DAVIS CUP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 20109, 16 May 1935, Page 9

DAVIS CUP

AUSTRALIA v. NEW ZEALAND STEDMAN EXTENDS CRAWFORD United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, May 14. The second series of singles in the Davis Cup tennis tie between New Zealand and Australia, which has already won the round by winning the first two singles matches and the doubles, were commenced at Eastbourne to-day. J. H. Crawford (Australia) was leading A. C. Stedman (New Zealand), 14-12, 17-15 and 4-3, when rain stopped play for the day. The court was covered and was not affected by the morning’s rain, but rain commenced soon after play began. Stedman, driving deeply and powerfully, led 4-1 in the first set. He was within a point of leading 5-1 on his service, but Crawford took the next three games and evened at 4-4. Rain then drenched the players who continued until the score was 5-5. They later resumed, wearing spiked shoes to enable them to get a foothold on the slippery court. Splendid driving nevertheless Was seen. Crawford’s greater variety in length and concealment of the direction of his strokes enabled him to take the second set, but only after Stedman’s baseline aggression provided the most brilliant tennis of the contest.

Hard Hitting Contest The 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 Australian led 5-3 when Stedman resolutely equalised, driving with great power and precision. Stedman held a set point at 9-8, but failed to clinch it, after which a great struggle was resumed at a tremendous pace, with the New Zealander unable to regain the lead, though every game was hard fought until 14-14. Hard driving continued, Crawford eventually taking the set at 17-15. He was leading 4-3 in the third set, when another downpour of rain drove the players from the court. Stedman’s Wonderful Form The Australian Press Association comments that the Crawford-Stedman struggle was undecided, after 2) hours play. Stedman was scarcely recognisable as the uncertain player who faced McGrath on Saturday. Crawford found himself challenger throughout. The longer the match progressed the more difficult he found it to bring Stedman to close quarters, while the New Zealander kept up a steady stream of wellplaced forehand and backhand drives, and served well. Crawford’s command of spin got him out of many tight corners. Stedman hit vigorously throughout, and achieved wonders with his limited stroke equipment. A few hundred spectators docilely accepted the announcement that there would be no further play.