Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1926-09-12

'
Tilden's sensational defeat came
after Little Bill" Johnston had reg
istered Americas fourth victory by
vanquishing the Bounding Basque
Jean Borotra in another match that
was hard and tensely fought, even
though decided in straight sets by
scores of S-6, ca. 81.
Plenty Of Thrills.
Although neither match had any
bearing on the outcome of the chal-
lenge round, which was decided yes
terday by Americas triumph over
France in the doubles, today's en-
counters furnished the greatest thrills
Of the series. Whether it was because
of Improvement in the French attack,
relieved Of the strain of cup-seeking,
or whether 1t was due to a let-down
on the part of the Americans. both
contests developed duels of such stir
ring chara cter that they contraSted
sharply with the decisive 0everSeS met
by the French in the first three
matches.
Americas final margin was con-
vincing enough, four victories to one
for France, but the French lifted an
unexpected, even though belated ror-
tion of glory in the closing battles.
While Tildens injury unquestion-
ably upset the Americans game and
played big part in his defeat, little
credit can be- taken away from La
coste, who came back after slow
start to fight the American champion
TO d standstill in a match that was
contested almost entirely from back
court. Big Bits" accident, however,
was the turning point, coming as it
did in the midst of a terrific duel and
at time when they were deadlocked
in sets at onC-all and in games at six.
oil.
Two Decisions Hurt.
Two questionabl line decisions cost
Tilden the critical thirteenth game of
the third set after he had led at 40-15.
The last one brought the count to
deuce and 1t was in a stab for La
CosteS cross court shot near the line
that the American fell heavily to the
turf. lie not only was badly shaken
by the tumble but his knee, which has
given him trouble before, seemed so
badly twisted that it was a painful
effort for him to take his serving
position again.
A double-fault and a wild return
cost Tilden the game and he lost the
set in spite of gallant effort in which
he twice held off Lacoste with the
latter needing only a single point for
victory.
With the crowd now cheering his
every winning shot, Tilden made his
last stand in the fourth set. Trailing
at %, then pa, he warded off impend-
ing defeat with a flashing rally that
carried him through three games vic.
toriously and later to within point
of winning the set in the twelfth
game. The effort affected his control.
however. and Lacoste rallied to square
the count once more.
Tilden carried both of the last two
games to deuce, but yielded to La
Coste's brilliant court covering, his SUI
perior steadiness and control Match
point was called twice in the last
game before LacoSte sliced a passing
shot down the alley for the deciding
point with Tilden on the ground from
another fall in his effort at recovery.
Is Real Battle.
Johnston's victory over Borotra, in
q nip-and.tuck struggle was decided
by harddrivinG attack, connected
with frequent Sorties to the net that
enabled the American to beat back the
Basque's more spectacular efforts.
They fought tooth and nail for
every point in protracted exchanges,
but while Borotra flashed sparkling
rallies that carried him TO the lead in
each set. he was beaten back by John
ston's indomitable defense. The
BASQUE was within q point of taking
the first set, led at 4-S in the second,
also at 4-3 and 6-5 in the last, but
each time he was unable to sustain his
attacks in the face of Little Bits"
gritty and winning comebacks.