Smith Boosts U.S. Hopes

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31862, 14 December 1968, Page 15

Smith Boosts U.S. Hopes

(N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) BRISBANE. The United States hopes of winning the Davis Cup were greatly boosted when one of its representatives, S. Smith, beat the Australian No. 1, W. W. Bowrey, in their semi-final of the Queensland tennis championships yesterday.

Smith won the I match, 8-6, 6-3, 6-3, j in 75 minutes. Bowrey will be Australia’s; main hope in the challenge j round in Adelaide, while Smith is a candidate for the! second singles position in the American team. Yesterday's victory', how-' ever, should assure Smith of

selection. He always seemed; to have something in reserve; against the Australian and mastered Bowrey's first service in the opening set and retained control. The American tegm captain, ;Mr D. Dell, said'"he was not surprised by Smith’s victory. “No Right To Ranking” “1 think Bowrey has no right to be ranked number one in Australia, he said. “As far as I’m concerned, Ray Ruffels is Australia’s best player and Alan Stone is next to him. Bowrey is third in my opinion." The leading American, R. R. Ashe, will meet Ruffels today and Ashe is almost certain to win, making the final on Sunday an aU-American affair. In the women’s singles semifinals, Miss K. Krantzcke beat Mrs L. Bowrey, 6-2, 64, and Miss K. Melville beat Miss J. Tegart, 9-11, 6-3, 3-0 forfeit.