SUICIDE OF SATOH

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 83, 9 April 1934, Page 7

SUICIDE OF SATOH

RELUCTANT TO GO PERSUADED AGAINST WILL NL 'VOUS BREAKDOWN. ,By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) KOBE, April 6. That Satoh committed suicide is confirmed. The captain of the Hakonc Maru states that the ship was searched fruitlessly. Satoh’s fiancee reveals that Satoh jokingly threatened suicide in the event of being forced to prpccsd to Europe. Satoh refused selection and was finally persuaded against his will, knowing that he was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. BRITISH TRIBUTES one of finest players. “A PERFECT GENTLEMAN.” Received April 7 7.5 p.m. LONDON, April 6. Satoh’s death has greatly shocked lawn tennis circles and leading players pay him tribute. Perry, in an interview, said: “Japan and the game have lost one of the finest players and greatest sportsmen who ever walked a court.” Austin said: “He 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.” 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.” THE JAPANESE TEAM [ MIKI APPOINTED CAPTAIN. TOKIO, April 6. The Tennis Association has decided to substitute Ryuki Miki, now in Lon- ' don, for Satoh, and not send anyone ’ from Japan. Miki will be playing . captain instead of non-playing captain • as previously arranged.

METEORIC CAREER. In 1929 Henri Cochct paid a lawn . tennis visit to Japan, and Jiro Satoh. then 20 years old, played with the distinguished visitor, was duly impressed, and. consciously or otherwise, proceeded to imitate the Frenchman. It was a good reproduction that he gave. There was a very ordinary service, no flourish, no great pace, but well placed. Satoh’s forehand was excellent; like Cochct, he pounced on a likely ball, hitting it clean and early, but, unlike Cochct, his average hit was harder. On the backhand the Japanese was more severe, and, indeed, superior to the original model. On the volley one I saw competent volleying from any part : of the court, but not the electric, the 1 daringly careless, variety that Cochet ’ gives. That sudden spring at a wide ’ passing ball on the forehand, the downward long lungo that just caresses the ball imparting back-spin and leaving • the ball “dead” near the net—this ! too. the Japanese could do. Satoh was a little man. an impassive one. with very broad jaw, and a slow walk between the rallies. Satoh, though not old, was the mainstay of Japanes tennis abroad. Last year he was ranked third in the world’s first ten, just below Crawford and Perry, and had a very successful time. He defeated Perry and Austin, was in the semi-finals at Paris and Wimbledon, and reached tho final or the Wimbledon doubles against Borotra and Brugnon. defeating, amongst other teams, Perry and Hughes. Crawford beat him in the Wimbledon semi-final, 6—3, 6—4. 2—6, 6—4, but in the Davis Cup Satoh beat Crawford , 3—6, 6—3, 6—l, I—6, 6—2. Satoh was in the final of the Japanese singles in 1930, won the singles in 1931, and was beaten by Nunoi in the final last season, 5—7. 6—2, 2—6, 6—4, 6—l. Few people, incidentally, have been able to defeat him in less than five sets during tho last year. Satoh won tho Cczchoslovakian singles in 1931, reached tho semi-final of tho French championship, carrying Borotra to five sots, and was in" the last eight at Wimbledon. Borotra boat him at Wimbledon by three sets to one. Satoh also represented Japan in the Davis Cup, and in 1932 went to Australia with a Japanese team. Here ho defeated Crawlord. 6 —2, 4—6, B—6. At Wimbledon Austin beat him in the semi-final, 7—5, 6—2, 6—l. That year he was ranked ninth in the world, concluding the season with a victory over Vines at Loa Angelos. On his way homo Satoh won the Greek singles am; doubles.