LOSS TO TENNIS

Southland Times, Issue 22294, 9 April 1934, Page 5

LOSS TO TENNIS

SATOH’S TRAGIC FATE TRIBUTES BY BRITISH PLAYERS A GREAT SPORTSMAN (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) London, April 6. The tragic death of Jiro Satoh, the famous Japanese tennis player, has greatly shocked tennis circles. F. J. Perry, interviewed, said Japan and the game had lost one of its finest players and one of the greatest sportsmen who ever walked on a court. H. W. Austin said Satoh was Japan’s finest player and always gave the impression that he would be the last man on earth to come to such an end. Rene Lacoste 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.” A message from Kobe states that Satoh’s suicide is confirmed by the Hakone Maru’s captain, who states that the ship has been searched fruitlessly. Satoh’s fiancee reveals that Satoh jokingly threatened to commit suicide in the event of his being forced to proceed to Europe. Satoh refused selection, but was finally persuaded against his will, knowing he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.