SPORT PROBLEM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 65, 17 March 1934, Page 9

SPORT PROBLEM.

TENNIS AMATEURS. Denounced by International Committee. SCATHING CONDEMNATION. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph-Copyright) (Received 3 2.30 p.m.) PARIS, March 10. The International Lawn Tennis Committee, appointed in 1933 to revise the definition of an amateur placer, lias reported with a scathing denunciation of amateurism as at present practised in the lawn tennis world. It also warns players against the lure of professionalism. Commenting 011 the "so-callecl amateurs living at someone else's expense from January 1 to December 31, touring the world without putting their hands', in their pockets," the report recommends the adoption of a new clausc in Rule 20. stating that except when officially selected by his association a player shall receive his travelling and living expenses for only eight weeks ill the year. It is also proposed to restrict amateur playing or demonstrating the game with professionals without the federation s i permission. Xational federations will be allowed to study tho report before a special meeting discusses it on July 30, during tho Davis Cup challenge round. British and French delegates are strongly opposed to open tournaments, but the United States delegate pleaded that the matter be left for the national associations to decide in conference. He declared: "Why not have the courage of our convictions ? I distinctly favour open tournaments under supervision." The South African proposal to make tlio server keep both feet behind the base line was referred to a committee to report on. The Kenya, Colombia, Peru and Esthonia associations were admitted to the federation.