International Games

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28794, 15 January 1959, Page 11

International Games

Howe was 29 when he went overseas, unranked in his home state, let alone on the national list. In the next two years of international competition in England, Europe, the Middle East, India and the Caribbean, he established himself as a player of first rank in doubles competition. As a doubles player he has scored many notable victories. Perhaps his best performance was in reaching the finals of the United States National indoor titles with Art Larsen in New York in 1956. Howe had the kind of reputation which earned him repeated invitations to all tournaments on the international circuit. His popularity was such that it earned him the displeasure of the L.T.A.A. after he had been continuously away from Australia for two years. His privilege of receiving expense monies was suspended.

Howe had to go home to Australia and he found that his stocks had improved—the association ranked him seventh. Once rendered “respectable” by his return

home Howe was able to get back into international competition and he made tours again in 1957 and in 1958. In 1957 he made his visit to Russia which he considers the highlight of his tennis career. Howe’s outstanding performances have been in mixed doubles and the titles he holds at present include the Wimbledon mixed doubles With Miss Lorraine Coghlan, a fellow Australian, the Australian mixed doubles with Mrs K. Hawton and the Victorian mixed doubles with Miss Coghlan. His three titles at the New Zealand championships last week included the mixed doubles. In the national titles Howe did not appear to acquite himself as well as he did at Wellington last year or when he was in New Zealand . the previous year, but he was good enough to win three titles. His most impressive strokes were his service, volley and smash but when it came to ground strokes he was overshadowed by his final opponent, John Barry.