TENNIS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2360, 28 November 1908, Page 3

TENNIS.

THE DAVIS CUP

United Press Association, Copyright (Received November 27, 11.10 p.m.)

MELBOURNE, Nov. 27

The weather was splendid. Drying winds left the courts in good condition, but ia trifle slow. \ A great crowd assembled to see tilie opening n> at dies of the Davis Cup. Brookes met Alexander (Victoria), and soon established a strong lead, taking the first four games of the first set. Alexander warmed to his work, and placed ia different complexion on the game by his splendid playing and masterly returns. By irresistible smashing he put up seven games while Brookes secured only one. The second set will be long remembered as one of the most keen ever witnessed in Melbourne. The players took game for game till the score was seven all; Brookes then took the next two games and the set. In the next set Alexander failed, while Brookes, if ■anything, improved. . Alexander placed! service after .service into the net. In the fourth set Alexander put •up andther great fight, playing his best game. The fifth and deciding set fell to Brookes. Scores: 5—7, 9 —7, 6 —2, 4 —6, 6—3.

AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP.

WILDING DEFEATED.

United Press Association. Copyright (Received November 28, 1.15 a.m.)

MELBOURNE, Nov. 27. Wright heat Wilding, 3 —6, 7 —5, G —3, 6—l. The New 'Zealander in the first set -scored the first three games. Wright seemed slow in getting about the court. After the second set, in- which Wilding held! his own, the American had. the best of the remaining sets. His game got better as he went on. His lobs troubled Wilding, while his well played drop shots just over the net had the precision of genius. In the final set Wilding scarcely did himself justice, apparently realising that the position was beyond redemption. The doubles will he -played to-morrow.