Tops in Table Tennis

The visit of the Japanese champion table tennis players, Kimiyo Matsuzaki and Kazuko Yamaizumi, gave Gisborne players and residents a chance to see the kind of form which wins world championship honours. There was a near-capacity audience in the Opera House to see them in matches against the best local players, and in a sparkling exhibition match.

Although the Gisborne players were hopelessly outclassed against such world-beating talent, they put up a good show, and a mixed doubles match in which the Japanese girls played with Michael Mellelieu and George Lowe showed the Gisborne boys could hold their end up.

Agnes Kennedy facing up to Kimiyo Matsuzaki

Janet Ruffer played Kazuko Yamaizumi

Before the games. Front row, George Lowe, Mr Shimizu, Miss Matsuzaki, Miss Yamaizumi. Back row, M. Mellelieu, J. Rugger, A. Kennedy, B. Odams, Mrs James.