SATOH’S TRAGIC END

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18367, 9 April 1934, Page 7

SATOH’S TRAGIC END

“DRIVEN TO DEATH” FIANCEE INTERVIEWED HAD WANTED A REST (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Received April 9, noon.) TOKIO, April 8. Satoh \s fiancee, Miss’ Sanac Okada, aged 21 years, a ranking woman tennis player, interviewed, said: “I believe Jiro committed su&ide solely from a sense of responsibility after acceding to the Tennis Association’s urging to proceed to Europe, oven when he wanted to return from Singapore. He was still haunted by a fear that his illness would endanger Japan’s chance of’ victory, and removed himself like Samurai of old. I hate them for obstinately forcing Jiro against his will, driving him lo desperation and death.

“'■Satoh had stomach trouble, and often said he had-already played for several years and did not want to play this year. He wanted the rest and quiet, of summer .in Japan happily with me. We intended to marry next spring.”

Jiro Satoh wag ' •born in Tokio in 1908 and 'odtlciatedlnt:University. there. I ■ t'i(lt|nig : up Vlawn-.tdnhis when a youth, he played for his university team with considerable success. Going to France in 1931, lie made a great: impression by his cool but vigorous play in the French championship contest. He differed from Western players in the total absence of expression on his f.ace. Whether winning or losing lie gave not the least sign of emotion —a fact which sometimes overawed opponents used to seeing* indications of pleasure or despondency on the other side of the net. Satoh’s method was to move about at the back of the court, playing good-length, medium-paced shots tirelessly until a short ball came over. Ho then hit it a tremendous blow and was at the net in a flash. Crossing to England he won the South of England championship and 12 successive tournaments, being undefeated in singles. Satoh spent the winter of 1931 in Australia, whore he played Jack Crawford three times and beat him once. Returning to England in 1932 to study economics, Satoh allowed himself time to play at Wimbledon, where 'his extraordinary range of ground strokes and crisp volleys and his highly- effective overhead strokes aroused general admiration. He had toured in Australia and in the United States. He was champion of Japan and had led the Japanese Davis Cup team since 1931.

LOVED BY ALL LONDON, April 6. Leading) tennis figures pay a tribute to Jiro Satoh, who committed suicide by drowning. La. Coste says: “We all deplore the loss of this magnificent player. Everybody loved .and appreciated .Satoh, He was a perfect gentleman. Japan has suffered an irreparable loss.” *