A CHALLENGE

Hokitika Guardian, 27 June 1935, Page 5

A CHALLENGE

TENNIS COMMENT FRENCH CODE OF HONOUR (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). PARIS, June 26. Didlicr Poulain, tennis expert of the newspaper “Lauto,” confirms a report that he challenged Jean Borotra, following a lively exchange of letters dealing with Borotra’s refusal to play in the Davis Cup singles, although he was playing in the Wimbledune singles. Borotra in a letter to the “Lauto” said Poulain, with evident lack of good faith, wrote that I could not play five sets. Wluit I wrote was that 1 could not play five sets on hard courts. Poulain states the challenge was made simply on professional grounds. Borotra is a fine fellow, but we must have the right to make such technical criticism as we think fit. LONDON, June 26. Borotra interviewed, said he had not received Poulain’s challenge. These matters in France were subject to a code of honour, which a majority of Frenchmen respect. “UnqucMiosably, 1 must do likewise, because I am not prepared to change a word or a comma. ‘I might choose pistols. 1 expect I have the choice of weapons,” said Borotra. ■Asked whether ho fenced muc/i, he replied ‘‘Only a few times in the last ten years.”