Damon and Pythias

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 821, 15 November 1929, Page 14

Damon and Pythias

! Usually it is Bill Tilden who rej quires the stimulating presence of Frank Hunter when a big match is on, says an American writer. At Wimbledon during the past three years Frank had his chosen position when Bill played—it was against Cochet in 1927, against Lacoste in 1928, and against Cochet again in 1929. That position was just back of the centre court, looking down from the committee box. toward the left. There Frank stood, or sat on a chair brought for the purpose, and watched; and Bill saw him and drew inspiration from the fact that he was there. It mav be said. too. that there were at Wimbledon, rumours of an objection being lodged to Frank’s being there; and Frank’s reply was a toss of the head and a remark that so long as he was not actually on the court he would like to see anybody prevent his witnessing the match! S.O.S. FOR TILDEN But Damon, it seems, is lost unless his Pythias is near at hand. When Frank was playing Fritz Mercur in the semi-final, he sent forth a cry to the Macedonians. Bill was to have his hands full a little later, when he took on John L>ocg, so he did not, at the beginning, watch the other battle. Frank came to the front row of the Stadium, on the north, and spoke to j Sam Hardy, who was sitting in the 1 front row. Sam went out and brought back Bill. New vigour entered into ' Frank’s play, and he won the third and fourth sets with a bit to spare. I During the final match (against each other) both Bill and Frank had ; to get on as best they r .-nld. relying j solely on themselves.