Blast from the past: Olympic first for SA as Esther nails her brand

Today in SA sports history: July 27

1947 — Three South Africans strike success at the French championships, with Eric Sturgess taking both the men’s doubles and mixed-doubles crowns. He and countryman Eustace Fannin won the men’s doubles by beating American Tom Brown and Bill Sidwell of Australia 6-4 4-6 6-4 6-3. Then Sturgess teamed up with another compatriot, Sheila Summers, to take the mixed-doubles mantle by beating Christian Caralulis of Romania and Pole Jadwiga Jedrzejowska 6-0 6-0. Sturgess also made the final of the men’s singles, losing 6-8 5-7 4-6 to József Asbóth of Hungary.

1951 — Eric Rowan, 160 not out overnight, goes on to score 236 on the second day of the fourth Test against England at Leeds. His brother, Athol, took 5/174 a few days later, as the matched ended in a draw, with the home side leading the five-match series 2-1...