LAWN TENNIS

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 6, 2 October 1926, Page 9

LAWN TENNIS

VINCENT RICHARDS TURNS PROFESSIONAL UNTTEJ9 STATES HOPES ' JOLTED (Rec. October 1 9.55 p.m.) New York, September 30. Vincent Richards, Olympic champion, an.l the. third ranking tennis player in the United States, has turn-

ed professional under the wing ot Mr. C. C. Pyle, according to an announcement made by the latter at a dinner given in honour of Mdlle. Lenglen. Mr. Pyle announced that Richards had signed a contract to participate in professional exhibitions with Mdlle. Lenglen, Miss Mary Browne, and Beret (France). Richards states: “I had to turn professional in justice to myself and my wife. I signed a contract for four months with the option of signing for two more months if I care to. T have no excuses to offer for my action. I cannot see any reason why I should not get money as well as tennis associations. I cannot say so with any authority, but I imagine that at least two otlier national tennis stars have been negotiated with to become professional, but I understand that the matter is not definitely settled yet.” ' It is understood that Richards receives a sum in excess of 50,000 dollars (£10,000.). ” His departure from the amateur fold surprised followers of the grime in view of his declaration weeks ago that he would not join the professional field. His defection jolted the United States’ hopes that he would be the nucleus of the next year’s Davis Cup defenders, and also that he would become the ranking number one player. It Iflso causes a possible passing of the national doubles chamnionslup (held bv Rh'hard.s and R N. Wiliams) to foreigner- to loom lar->c in flic future. H V AVY ws SHIPPING DELAYED Dominion Sveci.m.. Auckland, October 1. Vers heavy fogs in the Hauraki Gulf have greatly delayed shipping, particularly overseas vessels. Bogs were first encountered about thirty miles south of Cuvier Island, and extended to Tiritiri lighthouse. Ml vessels had to go at reduced speed, stopping freqnentlv and taking soundings at regular intervals. Crews were kept awake all night by the roar of foghorns. One captain said the fog was the worst he had seen in this locality f'W manv years. Torrential ram has fallen in the city all day. Advice