LAWN TENNIS

Evening Star, Issue 19665, 19 September 1927, Page 11

LAWN TENNIS

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LACOSTE BEATS TILDEN. Press Association—-By Telegraph—Copyright. NEW YORK, September 17. Lncoste was never in any real danger |fom Johnson, who consistently lost because of his own errors. Only in tho second set did tho American reveal any of his former power, his sturdy forehand drives leaving tho Frenchman flat-footed in the middle of the court, or his cross-court shots clipping the corners for earned points. Lacoste for the most part played a steady, accurate game that meant inevitably that his opponent’s own errors would give him the victory, and he won, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Lacoste retained the United States National Turf Court Championship, defeating Tilden, 11-9, 6-3, 11-9. Lacostc’s victory over Tilden # appeared to demonstrate the superiority of ono of tho most accurate figures in tennis over a hard-fighting and brilliant, but erratic, opponent. Tilden led in the early phases of each set, but the Frenchman was tho steadier, and the American’s errors proved fatal. Tilden’s old Hashing style, with his bombardment service, appealed to the eye, but Lacoste won every volleying duel, his steadiness assuring that ho would return the ball and push his opponent to the limit.

DAVIS CUP PRESENTED NEW YORK, September 17. Yesterday afternoon the Davis Cup was taken aboard tho steamer Franco and presented to M. Gillou, the manager of tlio French team, after a parade which led down Fiitli avenue to the ship. Tho crowd filled the street as four antenobiles, bedecked with French Hags and carrying a French team and various United States tennis officials, paraded to tho ship’s side, escorted by a motor cycle police Sfpmd. It was announced later that Cochct and Gillou would sail to-day, while Borotra and Brugnon will sail a week hence. William Johnson announces that ho is through with the Davis Cup competition, owing to physical strain and business reasons. FRENCH PLAYERS TO VISIT AUSTRALIA. NEW YORK, September 16. Mr Gillou, manager of the French Davis Cup team, states that three members—Brugnon, Borotra, and Cochet— are practically certain to visit Australia, arriving some time in December after a tour of South America and possibly South Africa. These three will sail homeward to-morrow. Lacoste and Washer (Belgium) stay for several weeks in America, engaging in exhibition matches. LOCAL SEASON OPENED KAITUNA. In the presence of a large number of members and visitors tho season was opened at Kaituna courts by the president. Mr F. W. Parker. Dr president of the Otago Lawn Tennis Association, forwarded an apology for unavoidable absence, and wished the club success Mr W. F. Abel, president of Kaituna Bowling Club, conveyed the good-will of the bowlers, and expressed the hope that tho season would be a very enjoyable one. Mr J. H. Meek also offered felicitations, and Mr R. F. Phillipps spoko as representative of the association. The President welcomed new members, and hoped that all would havens much play as they desired. He declared the season open, and thereafter tho courts were a scene of animation. During the afternoon Messrs Bray, Duthie, Clark, and Clcghorn played an exhibition sot. ST. ANDREW’S. About fifty members took part in the opening ceremony of St. Andrew’s Lawn Tennis Club, in Carroll street. Mr J. Farquharson, president, made a brief speech, in which he referred to tho excellent prospects of the club in the coming season. Tho Summer Time, Bill, he said, would be of. great assistance to them if it became la.w. The remainder of the afternoon was taken up with play, and at a. suitable interval afternoon tea was dispensed by a committee of ladies. The membership of the club is about seventy. A number of mew members were enrolled on Saturday. W AIM ANA. The Waimana Club’s courts at the Albany Street School were Jvell attendee!. In declaring the season open, the President (Mr W. R. Sinclair) congratulated the club upon the increased membership, especially on the male side. He trusted they would enjoy a harmonious and prosperous season, and that the club’s team would have success in the interclub competitions. The first ball having been played by the president and returned by the secretary, Miss Crookshanks, the courts were taken possession of by eager players. Afternoon tea assisted to make the function a distinct success.