THE DAVIS CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 January 1920, Page 5

THE DAVIS CUP.

AUSTRALASIA v. BRITAIN. HOME TEAM WINS DOUBLES. By Telegtapli.—Pieas Assn.—Copyright. Received Jan. 19, 8.25 p.m. Sydney, Jan. 19. The second stage of the Davis Cup challenge round was played in dull and sultry weather, but perfect for tennis. The light was excellent, and the court in splendid condition. Seven thousand people assembled in anticipation of a really great doubles contest, but the Australian team proved too formidable for the Britons. Norman Brookes, by masterful placing tactics, combined with Patterson's terrific serving and smashing, completely outclassed the visitors. Kingscote commenced serving for the Englishmen, and created a sensation by foot faulting Ave times in the first game, and similarly twice in a later match through swinging back his foot into the court before he struck the ball. These "faults" seemed to upset the balance of the British combination, Beamish appearing particularly weak. Both his service and drives lacked pace, and he was constantly putting balls out or netting them against the Australians' forcing tactics. Kingscote, despite his foot faults, played 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 a most exciting match. On Beamish's service Kingscote forced the game with well placed drives and line net play, the English team securing their first game of the match. The Australians equalised by winning the second game, and carried the scores to s—l, when the challengers notched a second game. Kingscote used every endeavor to stave off defeat, but the Australians completely out-generalled the visitors in svery department of the game, and won 6—2. The scores now stand:— Australasia.—Two matches, six sots, forty-nine games. British Isles.—One match, four sets, thirty-six games. The destination of the Davis Cup now hinges on to-morrow's singles, when Kingscote meets Patterson, and. Lowe plays Anderson. The visitors need to win both matches to secure the Cup.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A SUDDEN DECISION. PINE PLAY BY BROOKES. Received Jan. 20, t.5 a.m. Sydney, Jan. 10.^ A remarkable, and, as far as the spectators were concerned, a somewhat disappointing feature of to-dAy's tennis was the quickness with which a decision was reached, the play lasting just uuder 40 minutes. The result is undoubtedly largely due to Brookes' unmatched generalship and finely judged play. The general verdict of critics is that lie never proved himself a greater master of the game than today. Though there hag been no rain since early morning, the weather to-night is threatening, rain hanging about. The Englishmen still have a fighting chalice, but the opinion appears to be that unless they display better form than so far shown, Australasia has a good chance of retaining the Cup.-—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ASsn.