THE SINGLES.

Grey River Argus, 31 December 1920, Page 4

THE SINGLES.

AMERICANS WIN BOTH. TILDEN'S SPLENDID DRIVING. JOHNSTON GETS ALL OVER PATTERSON. AUCKLAND," December 30. The Davis Cup matches were played in .good weather, before a 'large attendance, including the Governor-Gen- | .erail, ; ain.d the Prime Minister, and before the game commenced, the crowd stood bhilfeheaded fdi? ; a. few' seconds' impressive tribute to Anthony Wilding. ■• ■ • • ■ • The two singles matches resulted in the Americans winning both! Tilden defeated Brooks,' 10 8, 6— 4, I^^6, 6—^4. This was a memorable ebntest. Brookes' s r,et play was brilliant^ but his volleying availed nothing agairfst the magnificent hard driving of Tilden. The American served with terrific J force, and on numerous occasions left Brookes standing." : BMpoke.s' led in. VbheJ first iset by 5—3, and Tie neieeded only one point to win the set, • but' Tilden ' succeeded in • winning the game. He then |drew level. Brookes, however, gained the lead again, but Tiideftii' equalised,' aoid eight all was' .called. ' ' ' Then" the' American • with irresistible serves, and deep drives to the baseH.ie, : won tlie ■ next two games, and ■■•tlTe. set. Tilden secured the next set through preventing Brookes from- coming 'in to volley. " "- - ■■'.'"• • In the third set, Tilden temi>orarily wc^t off, and . Brookes, easily gaining the' lead, the American conterite r d< hiihseif with letting the set go. In -the tfourtk • set, Brook'es led 3_o'; and he caused the ; American Kp.iue nnxibus moments. Tilden proved'" equal to the occasion, and won the niiext five games. Brookes won the ninth g^nie, but' the lOth aaid the 'match went to Tilden. ; 'An instance of Brookes 'ls fine sportsmanship occurred in a " critical stage in tho fourth set, when he deliijerately hit the ball out in ordeT to compensate for A linesman's- Avrong decision" against Tilden; Both players were heartily a.ppla.uded by the crowd at the end. of thb match. The' other match was very disappointing.. Johnston (America) easi iy beat Patterson (Australasia.), by 6-^-3, 6— l, and 6-^l. " • ' : JP|aWeT.so!n w^s noirtplletej!yi ?tt> sea. acrainsfc Johnston's forceful and cleverly .dieted ! attackr The Austrian s backhand pla ! y particularly failed badly. He got" in some terrific serves, b^t'he mishit easy drives and volleys. , *-■ Johnston showed himself a master of %rtcraft, a-nd he completely overWhelmed his oppbnent^^