NEW ZEALAND AT LAWN TENNIS.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8524, 29 August 1907, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND AT LAWN TENNIS.

1 (From Our London Correspondent.) LONDON, July 17. On Saturday, when Mr Brookes and Mr Wilding won a single each, and so made two out of the three points necessary to give them a win and entitle them to m&et the British Isles for the Davis Cup, there were many who thought that the match was practically over. Then came Monday's sensational double, putting America but a point behind. The excitement grew high ,vhen, yesterday, America won the first match and'drew"! level, and when Mr Behr won" the first set of the fifth, the prophets looked inclined for quiet "corners. In the end Australasia won by three matches to two, which is 'due to the temperament and skill of Mr Norman Brookes. Mr Wilding began the first match of the afternoon by looking a comfortable winner over Mr Beals Wright. He led 3—l ivnd|s—3, and it seemed probable that there would be a repetition of the three set victory on the first day of the championship. Wright was only starting. He quickly caught up to 5 all and 6 all before losing" his service and the set at 6—B. And in the next two sets he played wonderfully. The pace at which he reached the net, the quickness and certainty of his volleys and smashes, the accuracy cf hisjlobs, were all splendid. Winning the next two sets 6 —3, 6 —4, he started on the next with renewed energy. Mr Wilding was working hard, but his best drive was hardly as safe t as usuiil, and a lot of strokes hit the fape. He caught up to 5—4 after Mr Wright had twice been within a shot of winning the match. The tenth game was the closest of all. Three times did Mr Wright reach vantage in his own favour in his own service. Twice out of the three he lost the match by a double fault, and another double fault gave Mr Wilding the lead. Deuce again; and then Mr Wilding took advantage and the game.