The Clacton and District League’s Closed Championships take place this weekend, at the Clacton Coastal Academy.

Seventy players will be competing for 11 titles.

Reigning men’s singles champion, 18-year-old James Denyer will be aiming to retain the crown he so deservedly won last year.

But he will have to overcome a strong challenge from number two seed Peter Burrows and three past champions – Colin Stallwood, Greg Green and Gary Young.

In the men’s doubles, holders Greg Green and Colin Stallwood are seeded to meet 2013 champions James Denyer and Felipe Rodriguez in the final.

However, a number of strong pairings in the entry – John Monk and Colin Webber, Peter Burrows and Colin Dearman, Derek Willis and Gary Young and Paul Hume and Sam Hume – makes this one of the most open events of the championships.

With Gill Locke and Sue Welham absent, the ladies’ singles looks to be a shoot-out between the 2006 and 2007 champion Annabelle Rodriguez and fast-improving 13-year old Gracie Edwards.

Sandie Isaac and Isabel Barton are the likely semi-finalists.

Play starts at 9am on both Saturday and Sunday, with the finals scheduled to start at approximately 3.30pm on both days.

The championships are again sponsored by Paul Newbould Planning and Building Design Services.

Admission is free and all spectators are welcome.

Light refreshments will be available.