LAWN TENNIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20473, 30 July 1928, Page 9

LAWN TENNIS

THE DAVIS CUP MATCH. TILDEN DEFEATS LACOSTE. (United Press Association.) ' (By Electric Telegraph,—Copyright.) PARIS, July 27. In the first match for the Davis Cup Tilden defeated Lacoste, I—6, 6—4, 6—4, 26, t> —3. . Tilden in the first set was unsteady, not judging the net approaches, as well as being a victim of clever passings; but in the second and third sets he sized up Lacoste’s tactics better, and outvolleyed him brilliantly and severely dealt with lobs. He eased up in the fourth set, but fought in the final like a tiger.—Australian Press Association. « COCHET DEFEATS HENNESSEY. PARIS, July 27. In the Davis Cup singles (second round) Coehet beat Hennessey, 5—7, 9—7, 6—3, 6—o. It was a magnificent struggle, both hitting out in preference to playing for safety. Thereafter Coehet asserted his superiority.—Australian Press AssociaTILDEN’S AMAZIJG VICTORY. GREATEST OF HIS CAREER. PARIS, July 27. The Cochet-Hennessey mate.' in the Davis Cup was one between genius and talent. It was only a question whether th Frenchman would wake up long and often enough to gather in the expected victory. Coehet, as usual, did not open, well, and gave the American victory by bis own mistakes. In the second set the Frenchman at intervals showed lightning work, punctuated by feeble patches. Thereafter, thoroughly aroused, Coehet, at his best, just romped home. The last set was one of the most astonishing ever seen in international tennis. It only lasted ten minutes, and Hennessey won only one game. An enthusiastic and perspiring crowd of 8000 watched Tilden beat Lacoste after a five-set battle lasting 140 minutes, under a fierce sun. The conditions were not improved by a high wind, and much dust, necessitating the watering of the court after the third set. The tetter man won, but, until the last set, vhen Tilden went to 5—3, there wa s nothing in it. The Daily Express’s special correspondent says: “The match was the most amazing victory in Tilden’s career. Lacoste deserved equal praise, because he played just as well as the victor, actually winning 23 games (153 points) to Tilden’s 21 games (148 mints). “The crowd gave Tilden a wonderful ovation when he took the court. Tilden has never employed his versatility more cunningly and effectively. He reacted to the occasion. His chops and slices carried more spin than ever. We marvelled at the skill with which he dropshotted, the ferocity of his driving, and the power of his services." TILDEN’S STATUS. OPINION OF MR DAVIS. VANCOUVER, July 28. (Received July 30, at 0.30 a.m.) Mr Dwight Davis, the donor of the Davis Cup, comments that Tilden is probably guilty of professionalism, and should be barred in amateur competition. —Australian Press Association— United Service. DOUBLLES TEAMS REARRANGED. RAIN INTERRUPTS PLAY. PARIS, July 28. (Received July 29, at 5.5 p.m.) The Davis Cup doubles have been rearranged. Tilden and Hunter will replace Lott and Hennessej for the American team, and Coche? will partner Borotra, instead of Brugnon. The first set was delayed by rain. Coehet and Borotra were leading by. 3 2 when it was postponed till Monday.—Australian Press Association— United Service. .