TENNIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1926, Page 3

TENNIS.

[Australian <fe N.Z. Cable Association.! CANADA V. CUBA. NEW YORK, July 16. At Havana, in the Davis Cup preliminary Crockejr (Canada), defeated Banet (Cuba), G-4, 6-4, 6-1. Paris (Cuba) defeated Wright (Canada) 2-6, 6-4, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4. A Havana message says that the Canada v. Cuba Davis Cup match was bitterly contested, despite torrid heat, at a tantalising speed. Crocker was already handicapped by a cold and a sore throat. He was exhausted at the’ second set, but poured ice water down liis hack, which refreshed him and lie won the match against Banet. Then he became again exhausted, and reared to the club house, hut he rejoined the thousand spectators to cheer his countryman Wright, who entered after an excruciating see-saw fivcH»et match, which lie lost gamely and gloriously to Paris.

HAVANA, July 17. Chxscoii and Paris defeated Wright and Crocker B—o, 3—6, 6—B. B—6, 6—2. The Canadians were defected in il gruelling three and half hour battle, in which both sides were handicapped. Crocker was in poor physical condition at the outset, while Paris injured in yesterday’s play wore an ankle brace. The Cubans rallied to win the first set after the Canadians had taken the sixth and seventh games for love, but were unable to counter the Canadians attack in the second and third. Dspite vigorous lobbing in the final sets, they effectively concentrated the attack on the weary Crocker, who was completely exhausted at the conclusion and was carried off the- court by friends. ___