DEATH OF TENNIS STAR

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19768, 9 April 1934, Page 7

DEATH OF TENNIS STAR

HIGH TRIBUTE TO JIRO SATOH DEEP REGRET AT TRAGIC PASSING United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, April 6. The death of Jiro Satoh, the leader of the Japanese Davis Cup team, greatly shocked tennis circles. F. J. Perry, in an interview, said: “Japan and the game had lost one of the finest players and the greatest sportsman who ever walked a court. H. W. Austin said Satoh was Japan’s finest player. He always gave the impression that he would be the last man on earth to come to such an end. Rene Lacoste (France) 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.” INDO-IRISH TRADE. NEGOTIATIONS IN LONDON. British Official Wireless RUGBY, April 6. The trade negotiations between the Irish Free State and the Government of India opened in London at the office of the Irish Trade Commission. The secretary, Mr Dulanty, says that the possibilities are being examined of developing trade by tariff preferences. The meetings are the sequel to conversations during the Ottawa Conference. THREAT OF SUICIDE. NEW LIGHT ON SATOH’S CONDITION. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright KOBE, April 6. Satoh's suicide is confirmed by the Hakone Maru’s captain, who states that the ship was searched fruitlessly, Satoh’s fian'cee reveals that he jokingly threatened to commit suicide in the event of being forced to proceed to Europe. Satoh refused selection but was finally persuaded against his will, knowing he was op. the verge of a nervous breakdown.

Jiro Satoh, the eminent Japanese tennis player, was born in Tokio in 1908, and educated ;.t the Waseda University there. Taking up lawn tennis when a youth, he played for his university team with considerable success. Going to France in 1931, he made a great impression by his cool but vigorous play in the French championship contest. He took the first two sets against Gentien, 6-0, 6-1, and stood up well to Borotra, but was eventually beaten. He differed from Western players in the total absence of expression on his face. Whether winning or losing he 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. His method was to move about at the back of the court playing good length, medium-paced shots tirelessly until a short ball came over. He 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 twelve successive tournaments, being undefeated in singles. Satoh spent the winter of 1931 in Australia, where he played Jack Crawford three times and beat him once. Returning to England in 1932 to study economics, he allowed himself time to play at Wimbledon, where his extraordinary range of ground strokes and crisp volleys, and is highly effective overhead strokes, aroused general admiration. After beating the American, S. Wood, he became the first Japanese semi-finalist since his compatriot Shimidzu, astonished Wimbledon by his brilliancy. He was beaten, however, by H. V. Austin, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.