In a close and hard-fought match at Wimbledon today (Wednesday 24 June) Australian professional Lew Hoad was beaten by El Shafei of the United Arab Republic i a preliminary section of the British Mens' Singles Championships. El Shafei won the first 2 sets 6-3, 6-3, Hoard the second 2 sets 6-4, 6-4, and El Shafei the decisive fifth set 6-1. Both men are unseeded.

The Centre-Court gallery was filled to overflowing as the two players took the court to begin their match. Serving first El Shafei had little difficulty in wining the first game, and went on to take the first set 6-3 using several deceptive double-handed returns, to counter early points by Hoad.

As the match entered the second set Hoad settled down but had difficulty countering the humid atmosphere which El Shafei was exploiting to make the ball swerve alarmingly, and finally lost it 6-3.

During the third and fourth sets Hoad applied the pressure and kept El Shafei on the run with a series of overhead lobs and sizzling "liners" to win them both 6-4, 6-4.

Already upset by several umpiring decisions, Hoad could not match his skilful opponent whose success increased with each game. El Shafei, took the decisive set 6-1 and the right to play Americas Arthur Ashe.