THE DAVIS CUP

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7929, 12 October 1911, Page 1

THE DAVIS CUP

SELECTING AUSTRALASIA’S TEAIVI BROOKES’ HARD TASK. N. E. Brookes is already at w’ork in preparation for the challenge tie of the Davis Cup, which Australasia will endeavour to retain when opposed by America at Christchurch at the end oi December (says the ” Sydney Morning Herald”). Brookes has a twofold duty In this respect, for upon him both as a player and as solo selector depends whether the cup, of which Australasia has been in possession since it was captured from England at Wimbledon in 1907, shall remain here or return to tho nation which offered, it-for compc- ' tition in 1900, and froml which it has been absent since the year 1903, when it was won by England through the agency of the famous brothers, tho late R. F. Doherty and H. L. Doherty. In previous years tho task of selecting Australasia’s team has presented little difficulty. With, Brookes and Wilding available there was no need to look further afield for representatives of Australasia, but the position is now one of much more anxiety for the selector, as Wilding’s absence causes a vacancy which cannot be filled without serious consideration.

Tho players who actually compete in tho match may be two, three, or four. The object of this is that, if deemed advisable, different men may be selected for tho singles and doubles sections of the match. Brookes may decide to rely upon the same players for both sections, hut will probably name four, to provide for contingencies, when, in accordance with tho regulations, the players from, whom the actual participants in the match will bo chosen are nominated on December 7th. To fill these four places there will be many candidates, some with claims as exponents of the singles branch of the game, others as doubles experts. Prominent in both branches of the game is G. G. Sharp, of New South Wales. He has for many years been foremost in this State, having won numerous championships. Ho was one of the nominated four in 1909, and, though not called upon to play, showed form of the highest class in practice with Brookes and Wilding! If his medical practice will permit of his taking part he appears certain of a place in the four. R.. W. Heath, of Victoria, also stands out conspicuously by reason of many successes in Australia last year and in England during the past season. The experience which he has had in competition with tho host players of Europe lately will have augmented tho great powers which he possessed before starting on his tour. He is much more formidable in singled than in doubles. In considering other players for singles the selector will probably turn his thoughts to H. Rice, the evergreen New South Wales representative, who appears to be playing better this year than (for a long time past, and H. A. Parker, whose -unorthodox strokes aro frequently disastrous to those unaccustomed to them. Like Heath, the two last-named are more dangerous in singles than doubles. St. John, of Queensland, may also receive attention by reason of his defeats of Rice and Parker in tho New South Wales-Queensland match recently. A. Campbell, formerly of Sydney, but now resident in Melbourne, proved his ability as an all-round player, by winning the singles, doubles,/and mixed championships of New South Wales last May. It is, hbwever, in the doubles branch of the game that ho is •most proficient. Ho is brilliant but uncertain.

A. W. Dunlop, of Victoria, is remarkably strong in doubles, but there is a doubt whether ho will have returned to Australia in time to get into form. If he should do so his chances of selection are excellent. J. J. Addison has played well in partnership with Brookes this season in club matches, and his selection is considered not out of tho question. Ho is not very strong physically, however, and has more than once collapsed at the end of a match, so that his inclusion for a contest of this kind would he risky. Wright, A. B. Jones, and Poidevin arc all sound doubles players, but have not come under tho selector’s notice so frequently as most - of. the others mentioned.

The task ot deciding between the above players, separated as they are in many cases by large distances, so that trial matches between them cannot easily be arranged, is manifestly one of great difficulty, but no one is better fitted for it than Mr Brookes.