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Show TILDEN TO QUIT AT END OF YEAR Big Bill Says He Is Playing His Last Season. "The year 1929 sees the end of my international tennis," writes William T. Tilden II, nine times ranking tennis ten-nis sta- of the United States and mainstay of American Davis cup teams since 1020, in Liberty. Announcing his retirement from International In-ternational competition, "Big Bill ' states lie will remain an amateur and continue to play tennis "as long as my two wobbling legs will function and my aged and enfeebled arm will swing, as long as my age-dimmed eyes can see a ball." Davis cup competition will know no longer the smashing cannon-ball service serv-ice and amazing all-around tennis of the greatest player of modern times. In the future, Tilden says, he will play as an Individual, not as a member mem-ber of any American team. "I have bad a grand time, but 1 must hereafter write and speak of my triumphs and failures In world tennis In the past tense, for I am through," the Phlladelphlan writes. "Not through with the game, but through with International competition. competi-tion. My future status will continue to be amateur. I have no thought or Intention of turning professional." Tilden, who has been ranked No. 1 In American tennis since 1020, has had frequent squabbles with the United States Lawn Tennis association, and spent the winter of 1928-20 In Involuntary Involun-tary retirement He makes humorous, but rather dignified, reference to his differences with the U. S. L. T. A. in announcing his withdrawal from International Inter-national competition. "I hope to be able to play for years In exhibitions at schools and colleges or In public parks where I feel I am aiding in the development of our future fu-ture champions. "Not only have I no chance but I have no burning desire to sit in the seats of the mighty in the councils of the U. S. L. T. A. My views are at variance with the traditions of the association but not with Its ethics. I fear I would want to see too much progressiveness and liberalism In its administration. I am for the players, first, last and all the time." |