Australian teammates Rachael Grinham and Donna Urquhart (both AIS scholarship holders) will clash in the quarter finals of the Australian Open squash tournament following tough second round victories.

Grinham defeated Malaysia’s Low Wee Wern 11-8, 8-11, 11-4 and 11-3, while Urquhart edged out India’s Dipika Pallikal 11-6, 7-11, 11-6,11-8.

Grinham, who returned to Australia to live last month, won her first game easily, then dropped the second before getting back on top and easing away.

‘I made it a bit tough for myself when I lost the second game, but I settled down and started hitting some good length, rather than panicking and trying to do too much,’ Grinham, said.

‘It’s going to be a tough quarter final against Donna, being training partners we know each other’s game well so it should be an interesting match.’

‘It’s great being back in Australia, there are a lot more tournaments here and I’m enjoying working with the AIS squash program.’

Urquhart and Grinham were part of the Australian team that won the world teams title last December and have become training partners since Grinham returned to live in Australia.

Urquhart was in super form against Pallikal, showing why she has risen to number 13 in the world over the past few months.

But like Grinham she lost concentration in the second and allowed the Indian back into the contest.

However, after regrouping she quickly regained control and move comfortably into the final eight.

‘I didn't get my length right in the second game and she was all over me,’ Urquhart said.

‘I knew I had to get back in front of her and control the game again if I wanted to win.’

‘For me, today was all about getting in the right position and slowing it down, not giving her any pace on the ball.’

World No.1 Nicol David of Malaysia made it through to the quarter-finals with a straight games win over England’s Emily Whitlock.

She will now play Hong Kong's Annie Au in the last eight following Au's 14-12 11-4 9-11 11-9 win over Line Hansen of Denmark.