Steadman's Brilliant Comeback

Manawatu Times, Volume 60, Issue 114, 17 May 1935, Page 10

Steadman's Brilliant Comeback

TREMENDOUS PACE AGAINST CRAWFORD United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. LONDON, May 14. In the Davis Cup tennis at Eastbourne, Crawford was leading Stedman 14 —12, 17—15 and 4 —3, when rain stopped play for the day. Rain commenced to fall soon after play began. Stedman, driving deeply and powerfully within the points was leading 4—l in the first set, but Crawford evened 4—4. The rain drenched the players who continued until the score was 5—5. Later, the game was resumed the players 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 had provided the most brilliant tennis of the contest. Conditions improved in the second set, both hitting even harder, but Crawford’s versatility again neutralised the effect of Stedman's fierce driving and the Australian led 5 —3, when Stedman resolutely equalised, driving with great power and prec’ion, Stedman held set point at 9—B, but failed after which a great struggle was resumed at a tremendous pace with the New Zealander unable to gain the lead, although every game was hard fought. A New Stedman. The Australian Press Association’s representative comments that the Crawford-Stedman struggle was undecided after 24 hours’ play. Stedman was scarcely recognisable as the uncertain player who faced McGrath on Saturday. Crawford found himself challenged throughout, and the longer the match progressed tlio more difficult ho found it to bring Stedman to close quarters, while the New Zealander kept up a steady stream of well-placed forehand and backhand • drives. He also served well.

Crawford’s command of spin got him out of many tight corners. Stedman hit vigorously throughout, and achieved wonders with his limited stroke equipment. A few hundred chilled spectators docilely accepted the announcement that there would bo no further play.