miles styIe of defence. Wharton, was marked by the early eclipse of the holder, F. Hopkins. Hook, an ex-Kent champion himself, could thank the angels for his escape RESULTS froin Brian Brumwell's onslaught when M. S.-L. G. Adams bt. A. G. Scarsbrook 19, 12, -21, 13. W.S.-Miss E. Steventon bt. the latter led by 17-11 and 20-17 in Miss M. French 9, 14. M.D.-R. R. Russell the semi-final. and J.. H. Tabbenor bt. 1. G. McMillan and FINALS: A. G. Scarsbrook 18, 19. W.D.-Miss W. J .. Dakin and Miss E. Steventon bt. Miss J. M.S.: R. Langner 61. R. Hook -19, -17., Malget and Miss J. W. McCulloch 17, 19. 20, 14, 16. X.D.-G. E. Haywood and Miss W. J. Dakin W.S.: Mrs. E. Adams bt. Mrs. M. Davis bt. R. T. Bolton and Miss E. Steventon 17, 11, -14, 18. -18, 18. J. S.-K. Wharton bt. D.. C. Burridge­ M.D. : K. Beamish and P. Smith bt. R. 19, 12. G.S.-Miss J. Malget bt. Miss B. E. Langner and R. Markwell 16, 19. Dabner 17, 12. V.S.-A. F. Hellings bt. F. J. X.D.: A. Paype and Mrs. Adams bt. B. Purvis 20, 19. Brumwell and Miss Bassett 21, 16. W.D.: Mrs. Davis and Miss Dakin bt. Mrs. Preliminary rounds of this competition Adams and Miss King 20, 15. were staged in Birn1ingham as well as Boys': P. F. Smith bt. S. Olive 10, 18. London, and the response was so great Girls': Miss A. Bruckman bt. Miss P. Hope that a "Southern Zone" will probably 16, 18. Veterans: J. Pickard bt. F. Chapman 15, be necessary next year, centred at Ports··· 19. mouth or Chatham. Page Fifteen, MORE EQUIPMENT HINTS FROM DECKER I thank correspondents for the Up to quite recently light clothes were. many kind and encouraging letters very stric1tly ,banned. In 1922 when the organiser wanted to give "tone" to a and enquiries I received after nlY certain international match, he persuaded last article. I propose in this article some of us to turn up in evening dress. to deal with club premises. Before playing we had to don black The very minimum width for a alpaca jiacke'ts whi'ch ,completely covered our ,expanse ,of 'shirt front. club room is 30 feet. There should We had a devastating 'Wlin~ mainly be no chairs along the walls as this because our opponents obstinately clung involves risk of injury' to pJayers. to their plain wooden rackets, and claim,ed Thirty-five feet gives quite a com­ that the neiw~f1angled rubber-fa'ced rackets were unfair and unsporting. I am Ig'lad fortable run back, but the ideal to say they have long since se,en the light and their isuccesS'ors are doing very well This is the last issue of " TABLE nowadays in the international field. On TENNIS" for season 1948/49. several occasion:s Editors in 'wan!t of some­ Our next number wi~l appeal' on thing to fill a corner, have published the September 7th to start the new photo of ,our respIendenit team and season's series. aecused us of having dazzled our All unexp,ired subscriptions will opponents wi1th diamond studs and be carri:ed over to the new season's dazzling shirt fronts, so I would like to series. reiterate once and for ,all, that our shirt If you are' not already 'a regular fronts were respectably covered. subscriber, why not make sure of_ There ,has recen~ly been an agi~ation to getting quickly off the mark next remove the ban on light 'c'lothing and in season by rese'rving your own my opinion, anything ,but dead ,white has persona,1: cop,y right now! A very Hvtle effe'c't on an opponent. 'Many postal orde'r for 3s. 6d. (six issues) years ago a bright young lady used a or 7s. Ode (12 issues) will bring the hand-'mirror as a racket in a tournament official journal of table tennis with dazzling effe'ct, but history does not direct to your door every month. record how far she got. Remit to WALlHAMSTOW PRESS LTD., WESTERN COUNTIES Guardian House', TABLE TENNIS LEAGUE London - E.17 l\IEN~S SECTION Division 1 BIRMINGHAM 10 10 o 20 width is 40 feet. The space Cardiff 8 6 2 12 Newport 8 4 4 8 between the tables should be not less Bristol 10 4 6 8 Worcester 10 3 7 6 than five feet and seven feet from Swindon 10 1 9 2 the end walls. Wonlen's Section' (North) BIRMINGHAM 4 3 1 6 There is a ,passion these days for Bristol 4 2 2 4 reducing everything to a formula, 'So in Cardiff 4 1 3 2 Women's Section (South) order to ,estimate how Imany feet can be S. DEVON B. 6 5 1 10 given 'betw,een each table, here is a S. Devon A. 6 4 2 8 formula :­ Exeter A.' .,. 6 3 3 6 Exeter B...... , 6 0 6 0 Where 1= the length of the haH in feet Birnungham beat S. Devon B. 8-1 in Women"s and t the number of tables. Championship play-off. The n um,ber of .feet between each Division 2 (North) table = 1-5/-4 ' BRISTOL 12 10 2 20 Oxford 11 7 4 14 ------r+l Bath 11 6 5 12 For exa,mple, with a hall 98 ft. long Cheltenham 12 6 6 1 12 Weston 11 5 6 10 and using 8 tables, your sum is Gloster 11 3 8 6 98-40-4 54 Swindon 12 3 9 6 6 Division 2 (South) EXETER A. 8 8 0 16 9 9 Exeter B. . . . 8 6 2 12 You ,will, therefore, have 6 ft. between S. Devon A. 8 3 5 6 each table and 8 ft. each end. S. Devon B. 8 3 5 6 Taunton 8 0 8 0 THE haokground' should be as dark as Exeter A. beat Bristol 5-4 in Division 2 Championship play-off. :possib:Je ,but one can ,play against any (A f.ew ~atches remain to be played, but aIr background providing it is not de1ad white. champIOnshIps are settled.)

Pr'tnted and published by The Walthamstow Press. ltd., Guardian House, London. E.l7.