Squash
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 does not 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.