The late JPR Williams has many claims to sporting fame and one of the more esoteric is that he played in the first ever Open tennis tournament when the distinction between professionals and amateurs was abolished.
Just turned 20, he was one of 32 players who lined up against the likes of Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Pancho Gonzalez, Roy Emerson and Fred Stolle at the first ever Open tournament which was held at the West Hants Tennis Club in Bournemouth on April 22 1968.
Alas, the fairytale ended there as he lost 6-3, 6-3, 6-1 to veteran Aussie Bob Howe, known as one of the best doubles players i...