DAVIS CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22481, 27 July 1936, Page 10

DAVIS CUP

CHALLENGE ROUND ENGLAND'S GOOD LEAD FIRST TWO SINGLES WON FINE DISPLAY BY AUSTIN By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received July 20, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON. July 25 The Davis Cup challenge round between England, the holder of the trophy, and Australia was commenced to-day, when the first two singles were played. The results were as follows : H. W. Austin defeated J. 11. Crawford, 4 —6, 6—3, 6 —l, 6—l. F. J. Perry defeated A. K. Quist, 6 —l, 4—6, 7—5, G—2. There was a strong breeze blowing during the play, wliilo rain frequently intorrnpted the matches. Both Austin and Crawford played beautiful tennis in tho first set, Austin making his opponent cover extra ground by means of clever placements. Nevertheless, the Australian took tho set by forcing Austin into errors. The second set was characterised by tennis of an exceptionally high standard, many delightful shots earning roars of applause from the spectators. Austin cleverly altered his paco and length in the third set, which was more even than was indicated by tho scores. Austin also exploited a surprise attack at the end of long rallies. Quist Not Hampered by Ankle Austin forced Crawford into errors in the final set and lie brought off a nuinber of passing shots with excellent placements. Tho Australian, although fighting strongly, was unable to make an impression on his- consistent opponent, who never looked likely to fall into error. Quist, in the first set against Perry, displayed unusual mobility when attacking at tho net and apparently ho was not hampered by his injured ankle. The play in tho first set was marked by spectacular incident. Perry repeatedly rushed tho net, while Quist displayed great coolness but was unable to withstand the Englishman's aggressive tactics. Serving splendidly in tho second set, Quist played better than Perry, who was erratic and played a number of shots which just missed. Perry finally lost the set when he netted a smash. Quist showod excellent form in tho third set, retrieving especially well and making few errors. The Australian led s—l5 —1 and had the set point when Perry changed the position. Perry Proves his Superiority Instead of hitting hard, Perry played a number of soft shots, causing Quist to overhit. The changed tactics proved remarkably successful, the Englishman taking six games in succession. The final set produced a keen struggle. There were several deuces during the early stages, Perry then moving to a s—l5 —1 lead. Quist, on his own service, "reduced the lead to 5 —2. Perry had an advantage at 40 —0 on his own service in the last gamq, but he missed his first match point when he was passed cleverly by Quist. On the second match point Quist drove into the net, giving victory to his opponent. DRAW FOR DOUBLES FINAL SINGLES MATCHES LONDON, July 24 • The draw for Monday and Tuesday in the challenge round between Australia and Britain is as follows: Monday.—J. H. Crawford and A. K. Quist v.,G. P. Hughes and C. It. D. Tuckey. ■ Tuesday.—Quist v. H. W. Austin; Crawford v. F. J. Perry.