ENGLAND V.FRANCE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1536, 4 September 1912, Page 9

ENGLAND V.FRANCE.

> BRILLIANT LAWN TENNIS. HONOURS EASY IN THE DAVIS CUP SINGLES. The first day of the series of watches between I'rauce and the British ■ Isles is over (writes the correspondent of the "Westminster Gazette" from Folkestone on July H), and with both nations being ablo to claim a victory in the singles, the tournament is now bound to run into the third day, which, as a matter of t'net, will decide which of the two countries has to meet the holders of the Davis Uup, for it seems certain that the United States-will this year bo conspicuous only by their absence. »

A Great Day. It has been a great dny, in evory sense. A. H. Gobert and A. W. Gore gave an exposition of how the game should bo played, which their respective ■ captains both agreed could hardly be surpassed. C. P. Dixon has possibly never played better in his life, and Decugis was i.nlucky to find his opponent surpassing himself. Moreover, in addition, Be had none of the best of tho luck of the game. He, however, played.by fits and 6tarts; at one moment appearing a thoroughly beaten man; a minute later he, as it were, emerged from his shell, giving Dixon cause to play all he knew. But though Decugis was at times brilliant, Dixon was always ready for him. The younger player could hardly ever get the ball past his English opponent, and was slow in his movements, while, at the same time, he seldom gave Dixon cause to do much running about. Half-way through, the match Decugis chinged his shoes for a pair with "points," or, as the Americans term them, "spikes." It will be remembered that when the American- players were at Wim.bledon they caused much consternation by tho length of their "spikes," but the "points" adopted by the Frenchmen were perfectly harmless, arid when the court was rolled there was nothing to show that anything but ordinary footgear had been worn. In tho second setithe first four games were divided, but Dixon won the last four and also tho set, his opponent having won three games in tho first set. The French player won the first game in the third' Set, but scored no points in either ths second or third. Decugis at this stage was well beaten, and though be won a couple more games, Dixon won the set. and the match by threo sets to love. This match, which was umpired by Mr. P. Gillou, tho genial editor of the Paris journal "Football," occupied fivo minutes over the hour. Fine Play. After an half-hour's interval, Gore and Gobert -appeared, the • Englishman's lack of inches as.compared with his tall adversary being met with a considerable advantage. in years, for in lawn tennis moro than almost any other game "Experientia docet"! Tho standard of play set up by this pair was far higher than that sot up by them at Wimbledon, Gobert making full.use of .his reach and height. Many good judges had not an-, tioipated the.result of the match between Decugis and Dixon, and the French captain seemed very anxious when the second match commenced. Device was called in the first game, which Gore secured, : thus putting the English supportcrsoii good terms with themselves. The ninth was aii important game, tho scoro being 5—3 in favour o! the , French player. ■ Deuce was called three times, but though Gore put a weak shot into the net, ho won tho game. Robert was putting moro sting into his service towards the end of the set, which he won by eix games to four, >' '

The opening of the second aet was sensational, Gore commencing with two double favilte, his fifth service beins also a fault. Deuoe called four times, buty in spite of his poor beginning, Gore won the first game. Gobert, on the other hand, won his first, tao aces in the second game by hi» : seryicevrand : " thegame, and also, the third.: TKb s&.\ras the best hitherto. «ea''dur , ijlg"the.';dayi.' keeping Goto .'.Very lnu'eh'-'ou 1 the'-mqve;' continually driving .to' his back-hand; in : the extreme corners of the court. Gobert, however, found- Gore anticipating his cross-drives, and never caught him on the Ti-roiiß foot. Got 6 adopted safe tactics, continually lobbing his opponent, who lost the set owing to a couple of wild smashes. Gobert. had followed the example of his confrere, 'and put .on "pointed" shoes. Whether the change of shoos gave him confidence, or whatever the cause, he played, throughout the third set like a winner, Gore only; securing three games. The seventh game in this SBt-produced the longest and most brilliant rally of the day, both players keeping to the back of the court. • Gore Beaten, In tho first game of tho fourth ond last set Gobert dragged his foot over the line and was duly penalised. In the second game he carne up to the net and won, Gore keeping him on the, mova in the third. Gore won three: ont of the.first, four games, but Gobert won the last'five and the set and match by three sets to one. This match was umpired by Mr. Larcombe. The winning ace was not altogether a satisfactory ending, the ball being placed by Gobert well out of Gore's reach, and, the linesman making fro sign, doubt appeared to bs raised as to whether the ,ball was in or out. Gore, how-, ever, in. a most sporting. spirit, set all doubts at rest by leaving the court, thus assisting the umpiro in his decision. The. victory of Gobert was well deserved and thoroughly well received. Gore was beaten by the better r>layer, and the young Frenchman, who is only just of age, is to be' congratulated on his fine performance.