There is no such thing as certainty in sport but you would have to think three of the four finalists in the open grades at the Wellington open championships, hosted by the Masterton Squash Club this weekend, are close to that category.
If world No 5 Joelle King doesnot make the women's final, it will be a huge shock. The gold medallist in the women's doubles at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and former Australian Open and Texas Open winner looks to be in a class of her own, with the main interest centred on who will meet her in the final. On paper it should be Danielle Fourie, an A2 graded Palmerston North player, but Masterton's Gerry Brooking could be the surprise packet.
Predicting both finalists in the men's event looks easier. Seeded to meet there are two of the finest players in the country, Kashif Shuja and Evan Williams.
Shuja, originally from Pakistan but now resident in Palmerston North, has held a world ranking of 35 and is a five times winner of the New Zealand open men's title.
Wellington left-hander Williams has a world ranking of 79 and was part of the New Zealand team at last month's world teams championships in France.
Shuja and Williams met in the final of the Manawatu International Classic last year and provided a thrilling spectacle, with Shuja taking the title over three sets.
More than 120 players are taking part in the tourney and for those wanting to see the big guns go through their paces the best viewing times will be from 8pm to 9.30pm today, 3pm and 5pm tomorrow and 2pm onwards on Sunday.
