LAWN TENNIS Open Tennis Rules Suggested By U.S.

Press, Volume C, Issue 29497, 26 April 1961, Page 17

LAWN TENNIS Open Tennis Rules Suggested By U.S.

(HXJPJi.-KwfT-CopvHght)

WASHINGTON. April 23 A special committee of the United State* Lawn Tennis Association has recommended * set of open rule* which would allo* professionals to compete with amateurs. United Pres* International ha* reported. The association's president (Mr G. Bernes) said yesterday that the new proposals would help to strengthen both tennis and spectator interests. Th* regulation* would have to be approved by the International Lawn Tennis Federation ■nd tea full membership of the United State* association before they become official. A similar resolution was de* tested by the international as-

socialion last year. The que»tien Will again be discussed late thl* year. Under the experimental proposals put forward by th* United States association's committee, there could be up to nine so-called open cisetnDioruhiD®. They would be singlee, doubles, day court, hard court • and indoor championships, plus tour regional championship*. Mr Berne* said that in most cases the amateur* would play amateur* and profeaaonal* would play professional* until the semi-final* were reached. At that point, he said, th* amateur and professional *«niAnaMsts would meet each other : in champion - of - champions

HARD COURT TITLES McDonald Wins In First Round (N.Z -P.A .-Rent er—Copyrioh t) LONDON. April ». The New Zealander, J. R. McDonald, came convincingly through the first round of the rriMi'i singles tn the British hard court tennis championships at Bournemouth. Hampshire. today. He beet E. Aguirce (Ollie) In straight sets. •-I. «-<. «-3. P. Dlbley (New Zealand) was beaten by A. R. Mills (Lancashire). g-1. S-l. g-1. In the men's doubles Dlbley and G. J. Holdsworth (Warwickshire) were beaten by the Englishmen. M P. Hann and J. E Barrett, 8-1. g-1, 8-1. The seeded British Davis Cup players. B. Wilson. M. Songster and T. Pickard, all won their opening singles matches, but not all with ease. Christine Truman (Britain), tn her first singles appearance since injuring a leg In the Caribbean two months ago. had to tight all the way to beat Pat Hird (Surrey). 11-10. 8-6. in the Brat round of the women's singles. N.Z. Davis Cup Team Trains (N.ZJ’ut.-Reuter—CopprWM) TEL AVIV. April M. New Zealand’s Davis Cup players. L. Gerrard, M. Otway, and I. Crookeoden began training today for the first round of the European-zone Davis Cup tie against Israel, tomorrow. Friday and Saturday. The manager of the team. R. Young, said that there was still no decision on the make-up of the team. It is not yet certain whether Crookeoden. the New Zealand Junior champion, will play in the Davis Cup competitions for the first time. The New Zealanders are optimistic about their prospects, but expect tough competition.