DAVIS CUP

Southland Times, Issue 25313, 17 June 1935, Page 7

DAVIS CUP

GERMANY’S BID AUSTRALIA TRAILING 2-1 CRAWFORD’S POOR FORM (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) Berlin, June 14. In the Davis Cup contest, G. von Cramm defeated J. H. Crawford (Australia) 6—3, 7—5, 6—2; H. Henkel (Germany) defeated V. B. McGrath (Australai) 4—6, 6—2, 6—o, 6—2. The weather was fine and there was a capacity attendance. Cramm did most of the attacking in the first set, his powerful kicking service and strong driving keeping Crawford on the defensive. Cramm easily took the set. Crawford’s movements were slow and his shots repeatedly missed the lines or hit the top of the net. Cramm treated Crawford’s short lobs harshly and won the second set without trouble. Crawford’s form was deplorable. Crawford was forced out of position by Cramm’s service and was also caught on the wrong foot by the German’s drives. Cramm, never relaxing, drove home his advantage with more splendid driving, completing Crawford’s utter rout. Henkel Defeats McGrath.

McGrath started confidently against Henkel and was leading 4—o and 5 1. Henkel then took three games in succession when ’ McGrath struck an erratic patch, but the Australian saved the set. Henkel caused a surprise when he captured the second set by safe, steady play. McGrath’s game at this stage was a mixture of very good and very bad shots. Henkel, thriving on his success, hit much harder and took the set with the utmost ease. McGraths attacking mood with which he began the match seemed to have vanished and he now played with extreme caution. Henkel led 4—o in the fourth set and McGrath was unable to withstand Henkel’s increasingly strong service and accurate passing shots. McGrath staved off two match points before losing. The result was a great shock to the Australians.

DOUBLES TO AUSTRALIA

POOR DISPLAY.

(United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) Berlin, June 15. In the doubles J. H. Crawford and A. Quist (Australia) beat K. Lund and H. Denker (Germany) 6—4, 11—9, 6—3. Having won two victories which the Press regards as another triumph for the National Socialist Government the Germans to-day attempted to consolidate their position by winning the doubles. In view of the importance of von Cramm’s winning to-morrow, Lund replaced him in the doubles, partnering Denker. The weather was hot and sultry. Lund was a powerful figure with a fast service. The Australians early showed an attacking spirit which was conspicuously absent in the singles yesterday. Outvolleying their opponents, with Quist smashing with great power, the Australians took the first set easily. The Germans’ display was poor. In the second set Lund’s service, which so far had been the only noteworthy feature in his side’s attack, functioned well. The Australians became patchy, their tennis being quite unworthy of Davis Cup standard. Quist’s sudden return to form was the chief feature of the opening stages of the third set, his powerful forehand driving playing havoc with the Germans’ service. There were occasions when the Germans made brilliant recoveries but they broke down on easy net shots.

The high hopes felt throughout Australia when the Davis Cup team set sail for Europe were dimmed by the indifferent showing of Crawford and McGrath against the Frenchmen. They have been almost quenched by the disastrous first day’s play against Germany., It was on the cards that von Cramm would defeat Crawford; it was unthinkable that the German should vanquish the Australian in straight sets. But it is not the defeat of Crawford which was the major disaster. Few could have foreseen that the comparatively unknown Henkel would defeat McGrath. It is obvious that the form of both Australians is too bad to be true. It is also obvious that little short of a miracle can avert their defeat by Germany. Crawford should beat Henkel; but McGrath can have only an outside chance against Cramm. The Australian victory in the doubles has prevented a debacle; it will be the hopes of players in this part of the world that it may be the turning-point in the match. But cold reason must favour Germany’s success. SOUTH AFRICA v. CZECHOSLOVAKIA. (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) Prague, June 15. In the Davis Cup contest R. Menzel (Czechoslovakia) beat N. Farquharson (South Africa) 6—2, 5—7, 6—4, 6—2; and J. Caska (Czechoslovakia) beat M. Bertram (South Africa), 6—2, 6—4, 6—l. KENT FINALS. MISS ROUND WINS. (United Press Assn.— Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 6.30 p.m.) London, June 15. The finals of the Kent tennis championships which were played to-day resulted as follows: , Women’s singles.—Miss D. E. Round (Britain) beat Miss K. Stammers (Britain) 6—2, 6 —o. Men’s doubles.—C. Tuckey and F. H. D. Wilde (Britain) beat F. J. Perry and H. W. Austin (Britain) 4—6, 6—2, 7—5. Women’s doubles.—Mlle. Andrus and Mme. Henroti.'. (France) beat Misses K. Stammers and F. James (Britain) Miss Stammers, wh is ranked third in Britain, and is the holder of the hard-courts championship, was in great form against Mrs Helen Wills-Moody, who was too slow and lacked her usual machanical accuracy. Mrs Moody was beaten 6—4, 6—o in the semi-final. Miss Stammers in the final failed to reproduce the faultless display which gave her victory over Mrs WillsMoody. It was soon evident that many shots which against Mrs Moody had been winners were going just wide of the lines. Her proportion of errors steadily increased in the second set. Miss Round, with hei rhythmic driving restored, proved more mobile than - Mrs Wills-Moody and was less easily caught on short returns. Mrs Wills-Moody is, like many a player before her, finding it very hard to stage a “come-back.” Even allowing for the improvement which Miss Stammers has made in the last two games the English girl could not have won such a victory against the American of 1933. It will be surprising indeed if. Mrs Moody regains the title at Wimbledon.

Miss Round’s crushing defeat of Miss Stammers in the fin 1 indicates that the 1934 winner at Wimbledon is at the top of her form.