Tennis Deadlock Resolved

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31922, 25 February 1969, Page 19

Tennis Deadlock Resolved

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. The deadlock between the leading administrators from the world’s five major lawn tennis playing nations and the rival American professional promoters was broken after four hours of discussions at Wimbledon. There were amicable agreements on all sides—at least f0r’1969.

Although neither side t would give facts and figures, t it is believed agreement was ] reached on the touchy sub- ; iect of prize-money and ex- I Penses. j . The meeting had broken up ln deadlock on Friday, but 1 alter private discussions on 1 Saturday the talks were re- 1 .sunied on Sunday. I ; On one side were adminis- 1 Wa'ors from tennis associa- 1 in the United States, 1 Britain. Trance. South Africa < ■i. 1

and Australia. On the other were the leading American promoters, Messrs G. Mac Call : and R. Briner, who control the world’s top professional players. The main issue was the professionals’ demand for guaranteed expenses as well as prize-money. The professionals’ case was strengthened by the recent announcement that the United States L.T.A. had already guaranteed them considerable expenses for participation in seven open events in America this year. The national tennis associations sought to keep down the professionals’ price, recalling that the Australian association lost more than $12,800 on its first open national championships last month. The latest meeting appeared to be a victory for the professionals, and Mr Briner said: "It has not been accepted to play for prizemoney only. Everything has worked out satisfactorily to our aims and goals and our problems are a great deal less then than they have been in I the past.”