FOUGHT EVERY POINT.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12950, 15 May 1935, Page 6

FOUGHT EVERY POINT.

SENSATIONAL TENNIS MATCH.

STEDMAN’S FIERCE DRIVING. CRAWFORD LEADS 14—12, 17—15. (Received 10.50 ja.m.) United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON. May 14. In the Davis Cup tennis match at Eastbourne, Crawford at 14 —12, 17 —15, was leading Stedman (New Zealand) at 4 —3 in the third set when rain stopped play for the day. Rain commenced soon after play began. Stedman. driving deeply and powerfully and waiting lor the point-, was le**iing s—l in the first set, but Crawford evened at 4—4. The rain drenched the players who continued until the score was 5—5. They later resumed wearing spiked shoes. Crawford’s greater variety of length and concealment of direction, enabled him to take the set but only after Stedman's baseline aggression had provided tin* most brilliant tennis of the contest. Conditions improved in the second set, both hitting even harder. Crawford’s versatility again neutralised the effect of the New Zealander's fierce driving. The Asu tra 1i an led 5—3 when StedmaiL resolutely equalised. Driving with great, power and precision Steelman held set point at 9—B but failed, after which the great struggle was resumed at a tremendous pace, with the New Zealander unable to gain the lead, although every game vva s hard fcugli t.