LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 July 1929, Page 4

LAWN TENNIS.

WOMEN PLAY IN BARE LEGS. Two years ago the young South African lawn tennis player, Miss “Billie” Tapscott, set a new fashion by playing without stockings. At the time she had no followers. Indeed, the innovation which she introduced passed without attracting attention. This year, however, several of the girls have appeared in bare legs in the French championships i 1!, Paris, and when even Miss Helen Wills, the champion, followed the lead, ■ the fashion appeared to have been definitely established. Miss Wills said that she had played at home during the winter without stockings, and in warm weather their absence made for more comfort. The advantage claimed for the no-stock-ing dress is that it removes the necessity to wear suspenders, and that this makes for more freedom of movement. But Mrs. Grundy is shocked by the idea of competitors appearing in the All England championships at Wimbledon with bare legs, and it is whispered that the girls will be asked to put on their stockings. As a matter of fact, many of those who have adopted the fashion admit that they do not like it, and they will be glad of an excuse to return to their usual dress. . Every year the French championships gain more importance. The doubles event has just been decided, and again the French players have demonstrated their superiority. The American pair, W. Tilden and F. H. Hunter, reached the semi- * final, in which they were readily defeated by Rene Lacoste and Jean Borotra. , The English players, J. C. Gregory an I, G. Collins, were also beaten in tins round, their conquerors being H. Coc le and J. Brugnon. Cocliet was the outstanding player in the eompeti“ ion, „ \ he was on the losing side m the against Lacoste and Borotra. It w a great fight, however, the fifth going to eight-six.