THE DAVIS CUP

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18590, 26 June 1922, Page 5

THE DAVIS CUP

AUSTRALIA ELIMINATES BELGIUM.

Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, June 23. In the Davis Cup doubles Anderson and O’Hara Wood (Australia) beat Washer and Watson (Belgium), 6—l, 6—2, 4—6, 7—9, 7rr-5. Australia thus wins the round.—A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received June 25, at 6.5 p.m.) In the final round of the Singles J. C. Anderson (Australia) beat A. G. Washer (Belgium), 5—4, 6—3, 6—2. The fifth match was abandoned. Anderson, who was never extended, placed splendidly. The match consisted mostly of hard driving from the base lines, neither player attempting much volleying. After the Cup contests G. L. Patterson and P. O’Hara Wood beat A. G. Washer and J. Watson in an exhibition doubles, 6—2, 6—3, 6—2.—A. and N.Z. Cable. (Received June 25, at 11.5 p.m.) The Doubles contest between the An: tralians and Belgians commenced in a light drizzle, which presaged a runaway victory for the Australians, who won easily, chiefly owing to Watson’s deficiencies. He could not do anything right. Washer, on the contrary, was throughout the hero of the contest. His brilliance was remarkable, because until he arrived a few days ago he had never played on grass in his life. The rain held off after 'tne second set, and Watson from this point improved. Patterson, after the match, declared : "This Australian pair is our strongest doubles pair, which we expected to use in the later stages of the Davis Cup.”

THE SECOND ROUND

CZECHO-SLOVAKIA, NOT FRANCK,

MATCH FIXED FOR NEXT MONTH,

LONDON, Jupe 24. (Received June 25, at 11.5 p.m.) Word has been received that Czechoslovakia, which has hitherto been expected to withdraw, will meet the Australians in the second round in England. The match has been fixed for July 13 and 15. The ground will be chosen later. This precludes the possibility of the Australians meeting France here, as they are to sail for America on July 19. Patterson favours meeting Czechoslovakia at Scarborough.—A. and N.Z. Cable. [As was generally expected, the Australians were not fully extended in the match against Belgium. They won each of the singles played in straight sots, and although the doubles went to five sets the score would almost indicate that the Australians, conscious of their superiority in this department of the game, must have ‘‘eased up” after winning the first two sets with the loss of only three games. According to the draw the Australians were next to meet France, and the United States Lawn Tennis Association has decided that this match shall be played in America. Prance desired that it should take place in Europe, but no doubt “gate” considerations, which are entering into these contests to an almost undesirable extent, caused the Australian Association to refuse the reasonable and sporting request of France. The line of demarcation between, amateurism and professionalism is becoming more shadowy each year. Czeobo-Slovakia, contrary to expectations, remaining in the contest, the second round will bo played against them, the match taking place in England 'prior to the departure of the Australian team for America.)