AUSTRALIA ROUTED

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 17 June 1935, Page 5

AUSTRALIA ROUTED

Crawford and McGrath Twice Beaten in Singles DAVIS CUP SENSATION VON CRAMM SPECTACULAR (United Press Association—By Electrlo Telegraph Copyright). Received 11 a.m. to-day. BERLIN, June IG. The defeat of the Australians (Crawford and McGrath) by tho Hermans (Von Crainm and Henkel) in the first singles matches of the Davis Cup contest created a sensation. Von Gramm beat Crawford 6—3, 7—5, 6—2, and Henkel beat McGrath 4—6, 6— 2, G 0, <3—2. In the doubles, however, Crawford and Quist defeated Lund and Denker. The Australians had then to win both tho next singles to prevent their elimination, but Von Gramm defeated McGrath G—3, 4—6, Q —3, 4—6, G—2 and Henkel defeated Crawford, 2 —6, 6—--3, 9—7, 4 — G, 6 — 4. McGrath started confidently against Henkel, leading 4—o, s—l. Henkel then took three games in succession when McGrath struck an erratic patch, but the Australian saved the set. Henkel caused, a surprise when he captured the .second set by safe, steady play. McGrath’s game at this stage was a' mixture of very good and very bad shots.

Henkel, thriving on his success, hit much harder and took the set with the utmost ease. McGrath’s attacking mood with which he began the match seemed to have vanished. He played with extreme caution.

Henkel led 4—o in the fourth set and McGrath was unable to withstand Henkel’s increasingly strong . service and accurate passing shots. McGrath staved off two match points before losing. The result was a great shock to the Australians.

ATTEMPT TO WIN! DOUBLES

Having won two victories, which the Press regards as another triumph for the National Socialists, the Germans attempted to consolidate their position by winning the doubles. In view of the importance of Aon Ora.mm winning Lund replaced him in the doubles, partnering Denker. The weather was hot and sultry. Lund is a powerful figure with a fast service. The Australians early showed the attacking spirit which was conspicuously absent in the singles, out-volleying their opponents. Quist smashed with greater power. The Australians took the first set easily. The Germans' displayed a poor»doubies standard in the second set. Lund’s service had so far been the only noteworthy feature. The Australians also became patchy and their tennis was unworthy of the Davis Cup. Quist’s sudden return to form was the chief feature of the opening stages of the third set. His powerful forehand driving played havoc with the Germans’ service. There were occasions when the Germans made brilliant recoveries, but they broke down on easy net shots.

McGRATH’S VAIN APPEAL. It was windy and light rain was falling as McGrath began serving in his match with Von Gramm. _• McGrath fought hard in the first set, but the German, running him to the side and then coming in for a winning volley, took the set. Von Gramm was ahead 2—o in the second set, but better serving and driving by McGrath enabled him to win the set. McGrath handled Von Gramm’s “kicking” service well and put more vigour into his backhand." In the. third set. McGrath made a number of costly mistakes. McGrath vainly appealed for a cessation of play owing to the rain. Von Gramm produced some sparkling shots in the fourth set to pass McGrath, but the Australian was steadier, and from 2—4 won four games. McGrath lapsed in the fifth set after a. hard fight in the fourth. Von Gramm then put more speed into his service, forcing the Australian to make weak returns, from "which Von Cramm hit winners. McGrath staved off one match! point before losing after a great fight, and Australia passed out of the Davis Cup. Crawford was never seriously troubled to win the first set against Henkel, but in the second and third sets Crawford was too slow in moving about the court. Henkel played very steadily and troubled Crawford with dropshots. Crawford hit harder in the fourth set with success. Both placed for safety in the final set, but the German proved steadier, and by defeating Crawford completed Australia’s rout.

MATCHES AT PRAGUE. Received 11 a.m. to-day. PRAGUE, June 16. Czechoslovakia and South Africa began their Davis Cup matches yesterday. The singles were both won by Czechoslovakia. Menzel defeated Farquharson G —2, 5 —7, G—3, 6 —2, and Caska defeated Bertram 6—-2, 6—4, 6—l. In the doubles Menzel and Malacek defeated Farquharson and Kirby, 9—ll, G—4, 6—3, 6—4. Czechoslovakia meets Germany in the final of the European zone.