Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-23
IILDEN NOT likely
! TO Be RE|NSTATED
Funter Not Up to Form and
B May Lose Berth in Play
With Frenchmen.
ny ALAN ]. GOULD.
Associated Press Sports Editor.


PARIS, July 23.-The United States.
- result of its decisive vic
Berry over the Italians. has reached the
Davis Cup challenge round for the
ninth successive year. but for the first
time the Americans are conceded but
ksttle chance of winning the trophy.
Experts consider that whatever
chances the Americans have Of beating
the French in the finals. starting Fri
day, hinge upon the fieeting hope that
Big Bin Tilden will be restored TO good
Standing. at least temporarily.
But even with Tilden in the lineup
the Americans face a combination of
French strength which appears next to
impossible 10 overthrow this year or for
some years to come. Unless there is
some break in the French ranks. which
seems unlikely in view of the rising
young stars, they appear strong enough
20 repuiSe any threat now on the hori-
son.
While the team, without Tilden. per-
formed tmpreSSively on the whole in
sweeping the intsr-zone series, to ],
the opposition Was insufficient to offer
> conclusive test or raise American
hopes very high
John HenneSSey. figuring in three
victories IN as many days, replaced Big
Bill as the ace of American forces. but
smiling john" Stury and reliable as
he is. failed 10 impress oniookers as
more than capable Of giving a good ar
gument to such French luminaries as
Rene La Coste and Henri Cochet on
the basis Of comparisons offered in Eu-
Topcan plays thus far. Yesterday Hen
Messy. beat Placdio Gaslini, IS,
e-2. 60.
II Tlden is not reinstated HennesSey
vii be the bulwark of the American
attack at The end Of this week. Johns
ability 10 withstand three severe DAYS
play probably is better than Big Bills.
but the Indianapolis youth yesterday
IN beating Placido Gaslini in three sets
lacked the Steadiness which had char
acterized his previous play, although
that was cue, perhaps, to the fact that
there was nothing at stake.
Frank Hunter, though the second
ranking American player demonstrated
that he is not up to the top fight of
international singles play by losing a
hRrd-fought, f1ve-set match to Baron
Umberto de Morpurgo, 4-6. SIS. SIS.
SIS, SIS, the only American setback
Of the three Gays play. In past years
Hunters forte has been doubles with
TIlden as his partner. Now without
Big Bin" Hunter is like a ship with
out q rudder.
As result it is likely that George
Lott. the Chicago star, will be nomi-
mated for the second singles role in
the challenge round and perhaps may
bear the whole burden with Hennessey.
thus leaving the entire issue up to the
youthful Middle Western pair where
California or Philadelphia representa-
uves carried the responsibility ever
since the war.
Lott, who beat LacoSte in the United
States last Summer, has been showing
nne form. His play in the doubles
sparkied- The Chicago youths game.
when in complete working order, is
capable Of spTinging an upset. and il is
understood the American strategists are
N favor Of giving him a chance. He
baFtled Vincent Richards on even terms
n practice match yesterday afternoon.
Settlement Of the Tflden issue awaits
word from New York as to the action
OF the amateur rule committee of the
United States Lawn Tennis Association
on the French Tennis Federation's re-
quest that the American team captain
be permitted to compete in the cilaI-
lenge round The French holding their
first challenge round In history, are
somewhat bitter at the last minute
action disqualifying Tilden. which dealt
o blow TO public interest as well as
competitive prospects They consider
the situation q private American con-
trovergy but feel that the action might
wen have been postponed until after
the final tests.