TENNIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 207, 14 June 1933, Page 6

TENNIS.

DAVIS CUP CONTEST.

AUSTRALIA IN SEMI-FINALS

(United Press Association—Copyright)

(Received This Day, 8.50 a.m.) LONDON, June 13,

In the quarter-finals of the European Zone of the Davis Cup contest, Kirby (South Africa) defeated V. McGrath (Australia) 6-8, 6-0, 6-4, 6-2; J. B. Crawford (Australia) defeated Robbins (South Africa), 6-4, 6-1, 6-o.' Australia thus won the tie by three matches to two, and will meet Japan in the semi-final of the European zone. Kirby led 4-2 in the first set, when McGrath rallied and won the set, but m the second set the South African, playing with great dash, bustled McGrath, forcing him to make mistakes, and won in jjh minutes. Kirby’s severe service, coupled with beautiful sweeping forehand drives, enabled him to win the next two sets and the match comfortably. This made the scores awo all.

Crawford quickly set Australia’s fears at rest,, however. He immediately found touch against Robbins, winning the first set easily, using much underspin and forcing his opponent into errors. Robbins won the first game in the second set, but Crawford won the next 12 games in a row for the match. Robbins retrieved gallantly, but was unable to take the offensive. Crawford gave a really masterly display, winning the match in only 50 minutes.

Crawford has not been defeated in a singles match since he lost to Hughes at Bournemouth a week after-his arrival. He lias successively beaten Bousus, Satoh, Cochet, Kirby and Robbins without the loss of a set and with the loss of only 30 games. This is a remarkable record considering the variety of opponents, courts and conditions.