AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN DAVIS CUP MATCH

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 253, 22 July 1936, Page 9

AUSTRALIA AHEAD IN DAVIS CUP MATCH

Doubles Contest Won McGRATH IMPROVES AFTER SHAKY START By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, July 20. The doubles match in the Davis Cup inter-zone final between Australia and Germany resulted:— J. H. Crawford and V. B. McGrath (Australia) beat G. von Cramin and H. Henkel (Germany), 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Australia now leads by two matches to one. Light rain commenced during the preliminary knock-up. Only 2000 spectators were present. Quist was on crutches, bis ankle being severely swollen.

Henkel did not look quite fit and McGrath was also out of touch in the first set, but, by breaking through von Cramm’s service, the Australians took the set.

The second set was a mixture of spectacular play and bad errors, of which Henkel committed most. McGrath dropped his service at 4-5. giving the Germans the set

The Australians led 1-0 in the third set when heavy rain caused a short stoppage. Upon resuming McGrath settled down and worried his opponents with backhand passing shots. He also made many fine volleys from openings provided by Crawford. The Australians were leading 5-4 and Crawford was about to serve when the umpire discovered that new balls were overdue and should have been given for the seventh game. Play was held up for a few minutes while the umpire consulted with the players and managers, and then the referee. The latter decided that the new balls should be used. This was to the advantage of Crawford, who won his service to 15 for the set.

Splendid smashing by McGrath gave Australia a 5-3 lead in the fourth set. McGrath then served and clinched the match with an ace.

The match only occasionally touched the heights of skill. McGrath’s splendid performance after a nervous start always had the Germans guessing. Crawford was steady throughout and won every service. Von Gramm was below form and Henkel seemed to be shaken by several Impetuous errors. McGRATH TO PLAY HENKEL London, July 20. Quist will take no further part in the Davis Cup match against Germany and McGrath will play Henkel to-mor-TOW.