AMERICAN DAVIS CUP TEAM ARRIVES

Chronicle (Levin), 20 November 1946, Page 9

AMERICAN DAVIS CUP TEAM ARRIVES

— Press Association

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AUGKLAND, Nov. 19. "I tliink we iiavc a fighting chancc — I would call it an even chance — of winning the Davis Cup from Australia," said Walter Pate, non-playing captain of the American Davis Gup team which arrived at Auckland by Pan-American clipper. Pate has actetl as non-playing captain of American Gup teams since 1935. The team has a background of war service. Mulloy was a Lieutenant-Com-mander in the U.S. Navy and skipper of an L.S.T. in the Mediterranean carrying loads to tlie Anzio beachhead. Kramer, who won the national' singles championship in September, served as a lieutenant in the Goastguard and for 15 months served around New Guinea. Scliroeder, Kramer 's usual doubles partner, was a lieutenant in the Goastguard and destroy'ers in the Atlantic and Pacific for two years before he turned to flying. Frank Parlcer was a sergeant in the strategic Air Force in tlie Paciiic and secureddiome leave from Guam Isiand to win hiS national titles. Brown was a private (first class) in the 20th Armoured Division in France and Germauy. Gilly Talbert, the remaining meniber of the team, was not available for overseas service. The team was met upon arrivai by representatives of the New Zealand and Auckland Lawn Tennis Associations. Three members, Kramer, Schroeder and Brown practieed for about an hour at tlie Stanley Street courts. The ,foriu revealed was remarkable considering the players were awakened for the fiight from Fiji at 2 a.m. that day and had only dozed on the I2-hour lliglit. The team will be welcomed by the Mayor, Mr. J. A. G. Alluin, in the morning aud will practice in the afternoon iu a session to which children only will be admitted.