DAVIS CUP

Grey River Argus, 13 May 1935, Page 5

DAVIS CUP

N.Z. DEFEATED In the Singles (Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assn.) (Received Mav 12[ at 7 p.m.) LONDON, May 11. In the Davis Cup first round singles at Eastbourne between Australia and New Zea loud, the results were:—Crawford defeated Andrews 6/4, 6/4. 7/5. McGrath defeated Stedman 6/3, 6/2, 8/6.

The Australian Press Association says: Everything went according to plan in Australia’s first contest against their former D’avis Cup ally. Thanks chiefly to his awkward, kicking service, delivered from repeatedly changed positions in order to increase the variety, Andrews obtained a 3/1 lead against Crawford, but the latter, once he warmed up, quickly demonstrated his superiority, showing delicacy of touch in forehand and backhand driving, and impressive yubtlety in volleying. Andrews in the second set led 2/0, but despite his pertinacity and determination in going for outright winners, he did not succeed in looking in,Ore than a keep sparring partner for Crawford, who had ample reserve power and versatility whenever the. pressure wa? applied, tn the third set Crawford added vigour to confidence. His service and driving were hardei; without less of markmanship, and he outdrove and outmanoeuvred the New Zealander until he led 5/2. Andrews profited until a brief lapse, and drew level, but Crawford, responding to the challenge, resumed a. oomfcitabie mastery. Andrews’, though inadequately equipped with strokes, showed himself a good lighting match player. He did as well as expected against the champion in something approaching a championship mood.. Sixty-five minutes sufficed for McGrath to vanquish Stedman,. who is a competent player, without distinction, except for his* forehand drive 1 , to which McGrath allowed very little

scope. As long as the rallies were confined to a medium pace and deeplength driving, the New Zealander held his own, but he was unable to handle McGrath’s hard-hitting into the corners. He was completely helpless when the Australian, finding him out of position, brought him scurrying vainly to the net. Stedman clearly way reluctant to leave the baseline, and for a good cause —the fear of the stinging backhand drives down the linq which McGrath employed with success every time that he forced the New Zealander to come to the net. In the third set, Stedman led 5/4, after an exhausting ninth game, but McGrath, likfc Crawford, always seemed to hold plenty of reserve. Two thousand were present. The weather was bright, but windy. Hopman, in the “Sun-Herald” service says:—“Stedman’s stubborness resulted in long rallies and close games. The New Zealander was the victim of unhappy decisions in thy second setj costing him the ninth game. Australia and New Zealand have not previously met in the Davis Cup. ’ ’ LONDON, May 10. Referring to the Davis Cup match between Australia and New Zealand, Hopman, the “Sun-Herald’s” correspondent, says: “I confidently predict a clean sweep for Australia, basing my forecast not only on their great reputation, but because they have’ revealed considerably greater strength than New Zealand in practice. Andrews is the best New Zealander since the war, but he is now (waning. Stedman has improved. He has a fast, consistent forehand and flat, fast service but he is guileless and has no variety. His backhand is definitely weak. Both Crawford and McGrath should win • all the singles untroubled- without losing a set. unless they relax on the last day. Stedman and Malfroy have the greatest chance in the doubles. Both have improved their doubles play.” Mr Forbes, who is spending the week-end as a guest of Lord Moyne, telegraphed to the New Zealand tennis players: “New Zealand wishes you the best of luck in your Davis Cup match with Australia. Kia Ora.” (Received Mav 12, at 7.30 p.m.) MEXICO CITY, May 10. Budge defeated Sin Kie Kho 6/4, 6/lj. 6/8. 6/4. China’s strength proved. a surprise.