HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LAVER-RIESSEN MATCH WITH NATURAL SOUND THROUGHOUT.




Initials GHB/V/CT/EEH


SPORT: TENNIS
EDITORS NOTE: THIS FILM IS FOR USE IN REGULARLY SCHEDULED NEWS PROGRAMMES ONLY.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: RAIN AGAIN DELAYED THE START AT THE WIMBLEDON OPEN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN LONDON TODAY (FRIDAY) AND PLAY WAS NOT POSSIBLE ON MOST OF THE UNCOVERED OUTER COURTS. THE CENTRE COURT SPECTATORS SAW AUSTRALIAN ROD LAVER, THE WORLD'S LEADING PROFESSIONAL PLAYER AND FAVOURITE FOR THE FIRST OPEN WIMBLEDON, BEAT MARTY RIESSEN OF THE UNITED STATES 6-4, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.

RIESSEN, FIFTH IN THE CURRENT AMERICAN RATINGS, WAS CONSOLED IN DEFEAT BY THE FACT THAT HE TOOK THE SECOND SET OFF LAVER. THE AMERICAN COULD SELDOM COMPETE WITH LAVER'S POWER-PACKED SERVICE AND ACCURATE VOLLEYING, BUT HE PUT UP A SPIRITED DEFENCE.

RIESSEN, WHO REACHED THE QUARTER-FINALS AT WIMBLEDON IN 1965, COMES FROM EVANSTON, ILLINOIS.