NEW YORK. Mar 2: Bill Talbert, a star player who later became tournament director of the US Open, is-dead at age 80,vrep»rts AP. •_ । a 'A “I ^zetisnriwe^dAbtTTP ternational Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Islands-. Talbert died Sunday in his Manhattan home.

He was diagnosed al age 10 With diabetes. He was recognised as the first diabetic to compete In athletics at the highest international level.

He reached the Singles finals sat the’US^Ghampi.oiiships —; 6 iMerkrfo^rf rfe the US Open-—tn' 1944 and 1945 and the US Indoor Championships in 1948-51. He was ranked among the top 10 in the United States from

19 11 through 1955. and was a Malwart of the American Davis Cup team.

As a player, he starred in doubles, teaming with Gardnar Mulloy to reach the US doubles final Six times. winning in 1942. '45, ’46 and '48. He also captured the US Championship mixed doubles with Margaret Osborne four straight years — 1943-46.

Talbert teamed with Tony Trabert, another Hall ol'Famer. to win both the French and Italian doubles titles in 1950, and was US Daws Cup captain from 1953-57. defeating Australia to win the Cup In 1954.

Known as "Mr Tennis." Talbert was named director of the US Open Championships at Forest Hills and served as chairman and director of the Open from 1971-75. When the Grand Slam tournament moved to Flushing Meadows.