New Britain herald., 1928-07-21
AMERICAN TEAM
 DEFEATS ITALY
John Hennessey Appears as New
 Singles Tennis Star


 While Davis cup captain, Big Bill"
 Illden has been forced 10 the side lines by ineligibility at least for the interzone finals but his spirit $ well as tn" result of his teachings have lett sufficient impetus to make the | United States still a formidable com- petitlve factor in Davis cup play. The sweeping brace of triumphs over the Italians Tn the opening day 1 Of lnterzone play not only virtually assured the Yankees place in the challenge round against France a week hence. with or without Tilden Dur produced new singles sensa- ton in smiling John Hennessey. The Indianapolis youths over throw of the much feared Baron H, l.. De Morpurso in straight sets, GA '-5. 6-2, revealed the American as consummate strategist and strok- ing machine close to the standard of Rene Lacoste of France.
 Tilden's counsel and coaching are credited With much of Hennessey's Improvement this year as we'll as the strategy the Indianan used in yes- terdays star match, following Francis T. Hunters sweeping tri- nnlph over Placido Gaslini, also in straight sets. 6-1. C-1, GO.
 But as Fig Bill' himself put it;
 Take no credit away from John, he may have been well advised as to generalship and type of game, but only his own efforts and brain work put it over.
 "Hennessoy's play was superb in every particular especially. in view Of the fact that he had to pull him sclf out Of bad holes in the first two sets We always have known John as a tighter of the gamest sort un- der fire. but he showed rare grit and steadlness yesterday in the crucial moments. upsetting the haron's at tack and hafilng him with crafty change of pace.
 De Mofpurgo undoubtedly was directed by his fall in the second set when he was going well.
 He was more badly hurt than was but l doubt whether this the result by more than TWO games. The breaks on line de | clslons were about even although the baron appeared more upset than John over them."
 Echolns 1lidon's sentiments. ten ms critics highly praised Hennesseys shoWlng against the ace of the Ital- lan forces. whose hopes are all but dashed by the result. They now must win all three remaining hla'ches to capture the tie.
 Hunters almost nawless display against Gaslini likewise was note. worthy but less important than Henncss"y's as an index to Ameri- ran strength because the Italian was palpahlv below internationa, competitive standards. He was n"rvons and cratic against Hunter who dropped only two games in hrec sets.
 Only handful of tans-less than 500 paid admissicne-saw the nJav ''' u 'hi,'" it' were 0lS1np0lnfrI, ! h"N attributed the poor attendance afSolE 10 the absence of Tildon, the "ea'c' attraction. "Rir Iall Was given 3 big hand as he ,ook hiG seat in the stands while his orh1"f team mate and protege. Vim 'ent Richards pounded a typewriter n the press box.
 Tennis circles still were buzz;ng Win the possibility that Tilden would he restored to good standing Il n72e for play in the challenge 'ound, Officials were interested but lon n-comnlt3l as 10 the likelihood of lew developments.
 lt was understood that high 'rench officials were cons,dorine their representations O the United States Lawn Tennis 'Sscclatlon to set aside Tilden's dis 'arn'"nt pending further investjgs- lon. but nothing is 10 be done rend- hs a reply from the T.. & l.. T. A. 'n the first French cahIeeram re. 'no7t'ng that this procedure be fol owed ll'den was on today's rrosram. egard'eTf of other developments. to ''ay an exhibition singles match