THE DAVIS CUP.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 June 1922, Page 5

THE DAVIS CUP.

PRELIMINARY ROUNDS. AUSTRALIA BEATS BELGIUM. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, June 23. In the Davis Cup match Andersonand O'Hara Wood (Australia) beat Washer and Watson (Belgium) 6—l, 6—2, 4—6, 7 —9, 7—5. Australia thus wins the round. Received June 25, 5.5 p.m. London, June 24. Anderson beat Washer 6—4, 6 —3, Il—2. The fifth match was abandoned. Anderson was never extended and he served and placed splendidly. The match consisted mostly of hard driving from the base lines, neither attempting much volleying. After the Cup contests Patterson and O’Hara Wood beat Washer and Watson in an exhibition doubles 6—2, 6—3, 6—-2. Received June 25, 5.5 p.m. London, June 24. The tennis doubles in the Davis Cup contest between the Australians and Belgians commenced in a light drizzle, which presaged a runaway victory for the Australians, who won easily, chiefly owing to Watson’s deficiencies. He could not do anything right. Washer, on the contrary, was throughout the hero of the contest. His brilliance was remarkable, because until he arrived a few days ago he han never played on a grass court in his life. The rain held off after the second set. and Watson from this point improved. Patterson, after the match, declared that this was Australia s strongest doubles pair which it was expected to use in the later stages of the Davis Cup contest.

Word has been received that Czechoslovakia, who hitherto have been expected to withdraw, would meet the Australians in the second round in England. The match has been fixed for July 13 and 15, the ground to be chosen later. This precludes the possibility of meeting France here, as the Australians sail for America on July 19. Patterson favours the meeting of Czecho-Slovakia at Scarborough.