DAVIS CUP

Evening Star, Issue 21749, 18 June 1934, Page 12

DAVIS CUP

AUSTRALIA V. FRANCE MERLIN BEATS CRAWFORD ■ PARIS, Juno 16. In the singles M'Gratli defeated Bonssus, 6-3, 0-6, 6-8, 6-2, 6-2; Merlin defeated Crawford, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. THRILLING GAMES. As anticipated, today’s Davis Cup matches both produced stern fights, each country winning a rubber, although not those expected. M’Grath had perfect control over his shots throughout, slowing the game from the beginning, and he achieved a splendid victory ■ through playing Boussns to a standstill. M’Grath led 5-1 in the third set, and had set point, but Boussns saved brilliantly and went on to win the set. In the fourth and fifth sets Boussns tired and stayed at the baseline, where ho was fighting a losing battle, so he advanced to the not, but was repeatedly passed by M'Grath’s excellent back-handers. M'Grath led 5-0 in the final set, and had match points in the sixth, seventh, and twice in the eighth games before finally winning. The crowd was very boisterous throughout the match, and the game was held up while the umpire and Boussns appealed for fair play. Crawford began so brilliantly against Merlin that a'straight-set victory was predicted for him, but after the first set Merlin improved his pace and the length of his drives. The crowd was out of control following Merlin’s consistent improvement. It was unbelievable that Merlin could continue with such brilliance, but he kept up the pace, winning the match amidst intense excitement.

Borotra and other leading players are unanimous that Merlin never played better, while Crawford was below his best form, The Australian was also worried at the one-sided attitude of the spectators.