THE WIMBLEDON TOURNAMENT.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLVIII, Issue 157, 7 July 1914, Page 7

THE WIMBLEDON TOURNAMENT.

WILDING DEFEATED BY

.BROOKES.

[Pebss Association.] LONDON, July S. At Wimbledon the weather ,was brilliant. There were 10,000 present, including many Australians^ to watch vthe "challenge round between Wilding' (the holder) and Brookes. Brookes beat Wilding—6-4, m 43-4, 7-5. Wilding won the toss, but was, .greatly troubled by the strong eun.' He failed at many smashes. It was a majich of bad driving against scaeniific volleying. Brookes was almost impenetrable at the net. Wilding after a while abandoned "back, line -driving and tried lobbing, in which, he was faulty. The Australian's victory, was re•ceived with a hurricane of cheers. Brookete, in the first set, led 4-0 scoring repeatedly by beautiful little push shots just over the net, which Wilding strove in vain to reach. By wonderfully finished driving the New Zealander secured the next three games. Brookes led, 5-3,-and Wilding was within a point of squaring at ■5-4, but JBrookes won the set with a net cord stroke. In i lie second set Wilding obtained his first lead 3-2, and was all square at 4-4. There was a keen struggle at deuce, the playjers being repeatedly even.- Then Wilding nearly saved, picking up from 0-40 to 30-40 in the tenth game. The third set was a battle of giants: Wilding led 2-0, but let Brookes in. The latter had wondeav ful luck in his net cord strokes. every winning shot was vigorously contested Wilding led 3-2. Brookes showed fine Judgment in handling the champion's lobs, many of • which fell short. Brookes's cross volleys were marvellous, and nonplussed Wilding, who relied so much on the strength of his drives. Brookes led 4-3, but lost service from 40-30. Wilding led 5-4, but Brookes squared Tjy capturing Wilding's next service. The last game WE\s thrilling, Brookes led 30-0, but Wilding squared 30.a11. Twice Brookes came witihh in a point of the set but twice- Wilding saved. he netted the ball, and Brookes clinched the match with an untakeable drop volley off a swift drive.

Brookes's anticipation of the champion's returns was masterly and it was the skill of the tactician v. the power of +-h« athlete. ' Few of the latters drives £ot beyond Brookes. Mrs Chambers beat Miss Larcombc —7-5, 6-4. Wildinp; and Miss Broquedis neat Aitken mn<l Mrs Hannan in the semi-final—6-3, 4-6.