LENGLEN VICTORY

Northern Advocate, 17 February 1926, Page 4

LENGLEN VICTORY

SECOND EDITION

OVER AMERICAN RIVAL. EMOTIONAL SCENES. (Received 2.33 p.m.) CANNES, February 16,

Mdllc. Suzanne Lenglen (France) defeated Miss Helen Wills (America) today in the great tennis contest by G—3, B—6. It was a victory of the dragon fly over the bee. All Miss Wills’ industry, pertinacity and physical strength were unavailing against Mdlle. Lenglen ’s swift darts across the court and lightning-like anticipation, seconded by equally rapid movement which outbalanced Miss Wills’ hardest drives. Mdlle. Lenglen’s win was not only a victory of genius over talent, but a striking conquest over her own temperament. After her somewhat nervous play yesterday, doubt began to creep into some minds whether, if she met dangerous opposition, Mdlle. Lenglen ’s nerves would stand the strain. Mdlle. Lenglen made short work of all such misgiving, although Miss Wills was leading in the beginning of both sets, and gave Mdlle. Lenglen a bitter battle in the second. The set adds to the reputation of both players. Sunshine and a light breeze prevailed during the match. A crowd stood in a queue waiting from an early hour for'unreserved seats. Cinema operators were stationed in all available windows of neighbouring buildings.

A crowd, chiefly consisting of youths and American students, raided the courts, and tried to storm the gates, but they were thrown'back by gendarmes after making a large breach in the fence.

The appearance of Mdlle. Lenglen and Miss Wills, on the court was the signal for an outburst of enthusiasm.

The mistake in the earlier score for the second set, giving it as 7— 5, arose when Miss Wills sent a dazzling return dpwii the side line. One of the linesmen gave it out, but the other ruled it good. The spectators demonstrated wildly for some time. When the critical ruling was given Mdlle Lenglen was furious. Her ‘face reddened, and she shook her head. She seemed unwilling to eoninue, and burst into tears. Miss Wills appeared spent, and began to bleed at the nose. The linesm'an who ruled the ball good was Lord Charles Hope, who is positive regarding the decision. j When the match ended Miss Wills and Mdlle Lenglen rushed and embraced warmly, shaking hands. There was an excited demonstration by Mdlle Lenglen’s admirers, and magnificent bouquets were .presented to both. The winner was borne around on the shoulders of her admirers, garlanded with roses. Miss Wills’ mother presented the winner with the cup. Mdlle Lenglen, interviewed later, said: “I am very disgusted with everything. I have not said yet my last word regarding the officials.” . Miss Wills said: “It was an enjoy-_ able match. Mdlle Lenglen is as good as I thought she was.” In the doubles final, Mdlle Lenglen and Vlasto beat Miss Wills and Con’lostavlos, 6 —4*. B—6.—Reuter.