Fahey closes book on Chisholm

Snow and a leaky roof delayed the final of the US Open Court Tennis Championships for four hours yesterday. But then the roof -- in the person of Australian Rob Fahey -- fell in on the defending champ, American Tim Chisholm.

When at last the 103-year-old concrete chamber at Boston's Tennis & Racquet Club was dry and playable, Chisholm, newly moved to Walpole from New York, bounded off to a 4-2 lead. However, the powerful and clever Fahey, the world titleholder since 1994 in the ancient sport, geared up to run five games, and carried off his 27th major, 6-4, 6-2, 6-2.

A 36-year-old with the rugged build of a light heavyweight prizefighter, Fahey was a dervish, whirling about the court, delivering husky volleys from anywhere and digging balls from inches-high spins into the corners. "He hits the ball 10 miles faster than anyone else, and keeps the pressure on you all the time," said Chisholm, the sport's No. 2. For an hour and 45 minutes (no rests), they prodded and pounded at each other, sending balls ricocheting over the net, sizzling strokes of remarkable angles that were played off the walls and roofs of the large, oddly-configured court.Bundled in overcoats, a crowd of about 25 was warmed, too, by the shotmaking in the game, which dates to the 14th century. BUD COLLINS