IT’S all systems go for the York & District Ladies Squash League Open Championship.

The annual event will run from Monday, February 4 to Friday, February 8 at Dunnington Sports and Social Club and excitement was building up, said tournanent co-ordinator Anne Matwijiszyn.

The seedings are headed by Natalie Cain, who gained the title last year and will be battling to hang on to her crown.

But she will face a stern challenge from last season’s runner-up and previous winner, number two seed Louise Cotter.

Meanwhile, Railway Institute club player Jess Hunter, who is seeded three for the competition, should figure high in the eventual reckoning, added Matwijiszyn.

While the full complement of competitiors is down on last year, there are still 16 players ready for the fray, which should guarantee a healthy week of solid squash.

The first round starts on Monday with the first showdown opening at 6pm. The second round for the main event and the plate competition will be played on Tuesday.

After a break on Wednesday, the semi-finals will be completed on Thursday, before the finals of both tournaments are decided on Friday from 7pm.

Results will also feature on the www.yorkladiesquash.co.uk website.