Evening star., 1924-05-11

The draw in the European zone
offers many possibilities for inter
esting contests The British Isles
and Belgium, who had a close match
last year, are again opposed TO each
other, and, curiously enough, the
winner must again play Spain. Last
year Spain won from England with
out the help of her most brilliant
player, Manuel Alfonso. This year h.
is to play for his country, whica
should give Spain a sure victory
AIonso Plays With Spain.
Ireland and France should have Z;
very close match. as Campbell and
McCrea are both capable of giving
the Frenchmen hard fight. France
should, however, win and reach the
semi-fnalS by defeating the victor Of
the Holland-India tie. South Africa
will surely beat Argentina, judging
from the latter'S showing in 1923, but
can hardly be expected to win from
Spain, their next opponents. This
Spain in the upper semi finals and
should produce the finest play of any
of the European ties. Last year the
French won by three matches to two.
F1aguer losing both his singles. This
year Alfonso will play in his stead,
and if de Gomar plays as well as in
1928 the Spaniards ought to win
In the lower half are grouped oil
those nations that are just begin
ming Davis Cup play and none Of
experience as either Spain or France
is certain of an easy victory in the
final. 1t is curious that all the best
players should have been drawn in
the upper half.
Austria and Hungary, formerly
enemy nations, are still barred b.
special rule of the federation, en-
acted during the war, from compel
ing in tournaments held under the
federation's jurisdiction, but there is
no such rule governing Davis Cup
ties, which explains the acceptance
of their entries by the U. s. L. r. A.
Denmark has two players, Tegner
and Larson, who should carry them
through the first round against Hun
gary. Italy with Baron de Morpurjo,
Caesare Colombo and Count Balbi
has the most formidable team in the
lower half and should easily dispose
OF both Rumania and Denmark.
believe that Switzerland will win the
other quarter, as last year she came
through three rounds, playing Aesch-
liman, Sauter and Martin, who are
again available. She should have lit
tie difficulty against Austria as
Count Otto Salm is the latters best
player, and he is only mediocre.
America Should WIN
New Zealand is, for the first time en-
tering as an Independent nation, and as
she possesses no second Anthony Wild
ing at present she will probably last
but a round.
The semi-fnals would then be fought
out between Italy and Switzerland, with
the odds on the former
II the players are running true to
form l expect to see the Spanish team
coming to this country to meet Aus
tralia in the interzone final This will
be a splendid match, one that either
side may win. In 1922 Australia was
the victor, and it is interesting to note
that the same four men who then played
singles may meet again, Patterson.
O'Hara Wood, Alfonso and de Gomar
The Australians will undoubtedly win
the doubles, and Patterson should again
conquer de Gomar, who finds our sum
mer climate too eXhausting to play his
best tennis. Alfonso has improved SO
amazingly in the last two years that !
believe he will surely win from O'Hara
Wood and have an even chance against
Patterson. Either side may win, but ]
am inclined to favor AuStralias chances,
as they are wonderful match players
If this tie is played it will be one OF
the events of the season, second only
in importance to the challenge round.
Unless some unforeseen occurrence pre-
vents Tilden or Johnston from playing,
the United States should retain the cup,
whoever her challenger may be-