Over 40 players shall pursue glory this weekend as the 2015 Halifax Closed Championships takes place.

The annual event, now in its third year since it’s reintroduction, returns bigger and better than ever with players of all ages and abilities coming together for one of the biggest days in the club’s calendar.

Participation is stronger than ever, with 43 entrants from 23 different teams in the fold for the seven different titles available.

The main event, the open singles, shall be the first event of the day. With current champion Martin Bowers unable to play, it guarantees a new winner. The top seed is Sam Clayton, whose unbeaten season has inevitably left him as the player to beat this year.  But competition for the crown is fierce, with a number of reputable challengers in the hunt for glory. Second seed Sean Ellis proved in 2013 that he has got what it takes to win the event, Stuart Sykes’ results over the season are befitting of his third seed label, whilst fourth seed Matthew Shaw shall be keen to avenge his defeat in last year’s final.

All four must first battle past a number of major threats. The vast rise of youngsters Fraser Riley and Ben Fillingham could take another defining step should they clinch the title, and with the likes of Janet Adams, Geoff Dunne and James Foster also in the event, shocks and surprises should be expected.

Clayton and Shaw are the favourites to retain their doubles crown they won last year, however they will be made to work for their crown by teams such as Sean Ellis and Seb Frere, Janet Adams and Steve Hanson & Paul McKrieth and Geoff Dunne.

Other events over the course of the day include the divisional championships, where players outside Division 1 shall face opponents from their respective league to determine the champion for each division in the Halifax league, whilst the veterans competition makes its first return to the format since the competition’s revival, with Stuart Sykes and Janet Adams the two top seeds in the event.

The only thing to be expected is a fun day for all. Hot food shall be serves from the canteen whilst an enjoyable atmosphere and strong standard of play are all the recipes for a great day. All spectators are encouraged to attend and enjoy what’s on offer.