LAWN TENNIS

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1909, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS

DAVIS COP COMPETITIONS. AUSTRALASIA WINS THE SINGLES. j — —_ By Tclecrapli.-Prcbs Associatlon.-Copjright. MELBOURNE, 28th Sovcmbpr. The first matches or the Davis Cup contest between Australasia and America were played here yesterday, and resulted in an easy victory for the colonials. The weather was fine and cool, about five thousand epectators being present. Tho courts had dried well after the rain, but ,were still rather heavy. There was a wind blowing, which at times was "puffy." 1 BROOKES v. M-LOUGHLIN. The first match was that between Norman E. Brookes (Victoria) and Maurice M'Loughlin (America). 'Ihe American won th 9 toss, and served with the wind. He had carried the score to 40 — 15, when a double fault let Brookes in with advantage to server. The Australian made a fine rally, but the game went to M'Loughlin. The American could make nothing of Brookes's service, while the Victorian was brilliant in his returns. He won his service and repeated the performance till the score stood at 3—l,3 — 1, M'Loughlir being outclassed at almost every point. • The American then got the second game in, but Brookes afterwards had all his pwn waj, finishing with two love games, and winning the set, 6—2.6 — 2. The next set was almost similar to the first. Ihe Victorian had the visitor completely "'tied un" with his embarrassing service and line generalship. The set again went to Brookes, (5 — 2. M'Loughlin made a harder fight at the commencement of the third s?t, getting two games to his credit. Brilliant play was .witnessed on both sides, the "\ ictorian placing his shots with raie judgment. He annexed the four succeeding games, but M'Loughlin put on his third game. Brookes won his service, making 5—3. M'Loughlin's next service ended in his favour, but the Victorian somewhat easily disposed of him in the next one, etidiug 6—4.6 — 4. The visitor played a plucky match, with flashes ot brilliance, but the experienced judgment of tho older player was too much for his youthful opponent. WILDING v. LONG. The second match between Anthony F. Wilding (New Zealand) and Melville Long (America) promised a tougher contest. \vilding won the toss,' and served with tho wind. The first four gam* were evenly balanced, each player winning off his service. The New Zealaiidei, alter winning his third serve, went clean away and appropriated the remaining games. He won the set, 6—2.6 — 2. His play was characterised by excellent drives. The second set was a hard one, and told on the American. He appeared to press Wilding, but the New Zealancter always had a bit in hand. Wilding won his first service, but Long did the same, and beat the New- Zealandcr oil' his second surve. He was placing very cleverly, and kept Wilding moving. The score stood at 2—l2 — 1 in favour of Long, but Wilding levelled matters in the next game, oil the American's service, and followed up by winning his own. Both players made i.he pace warm. The score was called five-all, but Long was palpably weary, and the New Zealander secured the lead with a warm service and hard driving, tempting! his opponent to the net, and then tossing tho ball on to the buck line. With thu score at 6—5,6 — 5, Wilding won brilliantly off Long's eervice, and the set ended 7-5. . / The third set saw the American fail oadly. Wilding got the first three games to love, but the American won tlie next off his own service, ihe New Zealander got the next three in quick succession, the set ending in. his favour, 6—l.6 — 1. Tho doubles will he played on Monday.