DAVIS CUP TENNIS

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 15 June 1933, Page 3

DAVIS CUP TENNIS

AUSTRALIA BEATS S. AFRICA

CRAWFORD DECIDES ISSUE.

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) LONDON, June 13.

In the Davis Cup match between Australia and South Africa, Kirkby (South Africa) defeated McGrath (Australia), 6—B, 6—o, 6—4, 6 — 2; and Crawford (Australia) defeated Bobbins (South Africa), 6 —4, 6 —l, 6 —o. Australia thus won the tic by three matches to two and meets Japan in the European zone semi-final. Kirkby led 4 —2 in the first set today, when McGrath rallied and won the set, but in the second set the South African, playing with great dash, hustled McGrath, forcing him to make mistakes, and won in 15 minutes. Kirkby’s severe service, coupled with beautiful sweeping forehand drives, enabled him to win the next two sets and the match comfortably. This made the scores two all.

Crawford quickly set Australia’s fears at rest, however. He immediately found touch against Robbins, winning the first set easily, using much underspin and forcing his opponent into errors. Robbins won the first game in the second set, but Crawford won the next 12 games- in a row for the match. Robbins retrieved gallantly, but was unable to take the, offensive. Crawford gave a really masterly display, winning the match in 50 minutes.

Crawford has not been defeated in a singles match since he lost te Hughes at Bournemouth a week after his arrival. He has now successively beaten Boussus, Satob, Cochet, Ivirkby and Robbins without the loss of a -set and with the loss of only 39 games—a remarkable record considering the variety of opponents, courts and conditions.

Kirkby and Farquharson (South Africa) yesterday defeated Crawford and McGrath (Australia), 6—4, 6—4, 6—4. The South Africans’ win was due to superior combination and to the Australian pair’s lack of understanding. The Australians led 4 —l in the first set, but thereafter the South Africans dominated the -game and the Australians' never looked like winning. The form of Crawford and McGrath was only moderate. The South Africans stormed the net on every available- opportunity. The Australians found difficulty in passing them, while their tosses were killed by the South Africans. McGrath’s attack lacked punch.