DAVIS CUP TENNIS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22293, 20 June 1934, Page 7

DAVIS CUP TENNIS

AUSTRALIA BEATS FRANCE OUTBURST BY SPECTATORS (United Press Association.) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) PARIS, June 18. In the Singles Crawford defeated Boussus 2—(3, o—2,0 —2, 4—6, (3—4, 6 —o; Merlin boat M'Grath 4 —o, 6—l, 6—3, (3—o. Australia won the tic by three matches to two. Afraid that M'Grath might become demoralised by the action of the French crowd, Crawford realised ho must defeat Boussus, which he accomplished only after a thrilling five-set,match, lasting (wo hours. After each had won a set a wrong decision in Crawford’s favour caused a postponement for several minutes in the third set till the pandemonium ceased. The crowd, becoming uncontrollable, continued demonstrations at every opportunity. Crawford appeared unsettled, and Boussus took the sot, giving him a 2 —l lead. In the fourth set Boussus led 3—2 and 40—-0, but Crawford drew level amid a prolonged uproar following two wrong decisions. From then onwards Crawford gradually took control of the match. Boussus showed signs of tiring early in the final set, and Crawford went all out to win the set and the match, Australia thus qualifying to meet Czechoslavakia in the final of the European zone at Prague. With the M'Grath-Merlin match not affecting the result, M'Grath was relieved of responsibility. He played well in the first set, but after that he never attempted to retrieve the balls for which he had to run.