New-York tribune., 1919-08-05

greatest players this country has p1
At the end of long day of
thirty seven, all the favorites comm
Craig Biddle, chairman of the
tournament committee, said to-day
INIT he hoped to have Norman Brookcs,
Gerald Patterson, Randolph Lycct. and
P Y. Thomas. the "Aussies," on the
courts on Wednesday. Latest reports
| rad them still tossing about on the
Atlantic. on board the Adriatic
Late in the afternoon there was a
stir on the clubhouse veranda when
voung man, red of hair, freckled and
rcddv OF face and with an infectious,
boviSh smile. sauntered out on the
No. court and began to bat the BALL
around with young Joseph Hartman.
"Why, he hasn't changed bit. I'll
bet ho can play as we'll as ever" sad
one Of lie onlookers, and that seemed
to express the prevailing opinion of
the spectators AS they watched
California Comet for it was he in
deed
Easy Match for Comet
McLoushiin romped through his
match with Hartman By a score Of
l..
while he played | made note of few
changes in the former champions game.
] DO not say hat these changes arc
permanent, for Mclaughlin only
stepped oil the train and on TO the
courts to-day, and, besides, Hartman
Afforded so little opposition that it was
impossible for the great Californian
to let loose with anything like his real
power. But this is what | took partic-
ular notice Of:
In the first place, McLoughlin's best
stroke and most effective point-wlnning
shot as he played this afternoon, was
his forehand drive through deep court.
The ball carried world of top SPIN. so
that Ped Mac" could lean ell his
weight behind the stroke and still keep
fbo bail within the court confines. He
fairly burned up the court with this
forehand drive, The ball travelling low
over the net and dropping into Harri-
mans court fast.
Fer those who are wondering how
Mclaughlin is going to fare in the
national champ pionship singles at the
West Side Tennis Club at the end of
this month this fact may prove Of
interest; that the Comet" always
noted for the power and dynamic
qualities of his overland play, seems
20 have curbod his inclinations in that
direction and has turned his attention
The ground strokes in which he was
.ormcrly lacking, in the fullest sense
OF the word
No. 10 say that Mclaughlin cannot
Vsey, serve or smash any more with
he spectacular effects we grew to mar
vei Il some four or five years ago
rhen the Comet ruled the world of
lawn tennis. but certainly he did not
aa anything sensational overhead to-
c4y.
As matter Of fact the former cham
pion's service vas really mild when
compared to the bullet delivery Of men
IKE TNde1. Davis or Murray. and he
oaiy smashed lobs twice in the match
and beth times went out Of court.
Lacking in Old Speed
This is not to be wondered az con-
sidering that Mclaughlin still had his
',raia legs and had not had a recque-
~ his hand for seeral days. but there
va not that former inimitable whirl
{. The racquet above the head nor
tina. same superlative speed of stroke
that used to make him the terror Of
he courts and brought about the de-
1eat OF the mighty Brookes at Forest
Hills in 1911.
The Califoraian's backhand ground
stroke was not showing to advantage
to-day, aud many times he dropped the
ball into the net. but his volleying
vas better than good, and he seemed
able still to soften his stroke at will.
10 drop the ball Just over the net with
inose delicate stop volleys.
IN the third round Mclaughlin will
le called uDon to face either Lycett or
'oshol and then we shall see just how
mach OF the once unbeatable game re-
HAIRS with the "Comet."
Uatil then let US withhold final judg
Ment, for it is certain the Coast star
was not trying this afternoon.
OF his championship days in his match
with Josiah Wheelwright. of Boston,
winning by score Of 6-1, 6-3, 6-3.
The man who defeated Mclaughlin for
the national championship on these
courts in 1914 and who won thc title
Tor the second time at Forest Hills in
I9l6, paid no attention to the score,
but confined all his attention TO shoot
ing straight for the lines and the open
inss. The smaller the opening the
more delighted Williams appeared when
ne sent the ball through for the win
nlng ace.
Williams Developing Game
That same unorthodoX yet deadly
"l'llams's whole body turning with the
stroke and the arm held close against
tle body, was in evidence, and going
iairly we'll too. The Bostonian was also
''gAy as spendthrift with his services.
lacre being no slackening in speed on
.she second bali, hence many double
faults.
But see many encouraging signs
ABOUT Williams's game. He is develop
ing very gradually. taking care that
every stroke shall improve at the same
tpate, so that when the great test at
Iofcst Hills arrives he will be pre-
pared to give Of his best. A player
VINO tries to hit the mark as unerringly
- Goes Williams must necessarily come
s'ohg more slowly toward perfection.
Johnston played Il peculiar match
against j. W. Foster, local star, win
ajihg at 8-6, g, Is. The little
way court champion did not look
nearly as formidable as he did some
Mfse weeks ago in Chicago and later
e. Longwood. when he conquered Will
ans ,sms. But the Californian was plain;y
ling 10 take matters easy and grad
sa'iy work up his tremendous hitting
International League