DAVIS CUP

Evening Star, Issue 21750, 19 June 1934, Page 9

DAVIS CUP

CRAWFORD BEATS BOUSSUS AUSTRALIA TO MEET CZECHOSLOVAKIA IN FINAL Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. PARIS, June 18. (Received June 19, at 10 a.m.) In the singles Crawford defeated Boussus, 2-6, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0; Merlin beat M'Grath, 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, 6-0. Australia won the tie by three matches to two. Afraid that M'Grath might become demoralised by the actions of the French crowd, Crawford realised he must defeat Boussus, which he accomplished only after a thrilling five-set match, lasting two hours. After each had won a set a wrong decision in Crawford’s favour caused a postponement for several minutes in the third set till the pandemonium ceased. The crowd, becoming uncontrollable, continued demonstrations at every' opportunity. Crawford appeared unsettled, and Boussus took the set, giving him a 2-1 lend. In the fourth set Boussus led 3-2 and 40-0, but Crawford drew level amid a prolonged uproar following two wrong decisions. From then onwards Crawford gradually took control of the match. Boussus showed signs of tiring early in the final set, and Crawford went all out to win the set and the match, Australia thus qualifying to meet Czechoslovakia in the final of the European zone at Prague. With the M'Grath-Merlin match not affecting the result M'Gratli was relieved of responsibility. He played well in the first set, but after that be never attempted to retrieve the balls for which he had to run.