LAWN TENNIS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1403, 1 April 1912, Page 6

LAWN TENNIS.

THE DAVIS CUP. WHS THPi AMERICANS LOST. THE INNER HISTORY. In "American Lawn Tennis" appears a most interesting graphic description of the Davis Cup matches at Chri,tchurch in the season just closing. The story is told !>y Mr. J , . M. ](. Fisher, M.1 , ., 'who referced the matches, and (here is also a remarkably line analysis of the jilny written by Mr. li. M. Kidslon. Of Mr. Fisher's story the editor writes:— "It would be difficult, perhaps impossible, to overpraise this stnrv. It is iv narrative from tho insido, written by men who, although Australasians, were fair and reasonable, and who knew exactly what (hoy wero writing about. Consequently, they have produced a narrative that is" almost ppic,ono that grips the reader and causes him to see, as if with his own eyes, tho (lungs.described; that permits him to follow the drama, as it slowly unfolds il>:elf; to realise the immensity "of the responsibility shouldered by the members of Hie American team, and particularly by the captain of the team;- and to pi-obi" the depths of the despondency that seized all when it became certain that Lamed, (he mainstay of-tho team, tho man who was expected to copo with Brookes, could not escape from tho grip of his ancient foe— rheumatism. Possessed of this knowledge, wo can partly realise how Larned. crippled in anklo and elbow, became the kiekball ot Heath, and failed tn reveal even a ghmp.se of the real Larned. ]t is inexpressibly sad, and, perhaps, irretrievable." Concerning the incident of the substitution of M. E. M'Louglilin for W. A. Larned to play Brookes in the second round of the singles, Mr. Fisher explains at length the considerations which led him to allow the substitution. Interestnig is the copy of tho certificate of an independent medical man engaged by Mr. lusher ns to Larned's unfitness for play. "I hereby certifv that I have this day examined Mr. Win. A. Larned and find him suffering from a rheumatic ankle, together with a strained and painful tendon (tendo Achilles). I therefore consider him unfit to take part in any tennis match. "(Signed) HUGH KEITH, "L.K.P.C. and S., Edin. "January 2nd, 1012."

Tho same magazine cbnhins also cerlnin resolutions relating to future Davis Cup contests. These,, in cll'cct, controvert the rumours that tho Americans would refuse to send teams to Australasia again to recover tho cup. On tho contrary, the U.S.N.L.T.A. has stated that it will pursue tho policy followed since 1903, when tho cup left America, "of striving earnestly and unremittingly to regain possession of that trophy iu accordance with tho existing rules," and to semi a team to Australasia whenever possible. Another most important decision was arrived at by the American Association—to require the singles champion to play'right through the championship tourney, instead of playinjf the winner only. Lamed will therefore have to do a great deal more work than heretofore if ho will hold his title; Strangely enough, no such change- was even suggested concerning the championship doubles event.