HOW SHIMIDZU TRAINS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 20056, 20 September 1920, Page 3

HOW SHIMIDZU TRAINS.

WATER HIS ONLY DRINK. Zcnzo Shiraidzu ibo new lawn tenuis “ star” from tho East, is ono of the most interesting personalities who have appeared in the game for years (writes H.R.M. in the “Daily Mail”). He learnt to play in Japan, where tho pastime is very popular, assiduously practised and studied the game in-Calcutta—-his present business headquarters—a ml is now pitting his knowledge and exc : cution against the leading players of the western world. In conversation with the. little Japanesc —ho spcaks_ good English— at Beckenham after his clover'victory over A. E. Beamish in the Kent championships, a “Daily Mail ” representative learned that Sliimidzu's only drink was' water. On this beverage he plays his hardest matches without any signs of fatigue. “ I do not even touch said ” (the Japanese national intoxicant), he said. “My meals—breakfast.''tiffin, and dinner—are all composed of Japanese foods. As to training, I do a,-fair amount of running—not hero; there is no'space — and Japanese fencing. “Yes, I shall play at Wimbledon and a. few other’meetings perhaps before returning to India, and next season may come over again. “My grip? 1 learnt that in Japan, where there arc a lot of players who hold their racquets in a similar fashion. There are, of course, others who favour the English grip. 1 have received no coaching at any lime, hut picked up tho game from follow players.” > Shimidzu is a. Tew mouths over twenty-eight years old. apd made his first appearance in English tournaments at the Gipsy meeting, Stamford Hill, last week. This is not, however, the first Ume lie has ■ played good lawn tennis in this country, having taken part in some charity matches a few seasons hack.