CHAMPIONS "HOODOO"

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21951, 7 November 1934, Page 16

CHAMPIONS "HOODOO"

ITALIAN DEFEATS PERRY THREE SUCCESSES GAINED The only tly in Perry's ointment is the Italian, G. de Stefani, to whom ho went down in the Stade Poland Garros at Auteuil in the French championships, saws an English writer in detailing tho championship successes obtained by F. J. Potry, present lawn tennis singles champion 6f the world. This ambidextrous Italian may well plume himself on his being able to beat a man who has demonstrated his ability to beat nearly everybody else; and, oddly enough, it was his? third victory over Berry. He seems to have e.-tablished a sort of "hoodoo" over our champion; it. is interesting to note that a fourth encounter between the two may not improbably occur in Australia.

It will be remembered that, on the strength of bis win over Perry in France, do Stefani was "seeded" this year at Wimbledon; and, moreover, was drawn in Perry's section. But ho was. perhaps providentially, removed from the champion's path by G. M. Loft, so that. Perry had no opportunity of snowing that lie could do on grass what he had failed to do on the sand courts at Auteuil. Ho may have this chance in Australia; if lie does, I shall be very surprised if he does not reverse the verdict of their previous encounters. The more successful Perry is. the more tempting are the offers made to him to abandon his amateur status. Twenty thousand pounds to go on the films; ' unnamed sums to turn exhibitionist in the "circus" of professionals of various nationalities, now so well known, but, so rather unenthusiastically patronised. These inducements, however, do not appear to have made much impression on Perry. He has, 1 understand, said that lie will go on playing for his country in the Davis Cup so long as his services are required; and acceptance of any of the offers made him would, naturally, preclude his doing so. It is certainly the hope of everyone in this country that he will remain an amateur, and not be the first Englishman of championship rank to throwaway his status for the. sake of a monetary reward.