Davis Cup N.Z. Trounces Israel, 5-0

Press, Volume C, Issue 29501, 1 May 1961, Page 22

Davis Cup N.Z. Trounces Israel, 5-0

(N Z.P.A, -Reuter— Copyright)

TEL AVIV, April 29. New Zealand trounced Israel, 5-0, in the Davis Cup tennis tie which ended today. In the final singles, Mark Otway beat Elazar Davidman, 6-4, 6-2, 8-6, and Lew Gerrard beat Gabriel Dubitzki, 6-2, 4-6, 6-0, 6-1.

t New Zealand will now meet the winner of the SpainJugoslavia match in the second round

New Zealand took a Winning 3-0 lead against Israel on the second day of the match yesterday. Gerrard and Otway each won their first singles, and then won 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 against Davidman and Dubitzki.

To the disappointment of the 800 spectators, the Israel champion, Davidman, was completely out of touch, and the New Zealanders had a "walkaway’' win. Otway Not Extended

Today, Otway was not extended to beat Davidman in a 72-minute match. The Israeli champion once again was unable to find his form, and gave a sluggish display with many errors. Otway, on the other hand, was very steady, and scored many points with backhand volleys and delicate dropshots.

For Israel, the brightest spot of the whole tie was the form of Dubitzki, who took the second set against Gerrard with an exhilarating display. Gerrard was forced into many errors, and though he fought back from a 0-4 deficit, was unable to prevent the Israeli taking the set, 6-4. Dubitzki, however, was almost exhausted by his great effort, and was able to win only one more game of what was the best match of the tie.