THE DAVIS CUP.

Otago Witness, Issue 3017, 10 January 1912, Page 36

THE DAVIS CUP.

AUSTRALASIA WINS THE DOUBLES. AUSTRALIA WINS AGAIN. CHRISTCHURCH, January 2. A light shower foil early this morning, and an electrical disturbance promised more, but it held off and at tho time for starting the Davis Cup match them was a cool and pleasant south-west wind blowing aorosß the court. There was again a monster attend,nnce. the 1500 scats at 2s 6d being practically filled long before the time for starting. The takings on the first day were £1.37, tire amou/it received in bookings paying all expensoa and to spare. It appears that Lamed was suffering from rheumatism yesterday, and strained a ten-

don in the first set, but hie play showed no indication of this; indeed, he got to the ball with celerity. But it was the weakness of many of his strokes that lost, and of course Heath was admittedly at the top of his . form, so it is problematical how far Lamed’s defeat was attributable to his in■disposition. Some competent judges say that Lamed should have given way to M‘Loughlin in the singles, and certainly the colt’s play to-day made it appear that he would have given a better exhibition against Heath. The weather held out to the finish of tho match to-day, which only lasted an hour and a-half.

Australasia, started well by taking the fust set, 6—4, but they showed no great superiority, and it was confidently expected that the match would run. into five sots. Wright lost hie two first services, but won his third. Brookes and M’Loughlin each won their two service games, whilst Dunlop won one and lost one. In the first set there were very few good rallies, but the second showed better play. Each player won on his service until 5 all was called, and then Wright won his, making it 6 —6, and Brookes lost his, giving the challengers tho set, which had lasted 23 m mu bet’, as against - 14 minutes for tho first ■ In tho third set M’Loughlin, Dunlop, Wright, and Brookes each won on their service in this order, and repeating the performance 4 ell was called. M’Loughlin and Dunlop, by each winning their cervices, mad© it 5 all. but then Wright lost on his, and Brookes won his and the set at 7—5, the time being 23 minutes. This set showed some beautiful combined- plav, and _tho strategy displayed by all tire players raised the onlookers to a high pitch of enthusiasm. In the fourth, and what proved to be ifio last, set, M’Loughlin won his service, but Dunlop lost his, giving the Americana a load of 2 Then Wright lost hit’. Brookes won his, M’Loughlin lost his (for the first time), and Dunlop won his, Australasia leading by 4 games to 2. Wright then won his and Dunlop lost his, making it 4 ail. Then M’Loughlin lost his, tho last two strokes going to Australasia by a splendid place between tho two opponents and a marvellous recovery with a scoring shot, both by Dunlop. Australasia thus led 5 —4, and then Dunlop with his service scored a love game, the Americans being quite overwhelmed in this sortie. The match thus went to the Australasians, who retain the Davis Cup. In the earlier part of the match Wright showed groat versatility, and M’Loughlin waS quite irresistible with his serves and smashes, but the latter’s service lost its severity, and ho lost many aces by wild strokes. Conversely, Dunlop, who had appeared to be the weak link in tlie quartette in the early pari of the match, improved considerably, and in the latter stages he made some marvellous) recoveries at tho net, and frequently scored with clever placing and chop volleys. Brookes was the same imperturbable Brookes, although playing a very safe game, but yet with enough severity to keep the opposition buoy. Ho and his partner received many warm congratulations on their successful defence of the world’s tennis championship. Mr F. M B. Fishea- acted aa umipre, and as some of yesterday’s linesmen were replaced the unpleasantness about foot-fault ing was not renewed, and tho match progressed to the apparent complete satisfaction of the players. FIRST SET. Wright opened by serving from tho north cud, and scored the first ace by Dunlop putting the service out. Then the Australians scored three times, and their opponents got the next, 40—30 being called in. favour of Australasia, Brookes clinched the argument with a beautiful drive from t!ho return of the service, beating Vi right. In the second game Brookes won his first service, and got tlie second ace with another nicely placed drive. MTxmghlin slammed the next service under the net, and then Wright hit out of court, giving die Australians a love game. In tlie third game M'Loughlin’s service came like lightning, winning three aces straight. Tho last one was got bacK, but the server scored with a magnificent low volley—a love game to America. In tho fourth game. Dunlop’s service was weak, and he was kept on the back line, the Americans dominating tlie position, and winning with only one point scored against them. Two all. In the next game Wright’s service watt lost. H© double-faulted for th© second aoe, and in tho next an entertaining interchange of not volleying between Wright and Dunlop ended in th© latter scoring. Wright putting the last one cut, and the Australians won to 15. In tho sixth gam© Brookes scored from his service. M’Loughlin slogged he next one out, and Brookes netted an easy smash. The next two strokes were lobbed out by M’Loughlin, who tried to evade his opponents at the net. 4 —2 in favour of Australasia. In the next gam© M’Loughlin’s service was again irresistible, coming with light-ning-like rapidity. A double-fault and an cuter by Wrght gave the Australians tlie only two aces t-bey scored. Dunlop served in tho eighth game, and tho striker-out scored tlie first point, but the Australians scored tho next four, and and tho game, a couple of fin© rallies find ing them dominant at the not. lr the next game not one of Wright’s services was got back, throe of them going out and one into the net, 5—4, Australasia leads. Brookes won the first three aces on Ins service, but then M’Loughlin, with lino drives, reached 50, giving tho Australians the next point by finding tho net. The set thus went to Australasia—6—4. SECOND SET. In the first game of the second set M'Jxiughlin won his three first services, and following tlie fourth, scored with a high smash. Dunlop equalised the games on his serve. The first aoe was scored by Brookes outvolleying Wright. Dunlop scored two more by very clever volleys, and then iron with his service, getting a love game. One all. Tlie Americans got tho next game, Wright’s service being good ; and bringing several weak returns. They won to 30. . t Brookes’s service game went to the Australians, the Americans failing to score —2 all. Deuce was called m tho next game. M'Loughlin then scored with a hot serve, and Brookes lost the last ace by leaving a ball which ho thought was going out, Th© next game produced some pretty play. M’Loughlin drove Dunlop’s first service out. and then Dunlop smashed out, and M'l/OUgnlin ended a pretty bout of net play, with a pretty volley. Th® next ace

also produced a fine rally, M‘Longhlin eventually losing it, and making the scores 3l> all. Then Australasia got the next two strokes, making the games 3 all. The next game was one of the longest of the match, deuce being called four times, but tlie Americans got the next two points and led 4—3. Brookes again equalised with his service game, scoring the last stch with, a clever volley down the centre, which leftbo th the opponents standing. In tho next game Wright sent- one stroke out, but MTiOughlin won four aces on his service, and the Americans again led by 5-4. MTioughlin made several rash strokes in the next game from Dunlop’s service, and the Americans only scored one aco. Wright got in some good services in the next game, the Australians only getting one ace. In this game the fourth ace produced a fine rally, Which M’Looghlin wound up with a clever placing shot. Then, for the first time, Brookes failed to win on his service, and the Americans won the game to 30, and scored the set amid great applause. THIRD SET. M’Loughilin’s terrific service was the outstanding feature of the first game in the third set, the Australians failing to score. Dunlop equalised by winning his service game. There were three good rallies in the game, Dunlop’s yiay at the net being of a very high order, and gaining rounds of applause. The Americans got the lead again on Wright’s service, the only ace which the Australians got being a ball that Wright left thinking it was out. Brookes again drew level by winning his service game to love, Wright trying some tossing, which tho wind generally carried over the base line. In the next game, which was M’Loughlin’s service, each of the Americans killed a short toss and went out 2, getting tho lead ono© more with 3 —2. They only scored one ace from Dunlop’s (service gain;, and that was a dooiblefault. This game produced the first poaching act of the match, Brookes going right across and killing Wright’s of the service with a beautiful stroke. Four all. M’JLoughlin’s service game went to deuce, but the next ace went to America, and M’Loughlin got the game with a beautiful scoring volley off a hard drive from Brookes. 5—4 America leads.

Three all was called from Dunlop’s service game, but Dunlop, who was now showing some charming net play, got two strokes in with well-placed volleys. Five alb So far each game had been won by th© server in this set, but Australia for’ the first time got the lead by winning on Wright’s service. Dunlop netted the first serve, but then tlie Australians went to 40 and M’Loughlin missed the next shot, which would have gone out had he left It. With 6—5 in favour of Australasia and Brooke's’a service the sot looked a good thing for the holders, and so it proved. Brookes sent out tho return to his first service, but this was the only aco tho Americans got. Wright tossed two out of tho court and M’Loughlin one, and the latter slogged one wildly into the net. Tho game and sot wont to Australia. 7—5. FOURTH SET. M’Loughlin opened tho service in tho fourth sot. Wright scored the first ace by smashing a return. Brookes sent the next ball out, but then scored with a prettily placed yollqy. Brookes again }iit the serve out of court, and a weak stroke of M‘Jx>ug.hlin’» made it 40—30 in M’Lougblin’s favour. Dunlop put the next out, America thus getting the first game. The next was remarkable for some fine play by all tho actors in this gieat match. Dunlop served next, but seat the return out, arid Brookes lost the next ace when ho had an easy shot in a clear court. M’Loughlin then found the top of tlie net an obstruction, but Brookes, m trying to repeat the poaching act, was passed by Wright, and another fine passing shot by M’Loughlin gave tho Americans the ace and the game. 2—o. America leads. Tho next game was remarkable for a wry fine recovery by Dunlop, who picked up an apparently impossible cross-c-oui t shot and sent it almost in a line with th© net, tho stroke bringing rounds of apyuiauae Deuce was called, and then vantage to each, but then Wright netted an easy return trorn his service, and Brookes landed the next ac© after a splendid rally by outmanoeuvring Wright. 2—l, America leads. The Americans only got one aco from Brookes’ s service game. Wright tossed tho first out, and Duniop won true next with a fine smash. Ho failed to volley tho next, but Wright then found tlie not, and M’Loughlin gave the Australians the game with a wild dnv© out of court. Two all.

Then M’Loughlin for tho first time lost his service game. He gave tlie opposition tho first aoe with a weak stroke, but then killed a short lob. He found tlie net with the next, and Dunlop got the best of Wright in an interchange of net play. Wright then lost tho gam© byfinding the not with an easy smash 3 —2, Australasia leads. In the sixth game—Dunlop's eervioo— Wright failed to take tli© first serve, and eacii of tho Americans netting the serve. Australasia led—4o love. Then was seen the finest rally of tho match, all four players being up and raising the enthusiasm of the onlookers by their magnificent volleying. Brooke© eventually netted a Job. Tho Americans got th© next aco, and Brookes again finding the not douce was called. The champion red-eemed lunwelf by boating Wright with a beautiful drive, and tlie wind carrying till© t<>*« of M‘Loughtin's out, Australasia led 4—2. The next game —Wright's service was opined with a long rally, Wright getting tii(; better of tho argument. Brooke* found the net. and 1 ho soor© wont, to 4(V—ls against him. Wright put the next out of court, but then M’Loughlin got a beautiful volley past Dunlop. 4—3 in favour of Australasia. In the next game Wright drove Brooke®'B service back hard to him, and scored, and Wright landed a smash right on the lino getting 30 love. Dunlop then outplayed Wright at tho net, and scored tho second ace by smashing a ball with such force that it went half-way up the spectators’ stand on tho first bounce. M’Loughlin and Brooke© each won an ac© by clear placing, but then ,th© former scored with, ono of his fine drives, and Wright annexed th© game with a volley that Dunlop just failed to got to. Four all M’Loughlin gave the Australians the first two ace® In. the next gam© by driving tho first out and putting the next into the net, but- h® won the next with a fin© smash.

Dunlop (lien found a clear space in th® centre with a good volley. A good rally was ended by Dunlop picking up and getting- over an almost impossible shot* which so nonplussed M'Loughlin that ho put it into the net. 5 —4, Australasia leads. There was great excitement as the next game commenced. Dunlop's service was well returned, but after an interchange*. Brookes had the best of an argument with Wright. The latter put the next one out of oouirt, and was again beaten by a chop volley from Dunlop. 40 love in Australasiu’s favour. Dunlop’s last service was got back, but h« returned with a nice lour (hive, and followed in. M'Loughlin attempted to drive, but found the net, making the game, set, and match. The weather looks uncertain- for to-mor-row. but the fact that the issue is settled' will rob the two Singles matches of somo interest. At the same time there is considerable speculation as to how Heath will shape against Beals Wright. To-day’s sets lasted as follows':—First, 14 minutes; second, 23 minutes; third, 28 minutes; fourth, 22 minutes. Scores: — Australasia (N. E. Brookes and A. W. Dunlop) defeated America (Beals Wright and M. E. M'Loughlin), 6—4, 5—7, 7 —5. 6—4. NOTES ON THE PLAY. (Fbom Una Own ConassroKDßirrJ CHRISTCHURCH, January The farr.ouo Lamed, the fighting Beals Wright, and the smashing M'Loughiin, who have come across a continent and over many leagues of ocean to lift the Davis Cup from Australasia, have failed in their mission, and the coveted trophy still remains in th:» southern hemisphere. Though there are still two matches to bo played, the issue is already settled by the result of to-day’a doubles match, in which tho Australians won handsomely after brilliant lawn tennis. There were amongst the largo crowd of onlookers many wno had, come thousands of miles to ece the contest. Those were mostly Australians. One man came all the way from Port Darwin, and considers himself amply rewarded for his long and expensive journey. To day’s match was certainly one such as New Zealanders are- likely to see only onofi in a lifetime, and’ it roused the crowd to heights of enthusiasm never hitherto reached in these islands in connection with lawn tennis. The day opened with rain, which cleared off after sunrise. Just before noon the rain came on again with thunder, but tho court had been covered with tarpaulins and did not suffer. When tho matches started it was again fine, with a fairish breeze blowing diagonally across tho court from the north-west end. Tho court was drier than it was for yesterday's matches.

At 25 minutes to 3 the players carao on the ground, and were greeted with a round of hearty applause. Beale Wright, who had made himself very popular with the crowd, and the young OaJifornian (M'Loughlin) looked a sturdy pair. The latter, who is a hard hitter and is wont to break racquets, came on to the ground with no fewer than four racquets. Brookes appeared wearing the usual tweed cap, but all the others were bareheaded 1 . After a brief knock up, Beals Wright commenced tlie service. There was soma very find play in the opening set, and the spectators, kept up to a high pitch of interest, applauded heartily. When the scores were brought to set all the crowd, who wanted the Americans to win, cheered loudly, and then settled down for further excitement. Australia won the third set, and wore now two sobs to one. It had, however been a battle royal so far. At the conclusion of the match there was loud cheering, everyone being delighted with the brilliancy of the play. The Americans received a specially warm ovation, .and sympathised with them m this their third defeat They had, however, been outplayed, and though there arc still two singles to be decided to-morrow the coveted cup must remain in Australasia.

FINAL MATCH. CHRISTCHURCH, January 3. Interest in the Davis Cup contest had of course dwindled owing . to out win of the Australian* m the first three matches, but there was nevertho.ess a fairly large attendance to witness the two re maim ing singles between Heath and Beale M right and Brookes and M‘Loughlm. Only one of these matches, however, was played tno latter. In the other Wright defaulted to Heath. There was considerab.e delay in starting the contest, and the onlookers got somcw.nat impatient, and began to applaud and cry “Time.” “We have the pkvera got to,'” and “Wo want our money back Another in the_ opposite stand shouted “W© wan* tennis.” The first match was advertised to start at 1.30. and a half an hour’s delay Dunlop called down Brookes, who was sitting with hie wife in the stand. The unexplained delay At 10 minutes past 2 the referee (Mr Fisher, M P.) made his appearance, and there were cries for a speech. Mr Fisher advanced into the arena, and announced that, owing to “an unavoidable hitch Mr Beals Wright would not be able to play. Brookes, he added, would p ay M Loughhn, and afterwards an exhibition game match would be played between Larned and MT/oughlin and Brookes and Heath. When Brookes and M'Loughhn actually made their appearance—nearly an hour late-there were ironical cheers. M'Louichlih started< with the service, ami bent Brockets return twice with corner shots, and boat him again with two magnificent serves. Ho won a love gam©, end was cheered. , , In the second gam© he nut one into tno net. and another out. Brookes had Him running across the court, and beat him badly with a pass. The next the American put out, and Brookes won a love game. 1 all. Two fine serves by M’Loughlin made the scores 30 all in the next. ga.me, and then M'Loughlin took the Wd with a short drop over the net. A brilliant cross volley of a low ball gave the game to M'Loughlin. 2-1. , He passed Brookes in the next game twice with two fine returns off the service, and then put one out. Brookes’s break serve puzzled him again, and a good place iyv Brookes made the score 40— 30 in his favour. The next servo M'Loughlm put into the net. 2 all. A fine high smash by M'Lnmehbn in the following game was applauded. The gam© went to the American. 3-2. Brookes then won a love game off hia A rornor wit bv Brookps off of difficult drow a round af applause, as also did. a smash by

M‘Lough-in, but Brookes won the game off'a difficult service. 4—3.

Brookes’s serve and break puzzled the boy in the next game, and -the former won it. 5 —3. A dog came into the arena, and M'Loughlin hit a ball at him to frighten him off. The crowd laughed at the boyish action, and settled down to watch the ninth game. M‘Loughlin beat Brookes at the finish of it with a hard kicking serve. 5 4-. Brookes then won the next game on his serve, and the set. 6 —4. It seemed as if Brookes must win the match, but as it turned out he was not to have matters all hie own way. From this on a severe and prolonged struggle ensued. Love—4o was called against Brookes off his own servo, and, after winning one ace, lie lest the game. 1 all. M'Loughlin got to 40 —love off hie serve, puzzled Brookes with the next, and took the lead at 2—l. Love—4o was called off Brookes’s serve, and the American beat him twice, and won a love game. 3—l, M'Loughlin leading.^ Brookes was again beaten to 40—love off the American’s serve, but a double fault gave him 15, a half-volley 50, a fine sideline pass deuce, and after deuce had been called twice the American won with a fine serve, and led at 4—l. Brookes won his next serve, the final shot making the American run hard, b unsuccessfully, • across the court. He passed him; twice beautifully in the next game, but M'Loughlin, playing well, won. 5 —2. A fine recovery saved M'Loughlin oiico in the- next game, but Brookes won his service rather easily. 5 —3. A soft half-volley return enabled M‘l«oughlin to put in a killing- shot, end, the final on© being put out by Brookes, this gave M'Loughlin the game and the set at 6 —3.

When the next game was deuce Brookes fell, and lost tho shot. Then M'Loughlin passed him beautifully, and won the game. I—love.

Brookes slipped again in the next game, and was twice beaten by M’Loughlin’s serve. Deuce was called, and then (M'ljoughlin failed with a half-volley. Brookes put one out, and deuce was called again, and then vantage to Brookes. A good place made Brookes run, but he got there, and won. 1 all. Love—so was called off Brookes’s serve, but ho retrieved his position, and won tho game by his serves and good placing. 2 —l, Brookes leading. A tough game was then won by the American with a fast middle-lino servo that Brookes could not get to. 2 ail. Brookos won his servo (3 —2), and M'Lougldin followed suit. 3 all. The American had Brookes running off the latter’s own serve, and beat him finally with a fine cross drive. 4 —3, MTxmghlin leading. The American then got 40 —15 off his Own serve, and Brookts put one out ami gave him tiro game. 5—3. M'Loughlin beat Brookos with a fine side-line drive in the ninth game, and then a short return got M'Loughlin out of position. He sprinted across the court for it, but Brookos quietly placed it over the not on the other side far away from the spot where the young Californian was. The crowd laughed good-naturedly at his discomfiture and Brookos’s imperturablo coolness. Brookes won this game. 5 —4. With tho serve in his favour, M’Loughlin had now a chance of winning tho set, which he did amid cheers, one low drive, with cut on it, being a particularly fine shot. It was a love game—M‘Loughlin 2 sets, Brookes 1 eot. It was now evident that the rising Californian star was going to give Brookes a busy time. He was playing quite brilliantly, driving, volleying, lobbing, and serving well, with an occasional mistake. Brookes, on tho other hand, was not in his best form, and he was hitting into the net or putting out some easy shots after he had worked up to an opening. However, he set his jaws a little firmer, and commenced the fourth set with a win off hie own service. M‘Boughlin then won his serve, and Brookes repeated tho performance mainly by fine placing drives, and took the lead. 2—l. The Australian took a lovo game off! MT/Oughlin’s service. Brookes then lost his serve, putting a rather easy one over tho back line. 3—2, Brookes leading. Brookes again won M’Loughlin’s servo (4 —2), and followed it up by winning his own serve, after making the hoy race across the court, and boating him badly in the opposite corner. 5 —2. The eighth game saw Brookos running to retrieve a well-placed shot, and the American won the- game. 5 —3. Rain began to fall spasmodically as Brockets won tho next game and the sot. 6 —3. “Two sots all” called the umpire, and the crowd began to key itself up to a high pitch of excitement. Presently things began to look rather blue for Brookes. After a brief spell tho deciding set was started. M‘Loughlin serving. He got to 40 —15, then put one out, and was beaten by a side-line pass. Brookes’s next return was over tho back line, and ho failed to return a short one. I—love, M'Loughlin leading.

In the next game M'Loughlin beat Brookes with two fine side line drives, but Brookes won a side line volley, and the game. One all. M'Loughlin then won a Jove game off his serve, and led at 2 —l. He was applauded in the next game on beating Brookes with a fine side pass. The rain had ceased, but the court was slippery and Brookes fell lather heavily and lost tlie next shot. After 30 all had been called, deuce, and then deuce again six times, Brookes won the game. M'Loughlin had been driving well, and keeping a good length. Two all. Two fine rallies ensued, one smash by M'Loughlin going through a spectator’s umbrella in the stand. The boy got the better of the rallies, his volley placing from near the net being very fine. 3—2. M'Loughlin leading. A fine volley by Brookes off a hot return drew forth cheers. Brookes then got a good load on his own serve, but the American, by fine driving and a good toes evened no matters to deuce. Fine tosdng and volleying ending with a typical M'Loughlin smash, kept up th t interest. Brookes made the score 3 all amid cheering by good placing. A fine place as the boy was running in gave Brookes the very point he most wanted at the most critical stage of the set, for ho now led at 4—3, and got the service. Ih the eighth game a magnificent rally was. loudly cheered, M'Loughlin returning meet difficult shots hard. Brookes, however, extricated himself with still greater brilliance, and won with a stinging serve (5 —3) amid further cheering. In the next game M'Loughlin was the server, and he won finally with a short one

over the net that Brookes could not get to. 5 —4, and the excitement still tense. Brookes started the service in the tenth game with giim determination Writ large on every feature. The loose-jointed young Californian passed the enemy at the lefthand corner, and: then Brookes put one into the net. “ Love thirty ” was called against the Australian. He made it 15—30, and then 30 all by a well-placed shot. Then w ith a fine service he g»t M aoughlin out of position, and sending a ball w T ith brilliant accuracy into the other comer, ho won the aoe M'Loughlin returned the next service into the net, and the great struggle was over. The colonial had won again, and the American would have to go back across the leagues of ocean not only without the cup, but also without having wort a single match. The crowd cheered and cheered again as the players ■ shook hands. It was certainly a great triumph for Australia. M'Loughlin, who by nis slashing play and his modest demeanour had taken the fancy of the crowd, was specially cheered as he walked off the ground, and that was the end of the memorable Davis Cup contest of 1912. NOTES ON PLAY. CHRi STC-HU RCH, January 5. The absence erf -Wright aroused great curiosity, and everybody- wanted to know what the hitch was; but the officials were reticent, and the most that could be gleaned was that- the absentee was “ indisposed.” The crowd took it very goodnaturedly, even though they still had to wait some time longer for Brookes and M’Loughlin to appear. However, when they at length went on to the court, nearly an hour later than the advertised time, the onlookers were rewarded with a display of tennis that was absolutely dazzling in its brilliancy, and as the match ran into five sets there were probably few of the big audience but would have admitted they had amply had theii money’s worth. Notwithstanding a heavy shower eiirlj this morning, the weather kept fine, and as the court had been covered, no harm was done. A sharp shower fell soon after the last .set was started, and a few without raincoats maeje a move, but it soon stopped, though it mads the sward rather slippery for the last few games. The court wore splendidly, and looked almost as good as when the great contest was started on Monday. Oonaidering that there was no holiday to-day, and the fact that to-day’s matches .would not be a factor in the result, the attendance was surprisingly good. The 1500 half-crown seats were almost filled, whilst there was very little falling-off in the reserved seat? at 7s 6d; but the 5s stand was only haiffuil. However, an attendance of over 300 C on a non-holiday speaks well for the interest taken in tennis by the Christchurch public. As the seats reserved bi-fore the meeting opened . considorab'y more than paid the expenses, there should be a very handsome margin of profit. To say that the Singles match between Brookes and M'Loughlin was a magnificent exhibition of high-class tennis but faintly exp: esses it. From start to finish it ■ was absolutely thril ling in its brilliancy. Brookes had his reputation to maintain, and there is little doubt that ho was as keen on winning as (hough the Chip depended on the result. But M’Loughlin was at the very height of his form. A player of his parts has his on days and off days. hie takes all the risks, serving, driving, and volleying with sledge-hammer force, and an ‘on’’ day finds him a formidable opponent, even to a class player like Brookes. And to-day was his Jay of days Right through lie got in his terrific strokes with marvellous accuracy. Over and over again h© sent down serves that Brookes never touched, and time and again ho got in drives both down the side line and across the court that the Victorian never got to, while his volleying and smashing were so powerful and accurate that his opponent was frequently left standing From this it must not bo bi£«.?rod that the honours were all on one side. The fact that Brookes won the match against such a superb display shows this. The Australian, by steijmiing such an onslaught, demonstrated more than anything else could what a groat player he is. What lie lacked in force of stroke lie made up in accuracy and general tactics. His service, though not so severe, was better placed, his driving was almost as powerful, and was far more accurate while his underhand volleying, which is his chief among many good assets, was absolutely bewitching in its anticipation and- -correctness of placing. However, after all is said that can be said, (bore was little difference nct'vecn the two men on the day’s play, and when M'Loughlin in the last set was 3—2 and vantage in the sixth game it will be seen what a narrow escape Brookes had. From this on Brookes was steadier and more accurate than ever, while M’Loughlin failed with a large proportion of ! is shots. It, was a groat match, and when the winning stroke was made the big audience rose as one person ami cheered themselves hoarse with delight. ffba cheery disposition and bright demeanour of the young American had endeared him to the big audience, and when he left the court he was again enthusiastically cheered After the big match the court was quickly rolled and put in order for a double, and soon Lamed and M'Loughlin appeared to meet. Brookes and Heathy's an exhibition double. Most of the crowd stayed to watch it, but though some very fine play was witnessed it lacked the seriousness of match play. Lamed was unable to got about the court quickly, and as Heath was in groat form and Brookos as good ns ever the Australians won two sets, 6 —3 6—2, and the memorable Davis Cup meeting of 1912 was ended. The first sot in the match between Brookes and M'Loughlin occupied 16 minutes, the second 15 minutes, the third 22 minutes, the fourth 18 minutes, and tho fifth 27 minutes. THE CAPTAINS INTERVIEWED. CHRISTCHURCH, January 3. Mr Norman Brookes said: “I think the play generally wo© well up to the standard of Davis Cup contests. Personally, I think I played as -.veil as ever I played, and in the Doubles poM-lbly better, and so did Dunlop I also think that M’Loughlin played better this time than he played in the" previous contest by a good bit. Lamed, of course, must have Suffering from some trouble, and we could not judge of his play, lie having played only one match. Beals Wright had not quite the same vim as he had displayed in his previous match against me in 1908, but still be was very resourceful, and should certainly be in the

next team. Heath, I think, surpassed expectations. Personally I thought he had a very fair chance of holding his own.” “The Court?’’ “I think the court was excellent, and but for the terrible weather we have had it would have been as fine a court as ever I played on. The arrangements generally were all that could be wished, for the umpiring was excellent—better, I think, than I have had in any ether Davis Cup match. It would have been better if the tarpaulin had been obtained at least a fortnight ago, for then the court cculd have been protected at the first sign of rain. It is a great credit to America, to have sent such a team, and personally I am sorry for their eakes that they were not successful, although naturally I feel very delighted we have won.” Mr Brcckce added that the next Davis Cup contest would be played in Melbourne, probably at the end of November, if a challenge was forthcoming. Mr W. A. Lamed, captain of the American team, was anything but communicative. “ I cannot tell you anything you don’t know.” he declared. “If I could I would, but if I said anything it would only be repeating what has already been said and written.” “ What did you think of the play generally?” asked the interviewer. “Well,” replied Mr Darned, with a shrug, “ I have seen better in Davis Cup contests and I have seen worse.” “When does your party return;” was the next question. “To-morrow night,” he replied. “Wo are leaving by the boat for the north. So, good-bye.’

TEAMS ENTERTAINED. CHRISTCHURCH, January 3. The competing teams in tho Davis Cup Match were entertained at Coker’s Hotel at dinner by the Lawn 'iennis Association of Australasia to-night. Mr William Goss (president of the Canterbury Association) presided. An apology was received for the absence of tho Governor, who had left Christchurch in response to an urgent call to Wellington on political business. A number of toasts were honoured, including those of the American team, and Australian and New Zealand teams, the donor of the cup, and lawn tennis. Mr Hicks (secretary of the Australasian Association), on being interviewed, said the match was well contested, but it did not approach that played in Melbourne in 1908. In his opinion M‘LoughCin played easily the best (both in tho Singles and the Doubles) for the challengers, and undoubtedly Lamed made a serious mistake in not playing M‘Lough Lin in the first round of the Singles, seeing that he (Lamed) was unfit physically for such a strenuous contest as tho Dav e Cup matches always produce. He paid a high tribute to the magnificent performance of the Australian representatives, especially the master of court craft, Norman Brookes. He added that ho was not in a position to state where tho next contest for the Davis Cup would be played, but he personally considered that there were only two places in Australia or New Zealand where it should be played —namely, Melbourne or Sydney. As to what nations would challenge for the next contest he was not at present in a position to prognosticate. Entries would have to reach him not later than the first Monday in March next. South Africa challenged for the contest just concluded, and he said that he would not be astonished if he received another challenge from .the same quarter for the next contest. England was also another Likely, competitor, and ho hoped that America would again be a starter. As the representative of the Australasian Association he would like to publicly express hie council’s with Lamed at tho unfortunate circumstance which quite precluded his showing the form for which ho is noted, and therefore minimised the chances of his team lifting the cup.

MR WRIGHT TAKEN TO TASK. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, January 4. Tho Star this evening deals very plainly with the member of the American tennis team who was responsible lor tho delay in starting the play yesterday afternoon and for t'ne change in the programme. “ Presumably,” it says, “ there will bo some official explanation of the failure of Mr Beals C. Wright to appear to time yesterday when he was sot down to play his Davis Cup match Tho referee contented himself with the bare statement that Mr Wright's absence was due to “ an unavoidable hitch,” but it did not take long for a circumstantial rumour to circulate among tlie spectators that tho hitch was not an unavoidable one, and that, Mr Wright had left the public and the lawn tennis authorities in tho lurch without warning Whatever the cause of his offending may have been, he cannot escape the charge of unsportsmanlike conduct. It is perfectly true that the fate of the Davis Cup had been decided on the previous day, but it is just under such circumstances as these that wo expect a man of Mr Wright’s reputation to keep faith with the authorities and the public. Tlie gap, so far as the public were concerned, was filled by an exhibition game in which Mr Lamed courageously faced the certainty of Suffering, and the public did not complain. But the position is that Mr Wright has committed tho unforgiveable sin of the sportsman, and in the absence of a valid explanation of his conduct he will have to bo ruled out of future international contests. It would be manifestly impossible for tho Australasian Association to receive him, and wo should think it would be impossible for the American Association to nominate him again. Tlie incident is wholly regrettable. It is unprecedented in. Davis Cup contests, and we hope it will remain without a parallel in the future.” VISITORS ENTERTAINED. (From Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCH, January' & The visiting tearne were entertained at a private dinner to-night by Mr Nomnn Bayles, M.P., of Victoria, an ex-champion lawn tennis player, who knows them all well. A very’ pleasant evening was spent, and amongst tlie toasts honoured were fhowe of the King, the President of the United States, Mr Dwyght (the founder of tho contest and tlie donor of tho cup), and the two teams. PRESS COMMENT. LONDON, January 3. Tho Westminster Gazette states that Brookes’s victory might have been anticipated, but it falls to understand Larncd’s defeat. SYDNEY, January 3. Tlie Herald, after paying a tribute to all

the Australian players, says: “To Brookes especial thanks are due, as through his skill and close study of the technique of the game we retain the Davis Cup. He revealed possibilities of the game hitherto unthought of, and has shown his countrymen an example of what the doubly rare gift of brain and eye and unflagging resoluticyi can accomplish.” The Telegraph says that the victory of the Australian players is wholly a triumph for Australian tennis players, since the successful men all belong to the Commonwealth, and can only be called Autralasian out of compliment to Wilding, who was associated with them in previous international contests.

THE DAVIS CUP. LONDON, January 5. Mr A. F. Wilding, writing to the Manchester Guardian, applauds Mr Lamed’.-* statement that America does not intend to abandon her efforts to win the Davis Oup, particularly as there is some talk of the lees sporting members of the ten nis community in Britain instituting a new series of matches wherein Australia need not participate. Nevertheless, he says, the presence of the Davis Cup in Europe is desirable. It would certainly stir international enthusiasm, as France and Germany are now both capable of securing » victory.