Omaha daily bee., 1908-02-16
BRITISH LAWN TENNIS PLANS
international Interest Likely to BE
Strong on English Courts
During Summer.

LONDON, Feb. 15-International interest
viii once more be paramount in lawn ten
mis- during the coming season, and the
competitions in the Olympic games should
be even more attractive to followers OF the
game than those for the Davis cup last
year. A strong. committee of management
has been formed. which includes among
others Messrs. A. E. Hickson. H. L.
Doherty. A. W. Gore. S. II. Smith and H
Roper Barrett.
The Olympic contests viii include covered
court as well as grass court competitions
and for each Of these there will be a
ladies' sfRlaes championship and mems
singles and doubles championships. Nomi-
nations may only be made by the countries
entering for the games, and each country
may enter twelve competitors for the
ladies singles. twelve for mems singles, and
six couples for mems doubles. Players will
not be allowed TO compete unless entered
by their country. The covered courts con-
tests have been fixed for May at Queens
club and the grass courts games win be
played at Wimbledon on. July G.
The championships at wimbledon this
year should provide magnificent sport n.
E. Brookes has expressed his intention Of
coming over again to defend his title. H
L. Doherty has definitely decided to make
.
Smith possibly competing as well there
should be some heroic matches. II Mr..
Brooks does make the journey. Australasia
who vanouished all opposition last year.
win probably be represented once more by
himself. A. F. Wnding (who. with Mr.
Brooks holds the doubles championship,
and very possibly. l. o. S. Poidevin. and
II these play in the Olympic games weil
they may add yet another success to last
years They will, however. have a harder
task than In 1907.
The United States has decided 10 enter
for the Olympic games. and it is to be
hoped that its representatives viii also be
seen IN the championships.
With regard TO the prospects OF our own
country 1905 should see a great improve
ment in the quality OF English lawn tennis
The English ladies. as usual. should gen
orally hold their own against an comers
in spite OF the fact that an American lady
holds the proud title Of champion. II Miss
Sutton changes her mind and returns to
these shores this summer she will fini
most OF her old opponents ready to take
the field. Mrs Lambert Chambers is un-
doubtedly our leading lady player at pres
ent. but she is run very close by Mrs,
Sterry (who alone defeated Miss sutton
last year, and by Miss Lowther These
three players VIII probably all be available
together with Mrs. Larcombe. Mrs. Luard,
Miss A. n. G. Greene, Miss Eastlake
Smith, Miss Pinclney. Miss Morton, Mrs
Hillyard and Miss Boothby also available
the selection committee should have no dif-
fieulty In getting a really strong team
All followers OF the game viii regret the
death OF Miss c. Meyer. who, with Mrs.
Hillyard. won the doubles championship
last year.
The prospects Of the success OF English
men are infinitely brighter than In 1907.
when, notwithstanding the pluclIy efforts
Of our Representatives. Messrs. Gore. Roper
Barrett and Eaves. We lost both the cham
piOnships and the Davis cup to Australasia.
II Is greatly hoped that r. F. Doherty.
whose magnificent play last year in the
London covered courts doubles champion
ships Is still fresh In the memory OF all
who saw Il, win follow his younger broth
er's example and play once more in ear
nest; there Is no player 50 capable Of re-
covering the championship for England as
he. should he enter. II Is unfortunately
doubtful il r. l. Riseley win be able to
play. However. A. W. Gore IN his ola
form. and Messrs. Roper Barrett Richie
and c. w. Hnlyard. the 'old brigade" on
whom the country has % often relied.
should hold their own with the best Of
TEEN.