Niles and Dana Doubles Champions

The final round of doubles for the University tennis championship was played off yesterday afternoon on Jarvis Field. The weather was very unfavorable for tennis, but in spite of this the spectators were afforded one of the most exciting and closest exhibitions of play seen in the tournament. When Dabney and Gardner tied the score by winning the third and fourth sets, the supposition that Dana and Niles would have a comparatively easy victory was dispelled.

The match was for the best three out of five and Niles and Dana won, but only by the margin of one set. The score by sets was 6-3, 6-1, 1-6, 2-6, and 6-0.

In the first two sets, Niles and Dana were never in danger, and in the third and fourth Dabney and Gardner were almost invincible, but in the last, the winners completely outplayed their opponents, who could win neither their own serves nor prevent the others from winning theirs.

Dabney and Gardner played a fine game at the net throughout. In the first part of the match the former was a trifle weak on his serve, and was inconsistent in volleying lobs. Dabney was excellent on short pick-ups, however, and slightly excelled his partner in everything but serving. Both men preferred to receive serves on the fall of the ball, while Niles and Dana generally took them on the top of the bound. Niles's fore-hand Lawford was not so effective as in previous contests. Several times he worked a trick serve with success, which caught his receiver way out of position. Both he and Dana used especially good judgment on outside balls. The latter was a trifle weak on up-net work.

In the third and fourth sets Dabney's unsteadiness disappeared and he played a wonderful game, which improved continuously. Gardner's serving was very effective in these sets and he and Dabney worked well together. Dabney was especially strong on back-hand work and his lobbing was particularly good. Niles was distinctly off form here and Dana bore the brunt of the work.

In the last set there was no chance for Dabney and Gardner and they lost a love set, although two games were deuce. Niles's form had returned and Dana was a strong partner. Niles's bewildering serve was very successful and he won his games quickly. It seemed as though he and Dana had completely out-classed the losers in this set.

The finals in singles will be played between N. W. Niles '09 and E. P. Pearson 1L. on Jarvis Field this afternoon at 2 o'clock.