REIGNING champion Colin Stallwood will be aiming to make it a fourth consecutive men's singles title in the Clacton and District League’s Closed Championships, to be held this weekend at the Clacton Coastal Academy Sports Hall.

For a 25th year, the championships are being sponsored by Paul Newbould Planning and Building Design Services.

Stallwood will face stiff opposition from 17-year-old Sam Hume, the runner-up in 2015 and 2016, last year's beaten finalist, Andy Warner, and the in-form James Denyer, the 2014 champion and, like Hume, undefeated in the league this season.

Holders Paul Hume and Sam Hume are deservedly seeded number one in the men's doubles.

But, like the men's singles, there is a strong entry, with the Greg Green/Stallwood and Denyer/Felipe Rodriguez pairings both having won the title in past years, and the experienced Warner/Gary Young a highly-fancied combination.

Sixteen-year old starlet Gracie Edwards is the favourite to take her fourth consecutive title in the ladies' singles, where previous champions Sue Welham and Annabelle Rodriguez pose the main threat.

Isabel Barton and Jenny Higgins caused an upset in the ladies' doubles last year.

However, they will have their work cut out to retain their title with Cris Edwards/Gracie Edwards, the winners in 2016, Annabelle Rodriguez/Kayley Rodriguez, runners-up in the past two seasons, and Sue Welham/Sandie Krelle all formidable pairings.

Warner and Gracie Edwards defeated twice-champions Stallwood and Annabelle Rodriguez in last season's mixed doubles final and the same pairings could feature this year, with only the Green/Welham combination looking able to prevent it.

Overall, 67 players will be competing for 12 titles at the championships.

Play starts at 9am on Saturday and Sunday with the finals taking place from 4pm onwards on both days.

All spectators are welcome.