Cup nations may expel S.A.

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33791, 13 March 1975, Page 30

Cup nations may expel S.A.

(N.Z.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON. The organising secretary of the Davis Cup competition (Mr B. Reay) said in London yesterday that South Africa was in danger of being expelled from the cup competition this year. Mr Reay said that a new Davis Cup committee of management would meet in London on July 3. “I believe this time they will have totally different views about South Africa’s taking part,” he said. A suggestion that the South Africa v. Mexico game should be played on neutral ground has been ruled out by the Mexican Lawn Tennis Association. Mr Reay said that if the South Africans were promoted on a walk-over, there was no guarantee that Colombia, the next scheduled opponent, would be prepared to play them. Under Davis Cup rules, a country may be expelled if its presence has disrupted the competition. ASHE INVITED In Cape .Town, the president of the Western Province Lawn Tennis Association (Mr F. Street) has announced that the American Negro tennis player. Arthur Ashe, will play in a two-day festival in, South Africa. Mr Street said that Ashe (would be partnered by . another international star in a “Davis Cup style” match against the South African doubles champions, Bob Hewitt and Frew McMillan. The festival, billed as “South Africa v. The Rest.” will be played in Cape Town on April 11 and 12. Mr Street said that Ashe agreed to play after he learnt that half the gate money would be used to; promote African and Coloured tennis in the Cape Province. “When he heard of this, I Ashe said that he would give his share of the purse (about SNZ7OOO) for the same purlpose.” Mr Street added. Ashe has previously played in the South African champlionships. Rugby. — The Australian team, Brothers’ Old Boys, the Queensland champion, will play the ! Petone Rugby team on Anzac Dav in Petone as part of the i Petone club’s ninetieth anniversI ary celebrations.