LAWN TENNIS

Otago Witness, Issue 3870, 15 May 1928, Page 54

LAWN TENNIS

THE DAVIS CUP. AUSTRIA AND PHILIPPINES. VIENNA, May 7. Matejko (Austria) beat Aragon (Philippines), 6—-0, 6—2, 6—3, winning the tie. FINLAND AND JUGO SLAVIA. BELGRADE, May 8. In the Davis Cup match Finland won the doubles and leads Jugo-Slavia by two matches to one. HOLLAND ELIMINATES IRELAND. DUBLIN, May 11. Holland has eliminated Ireland from the Davis Cup, winning the first three of five matches. It meets Hungary in the second round. . DEFEAT OF AUSTRALIANS. GENOA, May 9. Australia has been eliminated, the Italian, Morpurgo, defeating Patterson, I—6, 6—4, 6—3, 2—6, 6—l. Stefani (Italy) defeated Hopman (Australia), 7—5, 9—7, I—B. PARIS, May 11. No surprise is expressed at the Australians’ defeat in the Davis Cup match with the Italians, as the French have every reason to rate the latter highly. Morpargo is reckoned one of the few Europeans capable of seriously threatening the leading Frenchmen. The Australians are credited with a certain amount of bad luck, and it is considered a pity that two such strong teams should meet in the first round, as many of the competitors in the second round will be inferior to the Australians. LONDON, May 8. Italy won the doubles against Australia, 6—3, 6—4, I—6, I—6, 6—2. A doctor expresses the opinion that Crawford’s bronchial asthma is the result of nerves. The doubles at Genoa were played under ideal conditions. The Australians commenced brilliantly, Morpurgo making brilliant returns. Many bad decisions against both sides were upsetting to the Australians, and Hopman made many mistakes, Mcrpurgo unmercifully slashing his service. Patterson’s form w-as t.natic. Morpurgo was unbeatable, inspiring Galini to greater heights. The Italians played superbly, both returning wonderfully, and frequently trapping the Australians at their feet. Morpurgo’s defeat of Patterson was the most brilliant singles match seen here for years. The crowd was wildly excited. The Italian victory over Hopman in the singles created the keenest interest. The Australian was most erratic. Sometimes he was brilliant, especially in volleys. Stefani excellently controlled his passing drives, and thoroughly deserved his win. The district Fascist chief presented Patterson and Morpurgo with diamond tie pins in the form of the Fascist emblem. Crawford is still in bed.

GENOA, May 9. For the first time in history Australia has been eliminated from the Davis Cup in the first round, yet it was a game performance in the face of adversity. The Italians are a fine side. Morpurgo is a man of steel, and is never beaten. Patterson played a delightful variety of strokes, and was deadly. Cook had a bad patch in the second, third, and fourth games, and he was too deliberate. Patterson produced mistakes. NEW ZEALAND AND PORTUGAL. LISBON, May 11. In the Davis Cup first round Andrews (New Zealand) beat Pinto Coelho (Portugal, o—3, 6—4, 6—o; Verda (Portugal) beat Young (New Zealand), 6—2, 6—2, 6—3. WELLINGTON, May 12. Private advice received at Wellington to-day states that the New Zealand Davis Cup team opened a match against Portugal yesterday. At the end of the day’s play honours were even. Andrews beat Coelho, and Young lost to De Verda. The doubles are to be played to-day. LISBON, May 12. Andrews and Young defeated Verda and Vasconcelos, 7—5, 4—6, 6—2, 6 —2.. Service. THE WIGHTMAN CUP TEAM. TESTS FOR WOMEN ASPIRANTS. LONDON, May 10. The selectors testing the women aspirants for the Wightman Cup team against America staged matches at Wimbledon, with the following results : —Eileen Bennett beat Betty Nuthall, 6—3, 6—l; Peggy Saunders beat Joan Fry, o—6,0 —6, 8— 6—l; Mrs Watson beat Miss Goldsack, 6—l, 6—l; Joan Ridley beat Mrs MTlquhan, 6—4, 6—3. THE DOUBLES GAMES. LONDON, May 11. In the Wightman Cup trial marches the doubles games resulted as follows: Misses Watson and Nuthall beat Mrs Lycett and Miss Harvey, 6—l, 3—3, 6—2; Misses Fry and Colyer beat Misses Bennett and Ridley, 6—4, 4 —6, 6—2; Misses Iliquham and Goldsack beat Misses Sterry and Saunders, 6 —2, 9—