A TENNIS ROW

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 212, 8 September 1936, Page 12

A TENNIS ROW

Professionals and “Big Money” Tournaments

TILDEN’S POSITION

(Own Correspondent —By Air Mail)' LONDON, July 12.

At Southport, yesterday, the International ■ Professional Lawn Tennis Championships of Great Britain camo to an end—and not a single British player had competed, says tho “Sunday Kcferce” special correspondent. The four British professionals who originally entered withdrew on the “advice” of the Lawn Tennis Association. And now a firstclass row is blowing up. Tho Lawn Tennis Association is being accused of trying to stifle “big money” tournaments not run by itself.

Chief figure in the Southport touTnament was Bill Tilden, three times winner at Wimbledon, and still the world’s greatest player. The tournaments which Tilden organises in this country draw big crowds because tho tennis is spectacular and exciting. Hitherto there has been no ban on British professionals taking part in Tilden’s tournament at Southport. Last year, Dan Maskoll, the English coach, won third prize. But when, later in the year, Tilden erganised a big professional tournament at Wembley, he drew largo gates and offered substantial prizes. The L.T.A. started to frown heavily. Tho Association of Tennis Umpires was “advised” not to provide umpires for the tournament. Tho L.T.A. secretatry ostentatiously declined an invitation to the tournament luncheon. This year the L.T.A. has gone a step further by “advising” British professionals to withdraw. Of course, there is no cornrules. Ostensibly tho reason given by entered if they wished. But these pr - fessionals are employed by clubs affiliated to tho Lawn Tennis Association. Many clubs depend on tho swollen coffers of the L.T.A. (with its £60,000 reservo funds) for financin' support, and for tho arrangement of their tournaments.

Against tho decision of tho L.T.A. players have no appeal—not even to a Court of Law. It is forbidden by the pulsion. Tho professionals could ha“o olio Lawn Tennis Association for “advising’’ professionals to withdraw from tho Tilden tournament is that is runs its own championships for British professionals. This excuse holds no water. The prizes at tho L.T.A. affair aro rmall, only picked professionals aro allowed to compete, and tho tournament ■s given little publicity. And nnyv. the L.T.A. has not previously objre' to the Southport tournament.