New Zealand squash star Paul Coll will return to Tauranga this weekend as the headline act at the 2026 Head New Zealand Squash Championships.

The championships, being held at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre, will run alongside the National Graded Championships, bringing together the country’s leading professional players, emerging talent and grassroots competitors, a statement said.

Coll, ranked world No 2 and fresh from winning the 2026 British Open title, will be chasing a ninth national championship crown.

The women’s draw has been thrown wide open following the withdrawal of former world No 4 Joelle King on the advice of her physiotherapist. As a result, a new women’s national champion is guaranteed to be crowned, with none of the remaining players having previously won the title.

The tournament also doubles as the final event on the Head Pro Tour, with the women’s series title still undecided. Emma Merson and Jena Gregory remain locked in a close battle that could be settled in Tauranga.

Organisers say the event highlights the depth of the sport in New Zealand, with record numbers entered in the National Graded Championships.

Players from 10 districts around the country will compete across multiple grades throughout the weekend.

Squash New Zealand Poipatu Aotearoa chief executive Martin Dowson said the event showcased the full spectrum of the sport.

“This weekend is a fantastic celebration of New Zealand squash, from our world-class professionals through to the graded players who are the heart of our sport,” Dowson said.

“To have record entries across the graded championships, players from 10 districts, and the chance for everyone to compete alongside athletes like Paul and Joelle, that’s what makes this event so special.”

Competition begins on Friday, with the national finals scheduled for Sunday.

Matches on the championship glass court will be streamed live throughout the weekend on SquashNZ.TV.