Shawcross, Davenport squash finalists

Press, 28 October 1981, Page 6

Shawcross, Davenport squash finalists

PA Auckland New Zealand's most promising squash player, Stuart Davenport, and Sydney's experienced Kevin Shawcross will meet for the first prize' of $l5OO in the New Zealand Open at the Henderson courts tonight. Davenport downed the Victorian, Roger Flynn, in the first semi-final, and in the best match to date of the tournament Shawcross defeated an old rival, Neven Barbour, a stalwart of the host club, in four enthralling games. Shawcross, winner of two recent tournaments in New South Wales predicted a victory in four over Barbour.

He was right, although only just. He lost the first game, 0-9 before recovering to Win the next three 9-5,10-9,10-8. Barbour had game balls points Un the third and fourth games but despite all his strivings could not clinch the vital point. . An ability to hit more winners from the front of the court carried Davenport to victory over Flynn in the first sefni-final. Davenport’s cross-court nicks and greater steadiness were sufficient to give him a win in four games although he will have to lift his play considerably if he wants the big prize tonight. He won the match 9-5, 5-9, 9-7. 9-3.