LAWN TENNIS.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 October 1920, Page 7

LAWN TENNIS.

DAVIS CUP MATCH. THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. Interest in the forthcoming challenge round for the Davis Cup at Auckland in December—20th to. 24th—is growing, sayß a Sydney paper. In a few 3*eeks it will becom intense, Tte American challengers, T'lden Johnston, Williams, and Hardy, sail, from Vancouver oil November ]O. They are very confident of avenging for the four detents already inflcted upon Americans by Australasian combinations. All America is sanguine. There is yet na indication who will assist Brookes—the sole selector—and Patterson, lor Australia. These two, are certainties. Anderson appeared as the only New South Wales possibility. His recent showing would, however, seem to preclude him. G. Ollivler, the New Zealand champion, is a possibility a very remote one. Brooks has requested that l e play in the Victorian championships. This is regarded as a suggestion that he may be selected. He may be, but the motive is doubtless to conciliate New Zealand opinion. New Zealand is naturally very anxious to have a representative in the team, and it will please them to know that Ollivler was considered. * But Victoria would seem likely to supply all personnel. O'Hara-Wood has to be considered. And there is a newer and brighter star. The youthful Jack Hawkes has caused much discussion in tennis circles by twice decisively beating the renowned Brookes himself. Like Brookes he Is a left-hander. He puts a lot of spin into a difficult service, and has a good collection of hard, slicing shots. It has been generally thought that Ills victories over the champion were more or less Hashes In the pan; that lie had caught Borokes on off-days. But latest developments seem to disprove that. )

Hawkes, partnered by his brother, recently beat Brookes and O'Hara-Wood In a doubles match. Critics Hay: "The tennis surpassed any seen in pennant matches in Victoria tor many years. Certainly the rubber was the event of tile season. From first to lust there u<as never a dull moment. The play was sparkling and brilliant throughout There was nothing feeble, nothing defensive, yet no wild hitting on either side, and the spectators, by their applause nnd enthusiasm, showed how much they appreciated the skill displayed. The selection of Hawkes, should he preserva his fine form, will cause little surprise. However, some time will elapse before tl:e selections are announced. Anything may happen in the 'interim.

The Australasian Association has appointed Messrs. P. B. Colquhoun, V. H. Barter, It. Eagle, L. M. Ilowell, and T. H. Hicks, a subcommittee to be responsible tor all arrangements. The association will be officially represented at the matcl: by 11. T, H. Hicks (lion, secretary), who will ieave for Xew Zealand probably about the middle of Oecemiber. The association has drawn up a programme for a tour of Australia 1..v the challengers. It is suggested that the lour extend over three weeks. The Americans will leave New Zealand on January 7. (In January 13, 14, and 15, a match will I*, ulayed against Victoria, at Melbourne, and South Australia will be played at Adelaide on January 20, 21, and 22. The team, prior to departure for America on will meet New South Walttj at Sydney «n Jnnw»ry Si, ill, »sa so.