New-York tribune., 1920-07-12
IhrOck1r1ortOn
Loses in Final
OF Five Sets
Hunter Rallies for Victory
After 3-Hour Struggle,
10, 2--6, o., SO, 8---6

In one Of the most fiercely fought
matches Of the season, Francis T.
Hunter, of New Rochelle. defeated
Harold A. Throckmorton, New Jersey
State champion, and won the singles
lawn tennis championship of West
chester County yesterday afternoon,
on the clay courts Of the County Ten
mis- Club, at Hartsdale.
Hunter. dropping the first two sets
and then trailing in the last sat ID
and 3---5 on games, put up tremendous
uphill battle, finally taking the match
by score of 1--6, 2-6, 6-2, 8-6,
8--6. His victory over Throckmorton
was distinct surprise to the gallery,
for Throckmorton had been playing
some very brilliant tennis this season.
and it was figured that his strong vol
leying would overcome Hunters great
ground strokes.
Previous to his final round match
with Hunter, Throckmorton had met
and defeated William Rand at 81,
6la3, in the semi-hnal, and this match
gave him just enough exercise to put
him on edge for the championship
event.
"Throck" Lacks Condition
The New Jersey champion, however,
mas DccN ulO0T CeClQeO QlSdQVdntdR6
this summer, owing to the fact that his
playing has been Irregular because of
pressure of business, and he has not
had the opportunity to work. himself
into good physical condition by gradual
stages. In spite Of this, Hunter we'll de-
served his triumph, for it was his fight
ing finish that clinched the match for
him, and he grew better as the match
progressed, until at the end his terrific
forehand drives and crashing overhead
play were working havoc with Throck-
morton's defense.
In the first two sets the latter did not
experience great difficulty, getting up to
the net with such speed that he was
able to nip most of Hunters shots from
close to the net, and his handling Of
lobs was very accurate and decisive.
In the third set Throckmorton let down
a trife, evidently figuring that he held
safe lead, and Hunter took the set at
60.
When they came out after the rest
period and started the fourth set Hun
ter began his long battle that was to
end in victory. He began to charge the
net himself as he followed in behind his
service and his forehand drives, and
once near the barrier he more than held
his own with his opponent. Throckmor-
tons shots carried lots of speed, but
Hunters strokes had more power be-
hind them, and after the games had
gone to 6-all he broke through service
and then won his own. giving him the
set at 8-6 and squaring the match.
Weakened by Fast Pace
Throckmorton began to show signs
of the terrific pace in the fifth set. The
weather was scorching hot and they
had been on the court more than two
hours already The gallery was
larger than at any other time during
the tournament, and stayed to the end,
in spite of the heat. 1t was we'll re-
paid.
The men alternated on service in
winning their games, with every point
bitterly contested. 1t was a case of
furious drive and sharp volley, with
now and then a smash to thrill the
crowd, and the points were won and
lost quickly. The decisive break came
after the games had reached Gall, as
in the fourth set.
Throckmorton was no longer able to
gain the net position as readily as be-
fore and acted as though his leg
muscles had stiffened up. Hunter. on
the contrary, scenting victory at this
stage, played with bulldog tenacity Of
purpose and refused to be held back by
Throckm orton's desperate efforts to
keep him in back court. With final
burst of speed and tremendous hitting,
Hunter broke through and then took
the fourteenth game, for the set, at
8-6, and the match, after more than
three hours of play. Throckmorton
broke three racquets during the match.