Evening star., 1922-07-18

Reason for Default.
BY the Associated Press.
LONDON, July lS.-It was officially
announced this evening that Great
Britain had conceded Spain walk
over in the Davis cup tennis competi-
tion. Great Britain's withdrawal was
decided upon because 1t was thought
fair that the Spanish team should
whereas had Great Britain beaten
Spain the British would have been
unable to raise representative team
to play in the United States.
Maj. A. r. F.. Kingscote and Ran
dolph Lycett. the only British Isles
representatives looked upon as 'haV-
ing any real chance of taking the
British Isles into the challenge round
against the holders of the Davis cup,
would have been unable. on account
OF business reasons to make the "Trip
to the United States.
Although the British Isles would
have had an excellent chance against
Stain in the matches set for July
-. "a, %. the Lawn Tennis Associa-
tion felt it would not have been fair
play to meet the Spaniards without
the intention of going further in the
contest.
the winner of the tie between France
and Australia. which is to be played
in the United States.
L. Not Well Received.
The withdrawal of the British Isles
team from the play with Spain has
created an unfavorable impression
among large section of English
tennis enthusiasts and is likely to
prove extremely unpopular among
made that Notwithstanding the in
ability of Mai Kingscote to go to
the United States, England would
with his services. have survived
against Spain and that then the best
available men could have been sent
to play in the final round in the
United States.
1t Is added that representatives
from the British Isles could also have
been entered for the American ma
1ieved the Americans would have ap-
preciated, party as an offset to
Wimbledon's claim to the worlds
grass court championships in per-
petuity.
These commentators interpret the
decision as an indication that those
regarded as reactionarieS have gain
ed the upper hand in the Lawn Ten
mis- Associations councils. Condem-
nation is voiced over the action Of
these men in constantly discourag
ing the younger players"
A good team of younger men
would have been available. it is
pointed out. who would thus have
had a unique experience against the
modern speed of the American player.
Comment of Papers.
The Daily Telegraph tennis expert
has this to say:
This rather inglorious end to Great
Britain's Davis cup campaign of 1922
reveals serious executive blunder
some where. Great Britain ought not to
have issued a challenge and played the
first round II further pursuit of that
challenge depended upon the business
affairs of two men. When
countries like Czechoslovakia and Italy
-compa arative strangers in the interaa-
tional arena-can send teams abroad. lit
Is thousand pities that the old lawn
tennis country could withdraw.
IF kingscote and Lycett could not go to
America three or four other players
could be found. Their job might have
been as hopeless In prospect as that of
Italy or Czechoslovakia, but 1t would at
least have been undertaken with cour-
age and comraderie.'
Sporting Life says:
"Britsh tennis is short Of really first
class ability. Kingscote and Lycett are
the only two men who would have had
any real chance against the United
States. There is evidently a need for
some organized movement to organize
and develop youthful talent"