Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1919-08-26
Representative Gathering
of Players Makes Tour
ney for American Tennis
CroUn All International
PATTERSON THE STAR
BY SPICK HALL

FTNHE crowd that began to trickle
- through the gates early today to
see the most famous and skilled players
on the globe begin their struggle on the
turf courts were destined to behold
the beginning of the battle for the
worlds lawn tennis championship.
In n strict manner of speaking there
Is and never has been a worlds cham
pionship tournament, nevertheless the
representative gathering of players for
the annual meeting for the American
title this year virtually converts the
national tournament into ap all-iDter-
national one.
When Gerald L. Patterson, the Aus
tralinn. recently won the British crown
by defeating his countryman, Norman
A. Brookes, he won a title that carried
with it the championship of Europe and
Australia. The best continental play
ers were entered at Wimbledon, hence
in view of the fact that Brookes, Pat
terson, Lycett and Thomas are Austria
fasia's greatest quartet, Patterson is
recognized throughout the world as the
foremost player that is outside of
America.
The Worlds Champion
It is Just one more step in logical
deduction to Isach the conclusion that
IL the worlds best outside of the United
States is to meet Americas best the
winner must be considered the worlds
champion with the racket.
Judging by the sentiments expressed
at the clubhouse yesterday after the
matches were called off because of an
early morning rain, our own players
have the best chance Of coming through.
This opinion is not based on the fact
that the Australians are underrated,
but because American talent predomi-
uates numerically.
There are so many players of the
first magnitude that no one would wish
to pick an ultimate victor. however.
William NJ. Johnston, 1915 winner
r.. Lindley Murray, last years title
holder. and Bill Tilden are three who
stand forth as what might be termed
the leading favorites.
II Tilden could 30 the entire week
as he did the day he defeated Johnston
in the Newport invitation tournament,
he would be a sure winner, but no man
can keep up that pace for week.
Still Tilden may win, because it is not
necessary for him to go Mt top speed
to eliminate his rivals in the early
rounds.
Permanent Trophy
Besides playing for worlds title,
there Is something else at stake in this
tournament. Should either Norris Will
liams. of Philadelphia. who is entered
from the I,ongwood Cricket Club Of
Boston. or Maurice f. Mclaughlin win
the title, the victor would obtain per-
manent possession Of the American
championship bowl. Three champion
ships. not necessarily in succession
give the trophy to the winner.
Both Williams and Mclaughlin have
two legs on the trophy, the former
winning in 1914 and 1916 and thu
latter in 1912 and 1913. r. d. Sears
won the trophy outright twice, as ht
held the championship from 1881 tc
1887. inclusive. o. s. Campbell wo.
1t once with victories in 1S00-91 92
Robert ID. Wrenn captured the bow
1896 -97: w. d. Whitman has a bowl
TOO, won in 1898. 1900 and 1900.
Bill Iarned ties Sears for highest
honors with seven, each having wor
two bowls and one leg on a third
Larncd's victorious years were 1901
1902, 1907. 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911.
Some Field of Stars
No matter from what viewpoint tn,
contesting field of 12S players will b.
seen, it is certain that never before hav,
80 many tennis cracks been engaged il
one tournament. While on this subjec
Il Is well not to forget Ichija Kumagae
the Jap. who always has to be reckonet
with in any tournament. Unless hi
opponent can consistently drive to hi
feet or low back hand Kumagae is sur
to win any match.
When the little Jap is given tn
chance to use his favorite stroke.
swinging forehand, well topped drive
the point may be counted his, for h
not only has uncanny accuracy, bu
speed that virtually precludes the posi-
biffty OF return.
But it must be said of his weakness
that il he is once forced away from hi
driving game, he has little chance, as hi
net play is still weak in spite of hi
efforts to improve it.
Much has been written recently o
Gerald J.. Patterson's style of play
Most experts say that his play resem
bles Brookes's almost to a degree. Thi
is hardly true, in spite of the fact tina
Patterson himself says that Brookes ha
been his model during the last fey
i wears.
Brooches a SOuthpaw
Brookes is a left -hander and, there
fore, has eccentricities fserving, driv
ing and volleying that never can b
emulated perfectly by a right handler.
Although Patterson was only chill
when the Doherty Brothers were at tn
zenith Of that game, still the youn
Australians play resembles that of II
u. Doherty more than anyone else
4 III. i. won the American singles i
4 1903, beating Bill Larned in the chal
1enge round. Doherty, by the way, die
n several days ago. His brother, X. F
with whom he won the British an
American doubles, died 4 number {
years ago.
n Patterson's game resembles H.
Y Doherty's in three phases-seryic'
overhead and forehand driving. Pat
: berBon is powerful. almost bulky mar
Il Ne has a lot Of sting and break to hi
fast service. His forehand drives sr
low. swift and deep. a true Brit.s