DEFENDING champion Louise Cotter, right, is seeded to retain her crown when the York & District Ladies Squash League Open Championship gets under way in Dunnington next week.

A field of 23 players will take part in the event, which runs from Monday, February 6 to Friday, February 10 at Dunnington Sports and Social Club.

Newcomer Natalie Cain, of David Lloyd, is the number two seed, while upcoming player Jess Hunter, of Railway Institute, is third seed.

First round matches start on Monday at 6pm. The finals of the main event and the plate competition will be held on Friday.

Further information is available by visiting the website www.yorkladiesquash.co.uk