TENNIS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 179, 13 May 1935, Page 3

TENNIS.

DAVIS CUP MATCHES. LONDON, May 11. New, Zealand played Australia in the first round of the European Zone of the Davis Cup contest. The singles were played at Eastbourne to-day with the following results: J. H. Crawford (Australia) beat E. D. Andrews (New Zealand) 6-4, 6-4, 7-5. V. G. McGrath (Australia) beat A C. Stedman (New Zealand) 6-3, 6-2, The Australian Press Association says that everything went according to plan in Australia's first contest against her former Davis Cup ally. Thanks chiefly to his awkward kickmg service, delivered from repeatedly changed positions in order- to increase its variety, Andrews obtained a 3-1 lead against Crawford, but the latter, once warmed up, quickly demonstrated his superiority- showing a delicacy of touch on the forehand and backhand with impressive driving and subtlety in volleying. Andrews, in the second set, led 2-U, but despite his pertinacity and deteimination in going for outright winners, he did not succeed in looking more than a keen sparring partner for Crawford, who had ample reserve power and versatility whenever pressure was apPl ln'the third set, Crawford added vigour to confidence. Tis service and driving were harder, without loss ot marksmanship, arid he and outmanoeuvred the New Zeatomtej until he led 5-2. Andrews profited from a brief lapse and drew level, but Ciawford, responding to the challenge, resumed his mastery comfortably. AnSthough inadequately- equipped with strokes, showed himself a good fighting match player. He did as well af was expected against a champion in something approaching championship mood. Stedman v. McGrath. Sixty-five minutes sufficed for McGrath to vanquish Stedman, a competent player without distinction except a forehand drive, to which McGrath allowed very little scope As lons as the rallies were confined to medium pace and deep length driving, the New Zealander held his own but he was unable to handle McGrath s hard-hitting into the corners. He was completely helpless when the Australian, finding him out ot P°f tlon ' brought him scurrying vainly to the net Stedman was clearly reluctant to leave the baseline—for good cause, the fear of stinging backhand drives down the line, which McGrath employed with success every time he forced the New Zealander to come to the net In the third set jStedman led 5-4 after an exhausting ninth game, but McGrath, like Crawford, always seemed to hold plenty of reserve Two thousand were present. J.ne weather was bright but windy H C. Hopman, writing tor tlie "Sun-Herald" Service-, says: btedman's stubbornness resulted in long rallies and close games. The New Zealander was the victim of unhappy decisions in the second set, costing him the ninth game." Australia and New Zealand have not previously.met in the Davis Cup contest. UNITED BTATES v. CHINA. MEXICO CITY, May 11. China is playing the United States in a qualifying match m the[Neath American Zone of the Davis Cup con te ßud£7u. : S.) defeated Sin El Kho defeated Cheng end Kho 7-5, b-4 o-i.

THE HARROWGATE TOURNEY. MISS JOANI RIDLEY WINS. LONDON, May 11. In the final of the women's singles at the tennis tournament at Hoitovv gate Miss Joan Ridley defeated Miss Joan Hartigan (Austiaiia) 6-2 6-3.