Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-21

~ ARTS, July 81 CP).-America's
erstwhile Davis Cup captain,
Big Bill Tilden, has been forced
i to the side lines by ineligibility,
at least for the interzone finals.
But his spirit as weel as the result of his
teachings have left sufficient impetus
10 make the United States still la fornni-
dable competitive factor in Davis Cup
play.
The sweeping brace of triumphs over
the Italians in the opening day Of inter-
zone play not only virtually assured
the Yankees place In the challenge
round against France week hence with
or without Tilden, but produced new
singles sensation in Smiling John Hen
nessey.
The Indianapolis youths overthrow
of the much feared Baron H. j. de
Morpurgo in straight sets, 6-4, Is,
summate strategist and stroking ma
chine close to the standard of Rene La
Coste of France.
Tilden's Coaching Helps.
Tildens counsel and coaching are
credited with much of HenneSsey's i'm
provement this year as well as the
strategy the Indianian used in yester-
days star match, following Francis
T. Hunters sweeping triumph over Pla-
cido Gaslini, also in straight sets, 81,
81, Go.
AS Big Bill himself put it: Take no
credit away from HennesSey. He may
have been well advised as to generaiship
and type of game, but only his own
efforts and braininess put 1t over"
"Hennessey's play was superb in every
particular, especially in view of the fact
that he had to pull himself out OF
bad holes in the first two sets. We
always have known John as a fighter
Of the gamest sort under fire, but he
showed rare grit and steadiness yeSter-
day in the crucial moments, upsetting
the Baron's attack and battling him
with crafty change Of pace.
DE Morpurgo undoubtedly was af-
fected by his fall in the second set when
he was going well. He was more badly
hurt than was indicated. but I doubt
whether this affected the result by
more than two games. The breaks on
line decisions were about even although
the baron appeared more upset than
John over them"
Earns Critics Praise.
+ Echoing Tilden's sentiments. tennis
critics highly praised EenneSSey'S show
ing against the ace OF the Italian forces
whose hopes are all but dashed by the
result. They now must win all three
remaining matches to capture the tie.
Hunters almost fiawless display
against Gaslini likewise was note
worthy, but less important than Hen
nessey's as an index to American
strength because the Italian was
palpably below international competi-
tive standards. He was nervous and
erratic against Hunter, who dropped only
two games in three sets.
Only handful of fanS-leSs than
500 paid admisSionS-Saw the play.
French officials were disappointed. They
attributed the poor attendance largely
to the absence of Tilden. the principal
gate attraction. Big Bill was given a
big hand as he took his seat in the
stands while his former teammate and
protege. Vincent Richards. pounded
typewriter in the press box.
Tennis circles still were buZzing with
the possibility that Tilden would be
restored to good standing in time for
play in the challenge round. Officials
were interested but noncommittal as 10
the likelihood of new developments.
Reply Is Averted.
1t was understood that high French
their representations to the United
states Lawn Tennis Association to set
aside Tilden's disbarment pending fur
ther investigation, but nothing is to
be done pending a reply from the q.
S. L. T. A.. on the first French cable
cram requesting that this procedure be
followed
Tildsn was on today's program re-
gardless Of other developments. He was
scheduled to play an exhibition singles
match with Junior Coen after the third
interyone match, which found the
American doubles combination of Hen
nesSey and George Lott pitted against
De Morpurgo and Gaslini Regardless
Of the outcome of the doubles en-
counter, the final two singles matches.
De Morpurgo VS.. Hunter and GaSlini
VS.. Hennessey. viii be played tomorrow.
Towing. FIR IS. Central Auto Works.