Heavy rain continued to hamper play at the Trusts New Zealand Open in Auckland, with the men’s and women’s singles forced indoors and away from tournament HQ.

Event HQ Blockhouse Bay was a happy hunting ground for ducks on Tuesday as the Main Event was forced indoors and under cover.

As the Main Event got underway, the consistent downpour showed no signs of slowing, resulting in all knock-out play transferred to the under-roof complex at New Lynn for the men’s singles, while the women were diverted to the inside carpet rinks at the Pukekohe Cosmopolitan Club.

Following a grueling schedule under lights, the men’s singles found themselves whittled down from 64 contenders to the final eight – with last year’s runner-up Chris Le Lievre living up to his billing as TAB favourite, remaining alive and well after three rounds and firmly on track to go one better than his last campaign.

In a thrilling first-round encounter, Le Lievre’s mettle was put to the test by the slick Victoria-based Ray Martin, a former New Zealand age group rep in his own right – though a tenacious Le Lievre demonstrated a cool and calm collectiveness to see out the fixture 21-18 and keep his hopes alive.

Further victories against Papatoetoe HC’s Brett Proffitt and Kaikohe’s Sam Allison will now see Le Lievre face local hope Graham Growcott, who will undoubtedly be looking to make a big impression on his home greens at Blockhouse Bay with a strong support base in tow.

Other quarter-finalists include Neville Hill, Chad Grant, Les Brown, Garry Cotter, Roger Andrew and Carlton Cornwall’s Graham Skellern – all considered experienced locals that know the conditions well.

Otahuhu Railway's Brody Dix sends one down under the roof at New Lynn as Waikanae Beach bowler Rhys Hakkens watches on.

Meanwhile, some 60km south of New Lynn, promising New Zealand Development representative Ashleigh Jeffcoat took an early exit in the first post-section matchup, falling to the hands of Mangere’s Lesley Mclinden 21-19 , as did reigning champion Elaine McClintock -bowing out to the skill of her fellow pairs’ partner Marilyn McLeod, 21-13.

A delayed start in the women’s field saw play halted until 3pm Tuesday, with play continuing into the evening in a bid to uncover the eventual quarter-finalists, with McLeod emerging as one of the firm favourites to lift the silverware.

Looming dangerously as final contenders, Agnes Motu, Karen Hema, Jenny Welch, Sharlene Leaf, Lindsay Nicholls, Rosary Sellick and Papakura’s Leanne Poulson - all posing a capable threat to claim top honour on the TV rinks this weekend.

In other action, the men’s and women’s pairs are scheduled to unfold at Blockhouse Bay on Wednesday, while the men’s and women’s triples will take place on Thursday. Organisers will be hoping to finally get some games played on grass, with sunny spells forecast over the next few days.