U.S. transsexual might play in N.Z.

Press, 15 September 1976, Page 6

U.S. transsexual might play in N.Z.

PA Auckland Although the controversial transsexual, jßenee Richards, was not [accepted for the women’s section of the United States Open tennis tournament at Forest Hills, there is still a possibility that she will make an appearance in Auckland early next year.

Whether the former Dr Richard Raskin, who had a sex-change operation and has since competed in the women’s open at the South Orange Lawn Tennis Club, [in the United States, takes part in the 1977 Benson and Hedges Open in Auckland (will depend on acceptance of [her entry for the Australian Open. "We will not be the first to put Renee into a women’s open championship,” said Mr B. W. Ryder, the Auckland Lawn Tennis Association promotion committee chairman. However, even if the tall Ms Richards does not come to Auckland, Mr Ryder is confident, many of the overseas stars who will be playing in the rich Australian

Open will cross the Tasman for the Benson and Hedges.

“The Australian tournament ends just before our open begins," said Mr Ryder. It will again be a hectic two months for the A.L.T.A. Only three days after the open, which is regarded as the New Zealand Open, the first Davis Cup semi-final between New Zealand and Indonesia will be held.

The tie will be played on Wednesday to Friday, January 19-21. to avoid clashing with the New Zealand Games to be held during January 22-26. If New Zealand is successful against Indonesia and Australia defeat India in the other semi-final, Stanley St [will see the second Eastern Zone final between Australia and New Zealand in three years.

Mr Ryder expects public interest in the final will be greater than that shown when Ken Rosewall and John Newcombe contested the final in 1975. Australia is likely to be without Newcombe and Rosewall this time. The former has been plagued with injuries of late while Rosewall is known to have found the de'mands of Davis Cup tennis

so tough that he will net relish taking the courts again in his earls- forties.

“The younger Australian* are just about on a par with |Onny Parun and Brian Fair[lie so the final could be as even as the semi-finals against India this year." said IMr Ryder. ( To cater for the expected (greater public support, the [A.L.T.A. is to take the gamble and arrange for adequate i seating now. If the final is [ not held in Auckland, it icould result in a loss similar to that suffered by Hobart • early this year when New Zealand defeated India and ithe surprised Australians i found the venue for the final •was Auckland instead of HoIbart.