The Waterbury Democrat., 1942-07-21
TENNIS SEASON GIVEN IMPETUS
 BYLATIN STAR
Francisco Segura Sells Schroeder on Forest Hills
 Meet Next Month
BY JACK CUDDY

NeW Hork, July 2l-(UP)-The U. 8. Lawn Tennis association poohbahs should remember Senor Franctsco Segura in their prayers each night for two major reasons:
 O The two-handed swatter from Ecuador has rescued the current tennis season from a serious threat Of the doldrums; @ the chocolate comDlected Spanish-Indian from ouayaquil has sold Fred Schroeder Of Glendale, Calf, the Idea of com peting in the national champion ships at Forest Hills next month.
 Young Segura, who has been nick-named "Pancho" by his ad- mirers - prob ply because he blankets the court--is very "happ- ee" about the whole thing, particu- larly the Schroeder affair. Pancho regards this az masterpiece Of sood-neighbor diplomacy. He pulses good-ncighborlincss, and nothing would please him more than to re- lieve U. s. tennLsers of the burden Of carrying around the mems na- tional singles crown. And he has an excellent chance of being the first Latin American to turn the trick.
 Successful to Date
 Ecuador'S 2I-yC Told ambassador Of goodwill was discussing the Schroeder affair last night while relaxing at his hotel after five weeks Of strenuous tennis - five weeks of surprisingly successful campaigning. The diminutlve l47- pounder with the blue-black hair and glittery black eyes mentioned a conversation he had with Schroe- der, who was ranked No. na- tionally just before the eastern clay courts championships opened July II at the Jackson Heights club.
 "Thees Schroeder is kceding me about the national champecnships, Scgrua explained. He says maybe he don't play in the nationals be- cause the competeeshun is so punk and 1t means nossing If he wecns. say I am playecng in the na- tionals. He say-so what? say l Weel show you 50 what in thees clay courts tournee. I showed him go what in the final Sundce. And now Meestcr Schroeder must play In the nationals"
 Indeed, little Pancho showed Schroeder and the tennis world generally Sunday as he walloped the Californian in four sets to take the eastern clay courts title. His performance was sensational against the intercollegiate champion and Stanford graduate who was consid- cred the amateur game's most dead ly attacker. Schroeder's attack melted under the explosiveness of Hegura'B two handed baseball swings and the perpetual motion of his offcnse. He played like Henry Armstrong used to fight. Schroeder had been a heavy favorite. although Rancho had won three tournaments in the three previous weeks, taking the tri-state at Cincinnati, the Brooklyn championship and the New Jersey state.
 Greatly Improved
 Segura, who was sent to this country by his government year ago to play tennis and study busi- ness management at Miami GDla.) university, is vastly improved over last summer. This Improvement. he explains, Is due largely to coaching he received at Miami U. from Mer- cer Beasley, nationally known ten his teacher. and Gardnar Mulloy. the No. 2 U. s. amateur player.
 Segura says he practlced three times a day during most Of the fall and winter. He improved his back hand and service, but particularly his anticipation.
 Now l feel where the ball will be hect, instead of theenklng where 1t will go." he said.
 The doublc-gripping whirlwind from Ecuador will add vest and dol lars to tournament play for the rest of the season--a season that pre- viously lacked lustre because 10 many top-flight performers had gone into the services. He will rest this week during the Seabright tourney and will compete at South ampton. Rye and Newport before challenging in the nationals at For est Hills, starting Aug. N.