The Norfolk Virginian. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 186?-189?, 1896-05-27
4 TALK. AsouT TENNIS.
Tho Cracks Arc on Their Mettle and the
sensen Opens Well.

Senson Opens We'll.
In tennis circles the mos. expert players
are gathered into what Is known ns tho
upper ten. Tho RINK varies each year.
The committee OH ranking appointed by
tho president OF the National association
last year reported the standing Of the play
ers as follows: !, Hovey; 2, Larned; 8,
Chace; 4, Rowland; g. Wrenn;'G, Neol; {,
Hobart; g. Stevens; 9, Foote; 10, Buolong
OF these players Larned and Footo will
DO pitted against exports In England and
Will probably net return to America before
the emu OF tho season. Hoyey and Hobart,
having married and settled down, will
probably play less than they did Inst year,
though Hoyey will defend his clnim to the
Massachusetts state championship. Ghace,
Wronn and Neel have announced their in
tention OF playing in fewer tournaments.
or the expsrts Stevens and Howlsnd will
be quite active, whilo such players as
Fisher, Paret and Whitman will attempt
to Ill the places of the older men who
have retired from active service. Their
style and methods differ very much. Rich
ard Stevens, for instance, persists in re-
naming almost always on the service line
being possessed of an iron constitution,
he is enabled TO tire his antagonists in n
five set match. Rowland is considered a
good all around player. He can lob, smash
and volley, has some good strokes and is
always cool. He is looked upon rs the
probable winhcr at Newport in August,
Re he is perhaps tho best player who will
remain active in the home field
T.. b. Neel, who last year defeated S. T.
Chace In tho western championship games,
is one OF the best players in tho west
When serving, he starts some ten feet be-
hind the limo and hastens to the net to
meet the return, and also advances when
returning his opponents service.
Arthur IL. Foete is popular because of
his good nature and kindly treatment of
his antagonists
Larnea is noted for his long, swift drives.
DE seems to play in lucky streaks. In
England lac will play in most of the i'm.
portnnt events and wind up ut Wimbledon
IN tho All England championship games
Larned ranks rs one of tho very best play
ers In this country, and 1t is possible that
Ito may, by defeating the English cracks,
become champion Of the world. for that is
practically what SUCCESS in England
means. SO. = ~ .#
Hobart is another good player. His
"Lawford" stroke is famous, and II he
hna stronger constitution he would prob
ably win more laurels.
A creator interest will be taken in
handicap tournaments. These offer es-
pecial encouragement to the young and
inexperienced players. The appointment
of a committee of eminent players to nei-
tate the subject Of handicapping with
view To the general adoption of the system
was wise move.
The game continues to grow In favor
with the ladies, and their earnest applioa-
tion to practice has developed not q fow
feminine experts. Miss Atkinson, who
won tho ladies' championship for tho
United States lnst year, Is said to DO In ex-
callent form for this seasons work, and
Miss Helwig and Miss Moore, who have
distinguished themselves by their brilliant
playing, arc oager to struggle for further
honors.
From all parts of the country there
come reports of unwontod activity among
the patrons Of the game, and it seems Ger.
tain that tho tennis record for 1896 will
DO one of unusual brilliancy.
w. r. BRITToN.