THE Clacton and District League’s Closed Championships, sponsored by Paul Newbould Planning and Building Design Services, take place this weekend at the Clacton Coastal Academy Sports Hall.

Seventy-eight players will be competing for 12 titles.

There's a strong entry in the men's singles where any one of nine players has the pedigree to take the title.

Reigning champion Colin Stallwood starts as favourite to make it three titles in a row but 16-year-old Sam Hume, beaten finalist for the last two years, is undefeated in the league this season. Could 2017 be his year?

2014 champion James Denyer is another exceptional talent and he, along with Paul Hume, will be the fourth of Clacton's home-grown players aiming for the crown.

But two newcomers, Ipswich-based Andy Warner and Bulgarian star Kris Stefanov, are both experienced, gifted players and either could feature on the winner's rostrum.

Add to the mix former champions Gary Young, Greg Green and Kevin Gowlett and the event promises to be one of the best for many years.

Fifteen-year-old Gracie Edwards is hot favourite to take a third ladies' singles title.

There's no Gill Locke or Sue Welham, both past winners of this event, and so Annabelle Rodriguez, twice a past ladies' champion who's featured in nine of the last 11 finals, is the likeliest of the challengers.

Isabel Barton and Tricia Salter are the expected semi-finalists.

The finals of the seven minor events are scheduled to take place from about 4pm on Saturday, with the finals of the five major events starting at the same time on Sunday.

Admission to the championships is free and spectators are welcome. Light refreshments will be available as usual.