DAVIS CUP FINAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 27 July 1936, Page 7

DAVIS CUP FINAL

ENGLAND WINS TWO SINGLES

AUSTIN IN FORM

[BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.]

LONDON, July 25.

In the challenge round of the Davis Cup, H.‘W. Austin (England) defeated J. H. Crawford (Australia), 4-6, 6-3, 6-1, 6-1. F. J. Perry (Engalnd), defeated A. K. Quist (Australia) 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. The weather was breezy, and rain frCQuently interrupted play. In the first set both Austin and Crawford played beautiful tennis. Austin was making Crawford run more, but the Australian took the set by forcing his opponent into errors. The second set was characterised by startling tennis, many brilliant shots bringing roars of applause. Austin cleverly altered his pace and length.

In the third set, which was more even than indicated by the scores, Austin also exploited a surprise attack at the end of long rallies. In the final set Austin forced Crawford into errors, and brought off posing shots and placements: The • Australian, though fighting strongly was unable to make an impression on his steady and consistent opponent, who never looked like making mistakes.

Quist, in the first set against Perry, displayed unusual mobility, attacking at the net. He was apparently unhampered by his injured ankle. Fireworks continued throughout the set. Perry also repeatedly rushing to the net. Quist displayed great coolness, but wtts unable to withstand the Englishman’s aggressiveness. Quist served finely in the second set, playing better than Perry, who was erratic. Perry went for shots which he was just missing. Perry finally lost the set when he netted a smash. In the third set Quist showed excellent form, retrieving especially well and making very few errors. The Australian led 5-1 and had set point when Perry changed his game. Instead of hitting hard, he played soft shots, causing Quist to overhit. The changed tactics were successful, the Englishman taking six games in a row. The final set was a keen struggle. There were many deuces in the early stages. Then Perry took the lead 5-1. Quist, on his own service, reduced the lead io 5-2, but Perry on his own service, had a 40-0 advantage in the last game. He outed the first match point, and was passed by Quist on the second. Quist then netted, giving Britain a lead of two matches to 0 in the challenge round.

NOTES ON THE PLAY

(Received July 27. 10.30 a.m.) LONDON, July 26

Austin achieved one of the finest performances of his career in defeating Crawford. Austin discovered a method of defeating the Australian’s tactics, and succeeded in disturbing Crawford’s game by cleverly mixing defence and attack, and suddenly advancing to the net. Nevertheless the display of both reached classical heights, compared with which the Quist-Perry match was most patchy.

it must be admitted that numerous interruptions disturbed the concentration of the British and Australian champions. Quist although pronounced fit, seemed less resilient than usual, perhaps through fear that his ankle would not. stand too great a strain, but it must be remembered that Perry is a very difficult player to oppose, owing to his speed, unorthodoxy, and surprising powers of recovery from difficult angles. However, Quist sometimes was equally quick, and he played as well as against. Cramm, hut Perry, despite erratic patches, always steadied himself when disaster was menacing him. Sproule told the Associated Press: We will not lose heart. Funny things happen in tennis matches.

TOO CONFIDENT

(Recd. July 27, 1 p.m.) MELBOURNE. July 27.

The failure of Australia in the first Davis Cup singles came as a shock to people who, in expectation of an Australian victory, have written to lawn tennis officials asking that seats be booked for them for the Davis Cup tie in Melbourne next year. More than fifty such letters were received from tennis optimists.

ALLISON MAY RETIRE,

PHILADELPHIA, July 24

W. L. Allison to-day indicated that he would not defend the American championship in the Autumn, ana was probably for ever through with “serious tennis," because of the leg injury he suffered in the Davis Cup series against Australia. His physicians advocated an immediate operation, but this will probably be postponed until later in the year.