The Washington times., 1921-09-04
JAPAN'S TENNIS
STARS BROUGHT
TO LIGHT HERE
Ed Gee Discovers Kumagae, and
Full Announces Shimidzu as
Conner Several Years Ago.
BY BRYAN MORSE.

Wv moved from the scene OF
the Davis cup matches at
Forest Hills, L. l., where the Japs
strove so valiantly against Tilden,
Johnston, Williams and Washburn,
the mere fact that Ichiya Kumagae
and sZenzo Schimidzu played for
Japan is Of more than passing in
terest. Out Of Washington more
than five years ago came the dis
covery Of Kpmagae. Out OF Wash
angton three years ago came the
announcement that japan would
produce another sterling player in
Schimidzu. IN
While a resident of Manila. the late
Edward s. Gee. former Washington
man and q member of the old lie Droit
Tennis Club, wrote Harold Doyle that
Japan had a wonder tennis player in
Ichiya Kumagae.
Gee wrote that Kumagae would
rank with the leading racqueters in
the United States, and that II given
an opportunity woulo surely prove his
worth.
Shortly after Kumagae visited, and
while 1t was q lean tennis year. proved
conclusively that he was to be con-
sidered dangerous factor, Kumagae
gained number four In the ". 8. N.
l.. T. A. rankings and literally cleaned
up In tournaments galore.
VIII Go Back Home.
Kumagae. 1t Is annonced, win re-
turn to Japan within month. He
has made a host of friends, and as a
representative Oh the Afitsubichi.
GOSH, CASH Company. appears to
have done a world OF business
Gees criticism Of Kumagae's game
held to the last. The Washington
man said Kumagae had developed the
English back court game to a high
degree. was weak at the net. and his
service was not as forceful as the ma
5ority of first rate American players.
Kumagae explained this weakness,
Ny relating how he was compelled TO
practice with soft rubber play balls
instead Of regular tennis balls. Six
or seven years back regulation tennis
balls In the Far East were unusually
scarce.
Announced Shimidzu.
Three years ago sIanoru Full. at.
tached to the Japanese legation here,
was playing with s. Kashio, the other
japanese representative OF the Davis
: Cup team.
Fujii. a great athlete in Japan ten
years ago. was the first man TO vault
twelve feet with a bamboo pole. His
use OF bamboo led to the discard OF
spruce poles. and the general adoption
OF the bamboo stick with the result
that poIevaulting records went sky.
yard by more than foot and a halt.
Kumagae was the topic of conver.
sation between Kashio and Fujii,
which led to the announcement by
Fulfil that America would see in year
or SO another Japanese star Zenzo
Shfmidzu, who would be quite the
equal Of Kumagae with enough com.
petition.
Played in India.
1--WE have In India now" said Fulfil.
"a player who will make his mark.
His name is Shimidzu. and he is cap
able of playing fine tennis II he gets
competition in high-class tournaments.
Shinidzu has defeated all of the best
players in India and is expected TO
come here in a year or So"
Shimidzu's showing at Wimbledon.
his performances in the tournaments
this spring and his recent showing at
Forest Hills. l.. l.. when he ran the
redoubtabie Tilden ragged. are fresh
in history.
Gees announcement to Rol Doyle
several years ago and the mention
OF Shimidzu by his countryman
Fugii- in this city are believed to be
the first mention Of the players in
the tennis world.
Came From Nowhere.
Outside OF Kumagae and shimidzu.
Japan Is not possessed of strong
players AS in everything else the
Japanese are making rapid. strides
in athletics. particularly tennis and
baseball.
Until recently tennis balls We're
hard to obtain. They have standard
ixed. however. and racquefs have
been brought out to the point where
they are getting to be on a par with
American and English bats"
The fact that Kumagae and Shi,
midzu waded through the best tennis
players to get a chance at the Davis
Cup has caused more than a com
ment In tennis circles In this country.
They came, they saw and while
they didn't conquer they left a trail
Of upsets and were greatly feared
whenever they took the courts.
CARNEY MAY NOT BE LOST
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