LAWN TENNIS.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 208, 31 August 1918, Page 14

LAWN TENNIS.

An opportunity of winning the Davis Cup—as his own personal trophy-and the National Lawn Tennie title as well, is held out to Maurice MeLoughlin in this yeare national championship matches. Word has been circulated in Eiietern tennis circles that "Manry" h going out after the honours an 1 fc'.ij>t !>e has every prospect of winning them.

If the hero of the Davis Cup matches. the fiory American who put the pun .n in lawn tennis, was once move to take Wβ stand upon the turf to strive for the. title and cup. which 'his young rival, William M. Johnston, deprived him of in the memorable battle of 1016, it would constitute an inspiring feature o.f the event.

Those who have been devoting considerable thought and effort to make certain of the success of the national championship when it is played in August on the turf at Forest Hills are making every effort to fpcnre the entry of the famous California Comet. It is admitted McLoughlin, who ie the idol of players in every part of the world, will at once re-establish the prcetige of the American championship, which was badly slumped during the past two seasons.

McLoughlin ie regarded as practically a certain winner i e he is drawn and starts in the tournament. The popularity of eueli a victory is by no means underestimated by those who direct the affairs of lawn tennis. In no uncertain way it would represent the most sensational come-back ever recorded on the courts of this country. As the pet of Wimbleton and of the great international matches, a triumph for McLougMin this year would serve as an inspiration to hasten challenges of other nations for the Davis Cup at the close of the war.

Those who are endeavouring to bring McLoughlin into • the competition foresee in the event of 'hie success anofche. ten-year boom for the American game. The famous Califomian, whose thrilling style has accomplished more for the game than any other player, already has two legs on the priceless cup. A victory thks year would give it to him as his personal property. And it is known that he is desirous of possessing it.

McLoughlin enlisted in the navy-, and is now stationed in the .South. He ie reported to 'have been in Chicago since the beginning of the season on the courts, although he did not participate in any of the tournament competitions there.

The first international tennis match of importance since the Davis Cup eeriee, held in England in 1914, will b« played in England during the preeent month. The contest, which will be held lit the Queen's Club, London, will bring together teams representing the United States and England for the benefit of thi American Red Cross fund. The combinations will be captained by C. P. Dixoa for England and W. A. Lamed for the United States. Complete details of th« matches have not yet been arranged, but it is understood that the series will consist of from three to five singlee contests, and at least two doubles. It it the preeent plan to confine the play to those experts who are eerving -with the forces, occupying Government positions f or who are ineligible in thie respect, dn» to the age limit. Lamed, who hold's a major's commission in the American aviation service, will have a large number of United States players to draw upon, provided he can secure furloughi for them. Several former American champions are understood to he abroad, including Dick Williams, Peck Griffin, William Johnson, as well as W. M. Washburn, J. J. Armstrong, Dean Mathey, Sidney Thayer and W. Davis. In addition to these racquet wieldere there are undoubtedly others serving with the American army and navy forces \rhe might be available. The" personnel of Captain Dixon'e team is not known, and it is probable that it has not been selected yet. There are a numlier of former English stars to choose from, however, among the older players, and the combinations are likely to be Ttell matched when they finally take to tht turf courts at the Queen's Club.