Halifax squash player Marcus Berrett is back at the Ilkley Tennis and Squash Club, this weekend to try to retain the BSPA Ilkley squash open, he won last year.

Berrett is seeded No 1 for the tournament. He is a former England international, having made the last 16 at the World Squash Championships in 1999 and has been England Under-23 champion, but he should face stiff competition from a number of players.

Former world junior No 2 and world ranked Peter Barker from Harrogate is seeded No 2 followed by other top English players Peter Genever and Stephen Meads.

The tournament is the only one of its kind to be played in Yorkshire and it has that international flavour, with a number of players from outside England. Play will start tonight,Thursday, t from 6pm with a number of players trying to qualify to make the main draw.

It should be an exciting weekend of high quality squash and admission is free all weekend, with ticket only admission for the final on Sunday.

Main draw matches start Friday from midday, with the night sessions starting from 6pm. Saturday quarter-final matches start at midday, with the semi-finals due to start at 6pm and the final on Sunday starting at 2pm.

The tournament has been sponsored by a number of businesses and the club wishes to thank the following Dacre Son & Hartley, Barclays Bank, Baker Tilly, Chippendale Plant Hire, Barretts and bwc business solutions.

To coincide with the tournament the club is holding a wine tasting night on the Saturday, after the semi-finals, tickets at £10 can be purchased at the club reception or by ringing 01943 607182. Tickets are limited.

More information about the tournament can be obtained by contacting the club on the above phone number.