The Washington times., 1920-09-03


Nearly every nation is repre3"nted
by one or more southpaws who rank
among the top-notchers in tennis.
Greatest OF them all in cent years
has been Norman II. Brookts, the
Australian, who has held practically
every international honor tnat 1t i3
possible for a tennis player to earn.
Among lefthanders who nave won
the highest crown obtainable in sin
giles on American courts have been
Beals c. Wright and Robert Lindlcy
Murray. Wright figured in interna-
tional matches as Davis Cup player.
both in singles and doubles, with con-
spicuous distinction, besides gaining
the national championship in singles
in 1906 and three times in doubles
with three different partners. Lind
ley Murray's whirlwind game won
him the national patriotic tourna-
ment in 1918.
BROOKEs BEST EVER
Brookes' game at it's best is prob
ably the smoothest and best rounded
ever developed by a lefthander, and
volumes have been written about his
accuracy. court Eeneralship and un-
canny power of anticipating his OPP
ponent's moves.
Brookcs' service is always well
placed and, though not of the cannon
ball variety, nevertheless has great
power. 1t travels sometimes with al
most express train speed to the most
inaccessible corners and. on the other
hand, sometimes with a slow break
tha at is tantalizingly deceptive.
He drives well from both his back
and forehand. and his wonderful vol
leying at the net is perhaps his most
effective weapon of all, Though past
the zenith of his power as single
player, Brookes is still without su-
perior In the doubles game. He is a
court tactician among million.
Dwight f. Davis, donor of the Davis
Cup, and twice winner of the highest
national honors in doubles with Hol-
combe War. is another of the most
distinguished southpaws on America s
list.
kUMAGEE Is ANOTHER.
Among the left-handed luminaries
of other nations Ichiya Kumagee has
developed a powerful back court game
which is capable of upsetting all but
the very greatest of this country s
players.
s. Howard Voshell is still another
left-hander with the native ability
to raise himself to great heights.
Voshell has his days when his game Is
literally unbeatable. but he is not
among the most consistent of the top
notchers.
A southpaw well known in this
country, but who has been scintil-
lating on European courts, is Louis
Raymond, of the South African team.
One of the most daring aviators on
the western front during the war this
youngster, when peace made sport
possible, proved to be one of the
greatest of lawn tennis players.
The South Africans were aware that
Raymond was clever. but his loop
left-hand drive, sizzling with top-spin,
was a surprise to the English. He
eloped with a championship or two
last year. and II took one of the best
to eject him that time. Els duel with
Dean Athey, of this country, In 1919,
was ono of the great games of the
meeting.
Rayond H. a graceful player, with a
command OF all shots and ineNhaustt
| BILE determination. If he has a weak
ness, apart from lack OF experience,
II is q tendency for gallery play. But
this is not serious frailty, and II
will be no great surprise to the ex-
ports II one OF these days--not this
year. but in 1921 or Raymond
of johannesburg reaches very near
| the top OF the heap.