TENNIS.

Bush Advocate, Volume XXIII, Issue 302, 4 January 1912, Page 5

TENNIS.

THE DAVIS CUP. - AUSTRALASIA RETAINS THE TROPHY. [PKEBB ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, January 3. The Davis Cup meeting of 1912 was brought to a close to-day in a rather unexpected way. Beals W r right was to have met Heath in the first Singles match, but did not appear, and after waiting for half an hour the referee announced that owing to an unavoidable hitch Beals Wright would be unable to play. It was not explained what the hitch was. The officials were reticent and all that was known was that Wright was indisposed. The crowd took it very good natured]y and were rewarded by seeing a Singles match that they will probably never forget. Heath scored the Singles match by default, and as Brookes defeated M'Loughlin, the Australians retain the Davis Cup by winning all five matches.

The weather was again fine though a shower during the last set made the ground rather slippery. There was again a good attendance, probably over 3000 being present. To say that the Singles match between Brookes and M'Loughlin was a magnificent exhibition of high class tennis, but faintly expresses it. From start to finish it was absolutely thrilling in its brilliancy. Brookes had his reputation to maintain, and there is little doubt that he was as keen on the win as though the Cup depended on the result, but M'Loughlin was at the very height of his form. He got in his terrific strokes with marvellous accuracy, and over and over again he sent down serves that 'Brookes never touched, lime and again he got in drives both down the side line and across the court that the Victorian never got to, and his volleying and smashing were so powerful and accurate that his opponent was frequently left standing. The fact that Brookes won the match against such a superb display demonstrated more than anything else could what a great plnye** he is. What he lacked in force of stroke he made up in accuracy and general tactics. His serves, though not' so severe, were better placed, and his drivin:-; war;, almost as powerful and was far more accurate, while his underhand volleying, which is his chief among many good assets, was absolutely bewitching in its anticipation and correctness of placing. However, there was little difference between the two men on the day's play, and when M'Loughlin in the last set was 3 to 2 and vantage in the sixth game, it will be seen what a narrow escape Brookes had.- From this on Brookes was steadier and more accurate than ever, while M'Lousrhlin failed with a larger proportion of his shots. It was a great match and when the winning stroke was made the big audience rose and cheered themselves lioar.se with delight. The cheery disposition and bright demeanour of the voung American had endeared him to the big audience and when he left the court was again enthusiastically cheered. Scores: Brookes defeated M'Loughlin 6—4, 3—6, 4—6, 6—3, 6—4. AN EXHIBITION DOUBLE. After the big match the court was quickly rolled and put in order for a double and soon Larned and M'Loughlin appeared to meet Brookes and Heath in an exhibition doubJe. Most of the crowd stayed to watch it, but though some very fine play was witnessed it lacked the seriousness of match play. Larned was unable to get about the court quickly and as Heath was in great form and Brookes as good as ever, the Australians won the two sets 6—3, 6 2, and the memorable Davis Cup meeting of 1912 was ended. AN INTERVIEW.

Mr Hicks, secretary of the Austra lasian Tenuis Association, in an interview, said the contest was well contested, but did not approach that palyed at Melbourne in 1908. His opinion was that M'Loughlin played easily the best of both singles and doubles of the dial lenders. Undoubtedly .Lamed made a serious mistake in not placing M'Loughlin in the'first round of the Singles, seeing that he (Lamed) was unlit physically for such a strenuous contest as tiie Davis Cup matches always produce. He paid a high tribute to the magnificent performance of the Australian representatives, specially that master ot court craft, Norman Brookes, and added that he was not in a position to state where the next contest for the Davis Cup would be played, hut he, personally, considered that there were only two places where it should he played, namely, Melbourne or Sydney. As to what nations would challenge for the next contest, he was not at present in a position to prognosticate ■Kntries won Id have to reach him not later than the first Monday in March next. South Africa challenged for the eontest just concluded, ail he said that he would not be astonished if he received another challenge from the same quarter for the next contest. England was also another likely competitor and he hoped that Aineric/l would again be a starter. As the representative of the Australasian Association he would like to publicly express his Council's sympathy with Lamed at the unfortunate circumstances which quite precluded him showing the form for which lie is noted and therfore minimised the chances of his team lifting the Cup. lIvAMS EXTKRTAIXTED. The competing teams in the Davis Cup were entertained at Coker's Hotel at dinner by the Lawn Tennis Association of Australasia' to-night. A number of toasts were honored, including the American team and Australian and New Zealand teams. LONDON PRESS OPINION. . , LONDON, January 3. The Westminster Gazette states - that Brookes' victory might have been anticipated, but the paper failed to "understand Larned's defeat. "\ '