DAVIS CUP.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 January 1920, Page 4

DAVIS CUP.

AUSTRALIA WINB DOUBLES. ' AUSTBALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION SYDNEY, January 19. The second stage of the Davis Cup challenge round was played to-day in dull sultry weather, but the conditions Were perfect for tennis., The light was excellent, and the court in splendid condition.

Seven thousand assembled in anticipation of a really great double contest, but the Australian team proved too formidable for the Britons. Brookes, by masterful placing tactics, comlbined with Patterson’s terrific service and smashes, completely outclassed the visitors.

Kingscoto commenced driving for the Englishmen. He created a sensation by foot faulting five times in the first game, and did similarly twice in the later match through swinging his back foot into the court before he struck the ball. These faults may have upset the balance of the British combination, Beamish appeared particularly weak both in his service and drives, lacking pace, and constantly putting the balls out of the netting. The visitors ' failed against the Australians, forcing tactics. Kingscote, despite his footfaults played the more brilliantly, but neither compared with the local wizards, who won the first two sets to love.

The opening game of the third set, proved the most exciting in the match On Beamish’s Service, Kingscote forced the game with well played drives and fine net play. The English team then secured their first game of the match. Tlie Australians equalised with the second game and carried the scored to 5-1, when the challengers notched their second game. Kingscote used every endeavour to stave off de-

feat, but the 'Australians completely outgeiicrallcd the visitors in every department of the game. They won by 6-2. The scores now stand : Australasia. —Two matches, 6 sets, 49 games. British Isles. —One match, 4 sets, 36 games. The destination of the Davis Cup now hinges on to-morrow’s singles when Kingscote meets Patterson and Lowe plays Anderson. The visitors will need to win both matches to secure the Cup.

DISAPPOINTED SPECTATORS. (Received This Day at 8 a.m.) SYDNEY, This Day. The remarkable, and as far as the spectators were concerned, somewhat disappointing feature of to-day s tennis, was the quickness with which a decision was reached, the play lasting just under forty minutes. The result was 'Undoubtedly largely due to Brookes’ unmatched generalship, and fineli judged play. The general verdict of the critics is that he never proved himself a greater exponent of the game than to-day. . Though no rain has fallen since the early morning, the weather to-niglit is threatening, and rain is liangng about. The Englishmen still have a fighting chance, but tlie opinion appears to be that unless they display better form than they so far have shown Australasia has a good chance of retaining the cup.