TURN PROFESSIONAL

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1935, Page 5

TURN PROFESSIONAL

THREE LEADING TENNIS PLAYERS. ALLEGED CABLE FROM F. J. PERRY. By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 11 p.m. New York, Jan. 4, Mr. O’Brien announced to-day that F. J. Perry, Miss Helen Jacobs and Mrs. Fearnley Whittingstall, three of the world’s best tennis players, are almost certain to turn professional. Contracts have been prepared. Mr. O’Brien said his offer to Miss Jacobs called for her to receive 20,000 dollars for a tour beginning on March 21. Mr. O’Brien said a fortnight ego he offered Miss Jacobs 15,000 dollars and she asked for more. On Wednesday he cabled' a 20,000 dollar offer. "I know that was what she wanted and know she will accept,” he said. “I mailed a contract to her.” Mr. O’Brien declared that Mrs. Fearnley Whittingstall, formerly Miss Eileen Bennett, had accepted an offer of 10,000 dollars. He indicated that Perry would sign. Mr. O’Brien said his representative on the Pacific Coast, Mr. Silas Masters, had received a cable on Saturday from Perry asking Mr. Masters to have the contract ready when he arrived at San Francisco on February 23. Perry will receive 40,000 dollars. Mr. O’Brien said none of the three had signed contracts but he was satisfied that all would relinquish their amateur standing within a few weeks.