TENNIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 July 1928, Page 2

TENNIS.

BOROTRA’S GREAT GAME. Australian Press Assn.—United Ser~>cc PARIS, July 29. Ten thousand spectators—a record for France—worked themselves into a frenzy over tlie doubles tennis match in the Davis Cup contest. There were 140 minutes fighting, which maintained a marvellous level, and rose on occasions of super heights, the players realising that the fate of the trophy practically depended on the foursome.

Though America can scarcely hope to win both the singles matches tomorrow, it is most likely that tlie issue will hang out until the close of the fifth match.

The eleventh lio-ur change of Tilden and Hunter in place of Hennessey and Lott, unquestionably gave France a tougher proposition, while the substitution of Cocliet for Brugnon, resulted in the pairing of the world’s greatest overhead hitters.

'file Americans lobbed frequently, often keeping a rally alive by wonderful recoveries, tossing the ball high again. The Frenchmen crashed one ball after another in a most sensational style. 'Hie spectators standing up, el ice red continuously, and they revelled in the service ace balls, Tilden’s acrobatic leaps and flashing racket work, and Borotra’s as well as Cochet’s interceptions at the net. It is no. exaggeration to say that Borotra played the greatest game •• the four. He won three service games in the third set all actually to love, manly by .volleying strokes of a magnificent character.

Hunter’s game was typically good, but be did not possess the hurricane speed of Tilden in the service delivery. These virtually became the key to the French victory.

At the interval, although France led 2—l, Tilden remarked to a friend: “It’s all right. We are going to win.” When the Americans got level, by the capture, of the fourth sot, it seemed as though the apparently impossible was about to happen. The Frenchmen, however, played like inspired men, and the crowd’s excitement surpa; <■ 1 " tennis Itoumls. The French piled up points until the games were 5—2. Thousands cried “Sh!” ns Hunter toed the line awaiting, in silence, the last service of the game. Cocliet returned the hall wide. Tilden faulted. Borotra leaped wide, and crashed the hall direct at the American, hitting Tilden with a resounding thump. Hie crowd yelled for a full half minute. The Americans gained the next point with startling volleying. Then there was brilliant duelling in which Hunter was forced out of position, and Borotra flashed the ball down the centre. Borotra then registered a clean winner, returning the service. It was now at match point—ls—lo. Hunter netted the last hall and France virtually saved the Davis Cup.

FRANCE WTNS DAVIS CUP. 'Received this dav at 9.30 a.m.l PARIS, July 30. In the Davis Cup singles, Cocliet defeated Tilden 9—7, B—6, (3—4. Lacoste 'defeated Hennessey 4—ft, ft—-I, 7—5, 6—3. France therefore wins the Davis Cup.