Davenport beaten in N.Z. squash final

Press, 29 October 1981, Page 6

Davenport beaten in N.Z. squash final

PA Auckland Even after his four-game defeat by Kevin Shawcross, of Australia, in the New Zealand men's open squash final at Henderson last night, the 18-year-old Stuart Davenport was hailed as a player likely to surpass the deeds of Bruce Brownlee. Those who made such bold claims were Shawcross himself and Mr Bryden Clarke, vicepresident of the New Zealand Squash Rackets Association, a great supporter of Brownlee in his early years.

Brownlee announced his retirement because of a hip disability after appearing likely to rise above his long-held No. 6 place in the world rankings. Shawcross, the rugged Sydney left-hander, was blasted out of the first game by Davenport in only 12 minutes, but in the remaining 48 minutes, the Australian asserted his control, deception and considerable experience in clinching the final.

His reward was $l5OO. the best prize he has had for a long time. Davenport was lethargic, perhaps because of a lack of training as the result of his university studies, but there was enough in his display to earn the praise of his opponent. “Stuart has very good touch.” said Shawcross. "And you need to have something good to beat the Pakistanis. He also has a good reach and a light frame and I think he will go further than Brownlee.” Results.—

Men’s open final: K. Shawcross (Aust.) beat S. Davenport (N.Z.). 1-9. 9-7, 9-5. 9-3. Play-off for third: R. Flynn (Aust.) beat N. Barbour (N.Z.), 9-5. 5-2. 9-2. Men’s open plate final: S. Hughes (Remuera) beat S. Cleary (Pons), 9-7, 9-2, 9-6.

Special open plate final: R. Hayes (Chen) beat D. Oakley (Coll). 4-9, 9-1. 9-7, 9-4. Men’s first division: R. Crothall (Hend.) beat E. Condor (Titi.), 3-9, 1-9, 10-8, 9-7. 9-7.