TENNIS Vote On Open Tourneys May Depend On Russians

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29872, 12 July 1962, Page 5

TENNIS Vote On Open Tourneys May Depend On Russians

(N.Z.P.A.-Reutcr —Copyright)

PARIS, July 11. The fate of the proposed open tournament experiment was hanging in the balance at today’s annual meeting of the International Lawn Tennis Federation. If the move to make it a simple straight majority fails, a two-thirds majority of the voting power actually repressented at the meeting will be necessary. It looks like being a very close thing. It is estimated that between 60 and 70 per cent, will be in favour of allowing any country to stage tournaments open to amateurs and professions for a two-year experimental period. Three of the major tennis powers—Britain, France and the United States —will battle for the adoption of the proposal to be submitted by the management committee. Lined against them are Aus-

tralia, and possibly Germany, Holland, South Africa and Belgium. Italy, New Zealand and the Communist group seem to be the uncertain element, though the opinion of some delegates is that the Russians will vote against the proposal. Their delegate is reported as saying that he has not yet made up his mind. If the Communist bloc support the idea for open tournaments their votes could sway the issue. The federation will also debate proposals of the special committee on amateurism. This wants to call everybody "players” and delete from the federation's laws all reference to “amateurs" and “professionals.” Tile proposal, recommended without any great enthusiasm, seems certain to be rejected. France. Britain and South Africa are in favour of the suggestion. but Australia, the Russians, and the United States are opposed.

Two Victories For Laver (N.Z.PjI.-Reuter—Copyright) DUBLIN. July 11. The Wimbledon champion, R. Laver, and his fellow Australian. John Fraser, has straight sets wins in both the second and third rounds of the Irish lawn tennis championships yesterday. Laver beat J. O'Brien (Ireland). 6-0, 6-2, and J. E. Fletcher <England). 6-2. 6-2: Fraser defeated Ireland's H. Sheridan. 7-5, 6-3, and G. Barnaville, also Ireland. 6-2. 6-4.