The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-05-25
ATALK ABOUT TENNIS.


ne Cracks A-e On rheir 1Iessls ana a.,
Season Opens Wen.
In tennis circles the most expert players
are gathered into What Is known as the
upper ten. The rank varies each year
The committee on ranking appointed by
the president Of the National association
last year reported rhe standing of the play
ers as follows /, Hovey; 9, Larnad 9,
Chaces 4, Rowland. g. Wrenn- 6, Neel, 9,
hobart g. Stevens; g. F0ote; 10. Budl1ng-
OF these players Larned and Eoote vi u
be pitted against experts An England and
VIII probably not return to A merica before
the end Of the season Hovey and Hobart.
having married and settled down, win
probably play less than they did last year.
though HoveY viii defend his claim to the
1Iassaohusetts state championship. Ghaee.
Wrenn and Neel have announced their I'M
tention Of playing in fewer tournaments.
OF the experts Stevens and Rowland viii
be quite active, while such players az
Fisher. Paret and whitman VIII attempt
to I'll the places Of the older men who
have retired from active service. Their
style and methods differ very much. Righ-
ard Stevens for instance, persists IN re-
manning almost always on the service lsne-
Being possessed Of an iron constitution.
he is enabled 70 tiro his Antagonist ia &
i've SET match. Rowland is considered q
good all around player. He can lob, smash
and volley. has some good strokes and Is
elways cool He is looked upon as the
probable winner at Newport IN August
as he is perhaps the best player who VIII
remain actiTo lie the home 4old.
c. B. NeeL who last year defeated s. q.
Chaca in the western cham pi1uship games,
is one OF the best players in the west
When serving, he starts some ten feet be-
hind the line and hastens to the net to
meet the return, and also ad Fances when
rsarr7rr7fr, His rrar7rrg0r7t7- -nrwfr=
Arthur E Eoote is popular because OF
his good nature and kindly treatment Of
his antagonists.
Larned is noted for his long, swift drives
&c seems to play in lucky streaks In
England he will plsy in most Of the inns
portant events and wind up at Wimbledon
in the All England championship games
Larned ranks AS one OF the very best play
ers in this country, and it is possible that
he may. by defeating the English cracks
become champion of the world, for that is
practically what success in England
means
hobart Is another good player. His
'tLawGoEa'' st-1zo is famous and sc he
had a stronger cons5 itution he would prob
ably win nlore Ieursis-
A greater interest VIII be taken in
handicap tournaments. These offer es-
pecial encouragement to the young and
inexperienced players. The appointment
"a q ll-A-A-AA- "a a-i---7fA pay .--a $50
tate the subject Of handicapping with q
view to the general adoption Of the system
was wise move.
The game continues to grow IN favor
with the ladies, and their earnest aDpiica-
tioa to practice has developed not q few
feminine experts. Miss Atkinson, who
won the ladies' piouship for Che
United States lass year, is said to be 80 OK
cellent form for this seasons worE. aud
Miss Helwig and Miss Moore, who Lavo
distinguished themselves by uLaiz brilliant
playing, arc eager to struggle for further
honors.
From al parts Of the country thora
come reports OF unwonted activity among
the patrons Of the game, and it seems car-
tain thas the tennis record for 1895 viii
be one Of unua ual brillianoy.
". r. BRITTOE-