DAVIS CUP.

Wairarapa Age, 27 July 1936, Page 5

DAVIS CUP.

BRITAIN WINS OPENING SINGLES. CRAWFORD AND QUIST BOTH BEATEN. SOME SPECTACULAR TENNIS. (Received Sunday, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, July 25. In the Davis Cup challenge round, H. W. Austin (Britain) defeated J. H. Crawford (Australia), 4/6, 6/3, 6/1, 6/1. F. J. Perry (Britain) ■ defeated A. K. Quist (Australia), 6/1, 4/6, 7/5, 6/2. The weather was breezy and rain frequently interrupted play. In the first set both Austin and Crawford played beautiful tennis, Austin making Crawford run more. Nevertheless the Australian took the set by forcing his opponent into errors. The second set was characterised by startling tennis, many delightful shots bringing roars of applause. Austin cleverly altered his pace and length in •the third set, which was more even than is indicated by the scores. Austin also exploited a surprise attack at th© end of long rallies. In the final set, Austin forced Crawford into errors and brought off passing shots and placements. The Australian, though fighting strongly, was unable to make any iinpression on his steady and consistent opponent, who never looked like erring. Quist, in his first set against Perry, displayed unusual mobility, attacking at the net, apparently unhampered by his injured ankle. Fireworks continued throughout the set, Perry also repeatedly rushing the nett Quist displayed great coolness, but was unable to withstand the Englishman’s aggressiveness. Quist served finely in the second set, playing better than Perry, who was erratic, going for shots which he was just missing. Perry finally lost the set when he netted a smash. In the third set, Quist showed excellent form, retrieving especially well and making very few errors. The Australian led 5/1 and had set point, when Perry changed his game. Instead of hitting hard, he played soft shots, causing Quist to overhit. The changed tactics were successful, the Englishman taking six games in a row. The final set was a keen struggle. There were many deuces in the early stages; then Perry took the lead 5/1. Quist on his own service reduced the lead to 5/2, but Perry on his own service had a 40/0 advantage in the last game. He outed the first match point and was passed by Quist on the second. Quist then netted, giving Britain a 2/0 lead in the challenge round.