New Britain herald., 1929-07-16
DAVIS CUP PLAY
 FURNISHES DRAMA
Germany, France and America Principals in Closing Matches

New York. July t6 P'-By a strange as well as dramatic twist of athletic fortunes, Germany, Franco and America are the principals in the closing Davis Cup tennis conflict of 1929. The competition in the most international Of all sports con- tests has narrowed down to d Ger nlan-American duel for the right to challenge the cup-holding nation France.
 The United States seems to have too much all-around strength for Germany 10 overcome in the inter- zone finals this weekend at Berlin but the signs are unmistakable that the TeutOns now are on the way to being a definite power in Davis Cup affairs.
 France. Inc first to break up the
 old Anglo-SaXOn domination of the tennis courts, in a year or so may
 find keener rivalry from Berlin's
 hard court products than she has had from the more cloistered do-
 mains of Wimbledon and German town.
 Australia. once so dominant. has passed from the contending picture,
 at least for the time being. Eng lands gesture of revival is not yet conclusive. The United States still is seeking 10 develop talent 10 bring
 back some of the glory of the old Tildsn-Johnston dynasty. Germany.
 on the other hand, in Moldenhau"r an Prenr. appears tC possess two unusually promising stars who may develop as fast as did Lacoste and COchct for France.
 Germany has taken only threN seasons of competition to gain the top in the European zone of Davis Cup competition after t3-year ah- senc> from the field. The first of | Frances three musketeers" to en-
 ter the Davis Cup limelight wer"
 Henry Cochet and Jean Borotra, iu | 1922. It was not until 1927 that tie
 galloping gauls broke down Amer l ica's defense to win the cup. 1 There was distinct disposition or ] the rart Of many American observers ! last year to regard Percy Williams. the Olympic sprint champion. as .lUcl;y" in spite of the brilliant man. nor in which the slim Canadian greyhound raced the worlds best snrintcrs into the ground at An
 $; -rdHm.
 Much of this was due to natural f"olirC of appointment over the show .ng of the Americans in Tho
 Olympics. plus the feeling that Wy
 koff, Russell Sracey and the other
 young stars were not in the best of condition over there after sensation
 al performances at home. Ii was
 pointed out that Williams never had
 such remarkable times as did WykOif
 in the final Olympic trials at Boston.
 Whatever doubt, however, mat
 have fingered about the class of
 Williams, after his fine indoor per
 formances in New York and else
 where last winter, was entirely dis
 sipatcd when the Canadian putran Wykoff. Rracey and Eddie Tolar. tho new national champion. at Van couver last Friday and Saturday. II was unfortunate that George Simpson of 9 2-5 fame, could nos also match strides with Williams but for the time being there is no question Of the Canadian's claim b the title of worlds champion.
 Tho Philadelphia Athletics, be-
 sides the, prospect of winning their
 first American League ponnant
 since 1914. also have q good chance
 to boast the leading batsman and pitcher of the circuit for the first time ir many moons.
 Lefty Bob Grove is well out in front in the pitching parade, enjoy ing his greatest year so far, while young Jimmy FoXN is making q gal
 lant light for hitting honors. FoNX is being closely pressed by Heinie
 Manush who lost out to Goose Cos lin by barely q percentage point last year but Al Simmons and
 Mickey CoChrane, two other hard