LAWN TENNIS.

Colonist, Volume LI, Issue 12411, 28 November 1908, Page 3

LAWN TENNIS.

THE DAVIS CUP. OPENING OF THE TOUKNAMENT. Keceived Nor. 27, 11.20 p.m. ■:.": Melbourne, Nov. 27. The •weather was splendid, Bnd drying winds left the courts in good condition, but a trifla slow. A great crowd assembled to see the opening matcheß of the Davis o up competition. Brookes met Alexander. The Victorian soon established a strong lead, taking the first four games of the first set. Alexander warmed to his work, and placed a different complexion on the game by splendid placing and masterly returns. By irresistible smashing he pat up seven games while Brookes secured only one. 'The second set will be long remembered as one" of the most keen ever "witnessed in Melbourne. The players took game for game till they were even all. Brookes then took the next two games, and- set. la the next set Alexanatr failed, while Brookes, if anything, improved, Alexander placing' service after service into the net. -In the fourth set, Alexander put up another great tight, playiDg the best gamp. The fifth and deciding set fell to Brookes. The scores were 5—7, 9—7, 6—2, 4-6, 6-3. Received Nov. 28, 1.15 a.m. Melbourne, Nov. 27. . Wright beat "Wilding, 3-6, 7— 5, 6—3, 6—l. The New Zealander in tbe first set scored the first three games. Wright seemed slow in getting about the court rather often. He was more vigorous a-, d l'.ngert sustained in the previous mntch. After the second set, m which Wilding hold his own. thp American had tbe best of tuo remaining sets, his game getting better a's be went on. His lobs troubled Wilding, while well placed drop shots just over the net bad the precision of genius. In the final set Wilding scarcely did himself justice., apparently iealising ttafc the position was beyond redemption. w - .