DAVIS CUP FINAL

Northern Advocate, 30 July 1934, Page 5

DAVIS CUP FINAL

BRITAIN LEADING

FIRST TWO SINGLES WON

STRAIGHT SETS TO AUSTIN.

PERRY" OVERCOMES WOOD

'United Proas Association —By jsiectnc Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received 0 a.m.) LONDON, July 28.

The final round in the Davis Cup tennis contest was begun today at Wimbledon, when the United States mot Biiitaiu (holders). The first singles resulted: — Austin defeated Shields: o—4,0 —4, o—4, o—l.

Perry defeated Wood: G —l, 4—6, 5—7, fi— 0, G—3.

Every seat was occupied. The weather was fine, but a gusty wind affected the players’ control. Austin displayed fine accuracy, and was too steady for Shields. In almost every baseline duel, Austin’s ability to keep the ball in play enabled him to await an opening to attack by volley or watch 'Shields’ short forehand, which today was particularly vulnerable. Austin’s handling of his opponent’s cannonball services deprived the latter of his principal /weapon of attack. Austin appeared to have upset the whole of Shields’ plans. Shields, lacking confidence, played mainly from the baseline, whore ho was outclassed. At,any'exports doubted Austin’s ability to reverse the Wimbledon result, but ho did so handsomely.

In the first sot Perry reproduced his Wimbledon form. Wood was unable to bring attacking shots into play, Perry having him stretching throughout the set. Long rallies were witnessed in the second sot, each showing discretion in going to the not.

Wood’s service extricated him from difficulties. Perry went down 2 —o, won four games in succession, and seemingly had iwon the sot, but Wood, attacking brilliantly, concentrated on the champion’s forehand and forced Porrv into errors.

In the third sot, Perry, after two double faults, took a string of games by audacious placements, which were a prelude to a not attack, whore usually he volleyed for a winner. Wood, realising that his stamina would not allow an uphill fight, obviously threw away the last two games. Why Shields Lost.

W. T. Tlilden said Shields was disappointing. He lost because ho did not have ground strokes to counter Austin’s splendidly conceived attack. He was unable to reach the Englishman’s passings shots,- He was finally led into the fatal error of attempting to exchange shots with Austin, when the only chance was to drive him from the court.

Wood again proved one of the greatest match players in history. It was a thrilling match. Wood lacked the reserve to reach Perry’s magnificent spurts in the fifth round and unfortunately allowed the Englishman to re-* gain his confidence. H. O. Hopman says Britain deservedly has a stranglehold on the cup. E, J. Perry and G. P. Hughes (Britain) will play G. M. Lott and L. Stoeffon (H.S.A.) in the doubles today.

WIMBLEDON ‘ ‘ SNOBBERY. ’’ STORY OF AN INSULT. EX-STARS BUY. TICKETS. (Received 0 a.m.) LONDON, July 20. The “Sunday Express” states that, behind yesterday’s Davis Cup matches, lies a‘story of an insult offered three of the world’s greatest tennis stars. When Cochet telephoned and asked if ho could have a seat as a life member he was told that no professional could be a life member and he must buy a ticket. After buying one, Cochet asked to be allowed to sit w r ith some friends on the players’ stand. This privilege was refused. Finally he sat in the press stand as a bench journalist’s messenger.

Cochet found Suzanne Lenglen there on a press ticket. Tilden was present on the outer, stand with a bought ticket. The “Express” says: “These three have brought more money to Wimbledon shareholders than any three players in the world. Now, because they have dared to make money for themselves, they are cast into 'outer darkness. 'Such is the snobbery at Wimbledon.” • SHEFFIELD TOURNEY ENDS. MALFROY DEFEATED. MISS EAR TIG AN SUCCEEDS. (Received 0 a.m.) LONDON, July 20, In the finals of the ‘Sheffield 'Shield tennis tourney yesterday, Mild (Japan) defeated Malfroy (New Zealand): —7, 7 —i), (!—2. Miss Hartigan (Australia) defeated Mrs Hopman: I—o,1 —0, o—o, G—4.