DAVIS CUP

Hokitika Guardian, 15 May 1935, Page 6

DAVIS CUP

CRAWEORD-STEDMAN MATCH

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.)

(Received this day at 1.35 p.m.) LONDON, May 14,

11l the Davis Cup tennis at Eastbourne, Crawford was leading S'tedman 14-12, 17-15, 4-3, when rain stopped play for the day. Thun commenced soon after play began. Stedman, driving deeply and powerfully was within a point of, leading 5-1, in the . first set, but Crawford evened, 4-4. Bain drenched the players who continued until tlie score was 5-5. Later they, resumed wearing spiked shoes. Crawford’s greater variety of length, and concealment of direction enabled him to take the set, but only after Stedman’s baseline aggression provided the most brilliant tennis of the contest.

Conditions improved in the second set, both hitting even harder. Crawford’s versatility again neutralised the effect of the New Zealander’s fierce driving. The Australian led 5-3 when Stedman resolutely equalised. Driving with great power and precision, Stedman held the set point at 9.8, but failed, after which the great struggle was resumed at a tremendous pace with the New Zealander unable to gain the lead, although every game was hard fought.