HANDBALL GETS A NEW CHAMP

In the handball world Fireman Vic Hershkowitz of Brooklyn is variously known as The Monster, The Octopus, The Tiger and other nicknames denoting invincible prowess. During his lengthy career the 37-year-old Hershkowitz has won 16 national titles playing from one-wall to four-wall handball. But when he walked on to the cement-and-glass court of the Los Angeles Athletic Club for the finals of the National Four-Wall Handball Championship, Vic Hershkowitz was a badly mauled "monster." His right knee, ankle, wrist and elbow were taped while his opponent, business-machine salesman Jimmy Jacobs of Los Angeles, was a well-muscled youngster of 24.

While Hershkowitz's attractive wife Dora (above) sat among the spectators, cheering and grimacing, Jacobs skillfully capitalized on his opponent's condition, made the fireman keep moving. The salesman's steady game and his fine use of the rear wall brought him victory over the sagging "octopus" in two straight games, 21-20 and 21-7.

HERSHKOWITZ'S WIFE DORA (LOWER RIGHT) CHEERS SPOUSE

SHE BECOMES CONCERNED AS JACOBS PUTS ON MORE PRESSURE

SHE PLUCKS LIP NERVOUSLY AS HERSHKOWITZ BEGINS TO WEAKEN

HANDS TO BROW, SHE WATCHES TIRED HUSBAND LOSE TITLE

HEAVILY BANDAGED HERSHKOWITZ GETS SET FOR RETURN

MUSCULAR JACOBS AWAITS A BALL COMING OFF THE REAR WALL

JACOBS BENDS DOWN AND PUTS AWAY A LOW BOUNCING BALL

WEARY WINNER JACOBS HUGS SMILING LOSER HERSHKOWITZ

EIGHT PHOTOS

PHIL BATH