Commonwealth Games: Rotorua athletes in action on day two

The New Zealand squash team Amanda Landers-Murphy (left), Zac Millar, Joelle King, Evan Williams, Paul Coll, Lance Beddoes and Campbell Grayson. Photo / Getty Images

While New Zealand's track cyclists set the standard with two silvers and a gold medal last night, a pair of Rotorua athletes continue their Commonwealth Games campaigns today.

Amanda-Landers Murphy and her New Zealand squash teammates made a strong start yesterday with all but one player advancing to the round of 16 in the singles.

Glasgow bronze medallist and second seed Joelle King advanced to the round of 16 with a straight sets win over Deon Saffery of Wales. Landers-Murphy joined her in the next round, also winning in straight sets over Sri Lankan Mihiliya Methsarani.

In the men's draw second seed Paul Coll made light work of Zambian Kelvin Ndhlovu winning 3-0 while Campbell Grayson won twice on day one to make the final 16. Evan Williams opened the day with a win but fell in his round of 34 clash to be knocked out of the competition.

At 4.45pm today Landers-Murphy plays England's Laura Massaro in the round of 16.

Rotorua's Sam Sinclair was in action yesterday for the Silver Ferns, who made a slow start with a 64-51 victory over Uganda last night. Ranked second in the world, the Silver Ferns were rightfully expected to thrash Uganda, but the less than comfortable victory could reinforce concerns over the likelihood of a podium finish.

At 3.02pm today they play their second group stage game, against Wales.