DAVIS CUP TIE

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 September 1924, Page 5

DAVIS CUP TIE

AUSTRALIANS WIN DOUBLES

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.)

NEW YORK, September 5.

In the Davis Cup semi-final, the Australians, Patterson and Wood defeated the French, Lacoste and Brugnon, 6—4, —4, 6—2.

The first set opened with Lacoste serving. When Patterson pulled his service out in the fourth at 9-7, and the Australians smashed Lacostes service, in the seventh, the set was definitely shaping itself. Patterson was still having trouble, as the Frenchman aimed his service with a peculiar cut. compelling Patterson to receive it on the back hand or turn awkwardly to receive it forehand. Patterson’s service, moreover, offered few puzzles to the Frenchman. Wood’s evenly balanced playing provided protection against the Frenchman’s shrewdly calculated placements, and forcing their shots the Australians ran out the set 6-4. In the second set a speedily driven ball from Brugnon’s racquet in the first game caught Wood in the solar plexus, depriving him of his wind for nearly five minutes. The Australians resumed play after a rest and lie and Patterson took the next game, breaking through Brugnon’s service. All the games in which Patterson was serving had gone to deuce. He was having trouble with all his shots, save when overhead opportunities offered at the net, and then his kills were sensational. He was playing keenly and trying his hardest, showing improved form over yesterday’s. Brugnon was the backbone of the French team, making many placements by driving the ball twice to the same spot, and catching his opponent out of place. Lacoste was not so keen as yesterday, but still showed ability to compel errors by finding his opponents’ weak spot. Patterson lost his service in the sixth, 12-10, and the score was three all. Lacoste lost his service in the seventh, and the Australians won the set 6-4.