Stuart Davenport

Biography Davenport learned to play squash in Christchurch, and was an outstanding junior (particularly after a growth spurt aided the physical side of his game after the age of 15). Coached by the legendary Dardir El Bakary, Davenport developed an attacking game with the full array of volleys and attacking strokeplay.

In 1980 he led the New Zealand Junior team to third place at the World Junior Championship in Sweden (after finishing third himself in the individual event). That same year he won the British under-19 title, and in 1982 took out the British under-23 championships.

Davenport was based in Beaconsfield, England and was one of the tallest players on the circuit, being 6 feet 4 inches.

Davenport became the chairman of the International Squash Players' Association but in November 1987 announced his intention to retire from international squash aged just 25.