New Britain herald., 1927-03-19
ID OPPOSE
 U. 5. IN TENNIS
German Team Proves to Be a Distinct Threat in Tournament

New York. March la TPD-- France, regardless of distinct Ger man threat that is being felt in many lines of sports, is almost certain 10 survive the clirlinations and be- come the challenger of the United States for the Davis cup as a re- suit of the draw.
 By their decisions to compete in the European zone, the French and German teams will have to settle their differences before they come to this country to meet the winner of the American zone division for the right to enter the challenge round.
 Next to France and possibly, Spain. the Germans have the strong est team in Europe and with better fortune in the draw they would have had better chance to get through to the final round but they will have to meet the big four Of France early in the eliminations and thetr chances are reduced that much by the lack of experience and prac- tlCe against weaker teams.
 Japan. Mexico. Cuba and Canada are to play in the American zone and although it is not known defl- nitely what kind of a team Japan will be able to muster, the Oriental team should triumph.
 But regardless of what team sur wives the American zone elimina tions. the French should find oppo- sition no stronger than q good work out In the final round and then will come the challenge round against the Americans.
 Dwight F. Davis. secretary Of war and the donor of the Davis cup has said he hoped France would win the cup from the American defcnd CTS because it would create more in terest by the encourageme it would give some of the smaller na- tions who felt they had no chance during the powerful days of Tildcn, 1 Johnston. Williams and Richards.
 In professional lines of sport the l expression of this hope would be l taken as an advance alibi because 1 It looks very much as if the cup has | been tagged for a journey to France l and once there 10 be put away for | an extended period of residence. |
 Since Winnie Richards turned pro- | f.ssional the burden Of the cup de- l fenSe will have 10 be carried by Til l den, Johnston and Williams and the 1 burden will not be supported by | young shoulders. They have reach- | ed the top of their games and Rene 1 Lacostc. Jean Rorotra, Henri Cochct l and Jacques Brugnon are just arriv- ing.
 Tilden has been training seriously l in Florida for q campaign with | which he hopes 10 restore the su- | premacy of ih" American game and | his friend, Manuel Alonso who has been playing with him thinks he will | succeed. and l expect 10 see him win tho two European classics and the American 1 championship" Alonso who has returned from the south said.
 If Tiidcn has the theatrical bug
  out of his bonnet and is back on his game and if his trick knee stands ID under the hard campaign ho has scheduled for himself, Tildcn may oc the means of prolonginc the resi- lnncc Of the cup in this country Tut { is almost q dead certainty that he end of the long American domi- lation of the international courts is 'pproaching if it already has not rriycd.
 From a patriotic angle. it might ,n thought trai'Orous to wish luck 10 he Frcch team but it would be a ,ood thing for international tennis lud Am erican spor'smanship if the l were defeated.
 For years foreign nations have ,een put to heavy travelling eN- ,onscs 10 contribute 10 the amuse- nent Of American spectators at tho challenge round matches. All the oreign countries got for their money vas bit of mention as q competitor md the sight of few uninteresting preliminary rounds.