Tennis: Fightback thwarts Americans

(First Edition)

GINNY Humphreys-Davies led a British challenge for the Maureen Connolly Trophy 21-and-under competition in Memphis.

The United States were held 2-2 on Thursday thanks to Humphreys-Davies, who saved five match points after trailing 5-2 in the final set and beat Luanne Spadea - ranked more than 100 places above her - 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.

Lisa Raymond, the American inter-collegiate champion, was too strong for Julie Pullin, 16, winning 6-3, 6-1. But Shirli-Ann Siddall, 18, and Mandy Wainwright, 16, restored Britain's lead with a 6-3, 7-5, doubles victory over Raymond and Andrea Farley.

Amy Frazier, the world No 20, levelled things by beating a tenacious Colette Hall, ranked 208 places beneath her, 6-4, 6-3.

Seven further matches will be contested with the winning team the first to record six victories.

MAUREEN CONNOLLY TROPHY (Memphis): Great Britain 2 United States 2. (GB names first) G Humphreys-Davies bt L Spadea 2-6 6-4 7-5; J Pullin lost to L Raymond 3-6 1-6; S-A Siddall and M Wainwright bt A Farley and Raymond 6-3 7-5; C Hall lost to A Frazier 4-6 3-6.