GREAT VICTORY FOR COCHET

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 85, 1 July 1927, Page 9

GREAT VICTORY FOR COCHET

rI.DEN was defeated by Cochet in the semi-final of the men's singles tennis championship at Wimbledon, after a game so exciting that the referee had to ask the crowd to be less noisy. Borotra defeated Lacoste. In the women’s semi-final, Miss Helen Wills beat Miss Joan Pry, and Senorita D’Alvarez beat Miss Ryan.

By Cable.—Press Association. Copyright . LONDON, Thursday. DRIGHT sunshine and fine play at Wimbledon to-day compensated the spectators for all earlier dis appointments. Tilden’s match was so exciting that the umpire requested the crowd not to cheer so often and so loudly, as it was disconcerting to the players. Tilden’s cannon-ball service and hard driving in the first two sets prevented Cochet from coming to the net. Service aces were scored with monotonous regularity. Cochet started wearing him down in the third set, in which the American suffered a lapse, serving badly and overhitting.

Cochet got a 6—5 lead amid intense excitement, caused by the long rallies. In the fourth, Tilden led after an exciting driving duel off Cochet’s service; but the Frenchman had taken the sting from the American’s delivery, and drew ahead in the third game after five deuces and rallies lasting several minutes. Both were tired. Cochet took advantage of Tilden’s condition, forcing him to run as much as possible; but the Amecan made wonderful cross-shots to Cochet’s backhand. The latter’s tactics were remarkable for the agility he displayed. Tilden drew level rt 2—2, making the hardest crosscourt backhander seen at Wimbledon this year. Thereafter, there was some brilliant tennis, ' which the tables once more appeared to be turning toward the America. Cochet finished the match with an amazing shot to Tilden’s backhand, threw the racket and handkerchief into the air, dashed to the net, and heartily shook hands with Tilden. Although Miss Ryan established a long lead over Senorita DAlvarez, the latter was in her topmost form, and her hard driving in the second and third sets was more effective than Miss Ryan’s clever chops. Miss Ryan was outrun and outplayed. MEN’S SINGLES Semi-final Cochet defeated Tilden, 2 —6, 4 —6, 7—5, 6—4, 6—3. Borotra defeated Lacoste, 6—4, 6—3, I—6,1 —6, 6—2. WOMEN’S SINGLES Semi -final Signorina de Alvarez defeated Miss Ryan, 2—6, 6 —o, 6—4. Miss Wills defeated Miss Fry, 6 —3, 6—l. MIXED DOUBLES First Round Brugnon and Miss Evelyn Colyer defeated Trimmer and Miss Bowman, 6—2, 4—6, 6—4. % Second Round Gregory and Miss Harvey defeated Landry and Mile. Cousin, 6 —4, 8 6. Sherwell and Miss Valentine defeated Boussus and Miss Mathieu, 6—3, 6 4. Raymond and Miss Heine defeated Washburn and Miss Platt, 6—4, 6 —l. — A. and N.Z. MEN’S DOUBLES Fourth Round Austin and Lycett defeated CroleRees and Eames, 6—2, 6—3, 6—4.