Auckland and Christchurch have emerged as the favourites at the national netball championships in Dunedin this week.
They remain the only unbeaten teams after two days of competition and seem destined to meet in Friday's final.
Christchurch confirmed its billing as one of the tournament's heavyweights with a comprehensive 66-52 win against Otago in the main game in pool A today.
Otago's (8 points) chances of making it through to the semifinals still appear solid. It has two easier games tomorrow against Otago B and Counties Manukau, whereas Wellington (9) still has to play Christchurch (12).
Barring a dramatic form slump, both Christchurch and Auckland (12) should finish at the top of their respective pools.
Auckland dispatched Manawatu 67-46 in a pool B game this afternoon and is undefeated in three games.
The battle for second place in that pool is heating up after Waitakere upset Southland 48-38.
Hamilton beat the Invitational team 57-32 and is in second place with nine points from Southland (8) and Waitakere (8).
Southland looks to have the hardest road. It plays Auckland tomorrow morning and then a possible elimination bout with Hamilton in the afternoon.
Waitakere plays Hamilton in the morning and then Manawatu in the afternoon.
Based on performances to date, Hamilton looks to have an edge and should join Auckland in the top four.
