LAWN TENNIS

Dunstan Times, 30 July 1934, Page 6

LAWN TENNIS

Davis Cup. The final of the European zone Davis Cup contest was played at Prague last week-end between Australia and Czechoslovakia and resulted in a close victory for Australia by three matches to two.. Neither Crawford nor M'Grath is as capable on hard courts, with the ball used on the Continent, as they are on turf with the make of ball to which they are accustomed, and it was not therefore surprising that they were hard put to it to gain the ascendancy over the Czecho-slovakians, who are very much better players on their own courts with their own balls. However, this cannot altogether discount Menzel’s two splendid victories when he accounted for both M'Grath and Crawford, the former in straight sets and the latter three sets to one. During the present season Menzel has shown himself to be a much improved player. In the French championships he defeated M'Grath in straight sets, and was only defeated by Cramni (the ultimate winner) in the quarter-finals after a closely contested five-set match. At Wimbledon Menzel also took the winner of title, Perry, to five sets in the third round. Australia’s victory in the doubles certainly saved it the match. In the French championship Menzel and Hecht defeated Perry and Hughes, but since have failed to produce anything like the form shown in this match. In the Davis Cup match against New Zealand Malfroy and Steedman defeated them in straight sets. By virtue of their win in the doubles Australia gained a twoone lead on the Czecho-slovakians, but in the fourth match Menzel evened the score by defeating Crawford. M'Grath, however, rose to the occasion and produced his best form to defeat Hecht, three sets to one. The final set of this match was sternly contested, and Hecht saved three match points before accepting defeat. Australia has now to play the United States team, winners of the American zone, and this match will be played at Wimbledon on July 21, 23, and 24. The winners will play the challenge round match against Great Britain on the same courts on July 28, 30, and 31. “ Great Britain is sponsoring a movement towards making biennial instead of annual Davis Cup competitions; Australia will support the proposal,” writes A. V. Doyle, in the ‘ Referee.’ “ When Dwight F. Davis donated the now famous bowl for international teams matches there was little thought of any nations other than Britain and U.S.A. competing. Lawn tennis was a close preserve in those days of 1900, but the Davis Cup gave air impetus to the game. Tire trophy endowed it with a zest that quickly made tennis the universal game, played under the same rules throughout the world. Russia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Servia are the only Europen countries that have not taken part. It soon became evident that tire early regulation providing for all ties to be’played in the nation hold- - ing the cup would have to be altered, and zone competitions were introduced. North and South America and European zones helped the annual competition to be worked off without compelling excessive travelling on the part of teams. Another zone—the Pacific—lias been suggested. This would include the eastern Asiatic countries, India, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. There is ample evidence that.the Davis Cup competition has become unwieldy and annual ties impose too great a demand upon players’ time. No sooner is the cup won ,than a team has to begin preparations for the next year. To Australia the situation is one demanding greater sacrifices than to European countries, and u biennial Davis Cup appears inevitable. _ There will he no loss or suspension of interest by adopting Great Britain’s rational proposal, and in all probability a change would tend to secure the full strength of each country, thereby providing better contests. and raising the standard of international play.” Irish Championship. C. E. Malfroy, the present New Zealand champion, has won further laurels for his country by winning the Irish championship. Many names famous in the world of tennis are on this championship roll, notable among them being W. and E. Renshaw, H. E. Doherty, and J. C. Parke, the latter winning the title on on fewer than eight occasions. Malfroy, however, is the first New Zealander to win this title, and his performance in this tournament, as in all others, has fully justified the New Zealand Association’s action in sending this most promising player Home. Malfroy’s opponent in the' final was G. L. Rogers, known as the Irish giant and winner of the title iu 1928. G. L. Rogers has represented Irelqud since 1929 in _ Davis Cup matches, and playing against Australia in 1930 lie defeated J. B. Crawford. I u the same year lie won the Canadian Championship at Toronto, singles at Chiberta, defeating H. Cochet in the final of the South of France singles championship at Nice (playing a fiveset match with Tilden), and beat Vines in the U.S.A. championship in 1931. He won seven singles championship events on Riviera (including South of France championships) ; in 1932 was in in the final of the British hard-court championship, and won the South ol England championship and several minor titles. He toured South Africa last year with the International Club team and gained three victories over N. G. Farquharson and two over C. J. Robins. Players for Australia. Players from at least seven different countries are to visit Australia this year for the Melbourne Centenary tourmi meals. Players who are definitely coming are Perry and Hughes (Great Britain), V. G. Kirby and Roy Malcolm (South Africa), E, Maier (Spain), G. Dp Stefaui (Italy), O. Bussus (France), R. Menzel (Czechoslovakia), and J. Yamagishi, IT. Nishimura, and J. Eujikura (Japan). . _ The chance to sec these champions m opposition should give a wonderful stimulus to (he game in Australia, and their visit will undoubtedly improve the play of their young players. With these champions so near at hand the Now Zealand Association lias a golden opportunity to send four or more of our young players to Melbourne to take part in these tournaments. The experience gained by the players sent would make the trip well worth while. In addition to the men players Great Britain is sending a t<Jam of three ladies —namely, Miss D.« Round (this year’s Wimbledon champion), Miss M. Dearman, and Miss N. Lyle. The Aus-

krnliau Association invited only two women players, but England is sending the third player at the expense of the L.T.A. so as to make the team a recognised international one. Miss Round is one of the greatest singles exponents in the world, and Miss Dcarman and Miss Lyle arc exceptionally fine doubles players.