Click the image above to view slideshow

Top seed and Tauranga favourite Ben Grindrod is well placed for a final push in the Tauranga Squash Open after beating Commonwealth Games queen Joelle King in front of a packed crowd.

Held at the Devoy Squash and Fitness Centre, this weekend's annual tournament has attracted 180 entries of different skill levels including players from the United States.

Day two of the Tauranga Open is in full swing ahead of finals this afternoon. Photos: Cameron Avery

Tauranga Squash president Char Niles says the opening rounds of the tournament proved a huge drawcard for squash fans along with Grindrod's victory against King.

'To watch these top players is incredible. Their skill level is something out of this world,” says Niles.

'We have had full grandstands in here; you can't get in here to stand.”

Earlier in the day Grindrod cruised past Jain Neel of the US 3/0 and King comfortably winning against a spirited BJ McKenzie in an enthralling match.

Seventh seed Ben Thornton from Cambridge took on tenth seed Jamie Oakley in the first round with Thornton narrowly taking out the win in a nail biting five-setter match.

Other results in the top draw saw Josh Oakley easily make it through the first round winning against Liz Hurley.

Abbie Palmer of Auckland, competing in the women's division 1, rounded out the first round's play also proceeding to the championship round winning 3/0 against Viv Rundle of Te Puke. Lauren Clarke lost in a tough five-setter against American Hannah Scherl.

But the match of the day in the open division pitted Grindrod against King, both competing for finals places – the players show why they're international stars with inspiring skill and masterful decision making on the court.

After a nervous start Grindrod eventually found his grove to overcome the Commonwealth Games athlete 3/0.

Michael Pittams, second seed and third seed Matiu Te Kani-McQueen then produced an epic five-setter – Te Kani pipping Pittams a finals spot winning 3/2 to meet Grindrod in the finals.

Grindrod, with home-court advantage, will be hoping for a good start in what will be a tough match scheduled to start at 3.20pm.

In the Women's Division One draw, Abbie Palmer cruised through the second round disposing of her opponents 3/0 to now meet up with rival Sophie McClymont in the finals. Palmer has had a full schedule also playing in the Men's draw.

US players have competed well and caused a few upsets over the weekend, Goel Purvil a standout in the Women's Division Two competing for title honours this afternoon.

For Saturday's full results click here.

Sunday's feature matches:

Open Division Finals:

Ben Grindrod (1) vs Matiu Te Kani-McQueen (3) at 3.20pm

Michael Pittams (2) vs Joelle King (4) at 2pm

Women's Division 1 Finals:

Abbie Palmer (1) vs Sophie McClymont (2) at 2.40pm

Men's Division 1 Finals:

Stuart Roberts (3) vs Adam Hatley-Owen (5) at 2pm