LAVER TOP SEED IN U.S. OPEN

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32077, 27 August 1969, Page 15

LAVER TOP SEED IN U.S. OPEN

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) NEW YORK. Australia’s R. Laver, who is bidding for an unprecedented second grand slam of tennis, is the top seed in the United States Open championships, which will begin at Forest Hills tomorrow.

Laver, who has already won the Australian, French and British championships this year, was named ahead of two fellow Australian professionals, J. Newcombe and A. Roche, who have been seeded second and third respectively. America’s A. Ashe, who won the first United States Open last year, is the fourth seed, followed by the man he beat, T. Okter, of Holland. Mrs A. H. Jones, of Britain, the upset winner at Wimbledon this year, is the top seed among the women, followed by M« M. Court, of Australia. Mrs B. J. King, of the United States, is the third seed. Behind her are Miss J. Held-

man, of the United States, and Britain’s Miss V. Wade. Laver, who has already won $79,464 this year, was beaten by South Africa’s C. Drysdale last year at Forest Hills. Laver has come back strongly this year after a long bout with a tennis elbow. The other men’s seeds are: K. Roscwall. Australia, 6; C. Oraebner, United States, 7; Drysdale. South Africa. 8; R. Emerson, Australia. 9: F. Stolle, Australia, 10: A. Glmeno, Spain. 11; S. Smith, United States), 12; 8. Gonzales, United States. 13: M. Santana, Spain, 14; M. Riessen. South Attica. 15; D. Balaton. United States, 16. Among the women. Miss N. Richey, of the United States, is the sixth seed, followed by a fellow American. Miss R. Cassatt. and Miss K. Melville, of Australia.