Rotorua squash player Amanda Landers-Murphy has already had international success this year after winning a tournament in Queensland.
Landers-Murphy, from Ti St Squash Centre and Waikite Valley Squash Club, and Paul Coll from Christchurch have claimed the Australia Day Challenge titles. Landers-Murphy was made to work to earn her title ahead of fourth seed Tong Tsz-Wing from Hong Kong.
The two players fought hard for the opening two games to be all square at 1-all, before Landers-Murphy claimed the decisive third.
The second-seeded Kiwi then proved too good in the fourth as she completed an 11-5, 8-11, 12-10, 11-5 victory.
Landers-Murphy, who trains under coach Danny McQueen with support from Profiles Gym, has made it a great start to her year, said McQueen.