New Britain herald., 1928-05-11
ITALIAN TENNIS
 TEAM BIG THREAT
Titled Roman and Partner Prin.
 Clpal Obstacle to America

New York, May 1liF-1t now ap-
 pears that q titled Roman and an am bideX'rous partner will compose the principal obstacles in America's | path to the challenge round against | France in the Davis cup competition
 Baron Hubert De Morpurso. whose social prominence heretofore has exceeded his tennis prowess. is the star of the new Italian menace Ills younger teammate, De Stefani. IS able 10 discomflt an opponent by shifting his racquet to either hand, but his strokes are not as potent as the baron's.
 De Morpurgo has been a Davi. cup performer since 1923. but not conspicuously so until last year when he defeated Cochet and forced La. cos'e 10 five sets. His recent defeat Of Gerald Patterson and Pat Craw- ford the Australian stars, is con- vincing proof of his skill
 Until last season the baron de- voted most of his competition to the French or Italian resorts of the wealthy. His forte seemed to be mixed doubles where the Italian scored notable victories with Molla Mallory. Eliza beth Ryan and Su- game Lcnslen. helping the latter de- feat Helen Wills and Charles Aesch- liman on the Riviera in 1926.
 The old order seems to be chang ing fast in the Davis cup world. Great Britain. first 10 contest for the trophy with the United States, hasn't been very serious factor since 1919. The long reign of the Ameri- cans came to an abrupt finish last September at the hands of the French. The 1928 contest witnesses the early elimination of Australia. third of the old Anglo Saxon trium. virate. by Italy.
 Lacoste, Cochet. Borotra, De Nor purgo and De Stefani take the head line attention that used to go 10 Brookes, Wilding. Mclaughlin, Lar ned and Parke, in the days before the war. and to Tiden, Johnston, Patterson, Anderson and O'Hara Wood since the big conflict.
 The Army and Navy both may take part in the Olympic battle of Amsterdam this summer.
 Under old Dick Glendon the Mid shipmen are developing a crew that will give Yale. Princeton. Columbia, Washington, California or any other college eight an argument for the right 10 represent the United States in the Olympic championship re- gatta. Annapolis gained this distinc- ton in 1920 and won. Yale did the. same thing in 1924. It will be inter esting to see whether either can re- peat
 Meanwhile the Army has an un- in the country and Q leading candi- date for the Olympic assignment. The Navy's suckmen. among others, stand between tho cadets and A Clean slate, but Lighthouse Harry Wilson and other football stars who tore through the Annapolis defense on tho sridiron last fall will be dif- lcult to stop.
 Not in many . big league season have there been as many sterling performances in the spring.
 Rockies such as Big Ed Morris of the Red Sox and Ed Brandt of the Braves have turned In some flashy work. but the spotlight has been chiefly monopolized by the veterans.
 Sam Gray has won six of hts first seven starts for the Browns. Chle and Shaute each has won i've out of six for Cleveland. Pennock has done the same for the Yankees while Grove and Walberg. the southpaw speed kings. are also the aces of the Athletics.
 Lucas of the Reds. Blake and Jones of the Cubs. Benton of the Giants and "Old Pete" Alexander of the Cardinals have furnished a few of the National Leagues pitching Sl