The York and District Closed Table Tennis Championships take place at the Railway Institute this weekend and although entries are slightly down on previous years, they look certain to be well contested.

Martin Lowe is the clear favourite to retain the men's singles title, having won it for the last three years and still being unbeaten this season in 26 games.

Richard Moss, who won the title for three successive years previous to Lowe's domination, will prove a tough competitor.

Paul Robertson, winner of 34 singles this season and losing just twice, should also not be overlooked.

Division five team-mates Jill Carter and Andrea Potter are the top two seeds for the ladies' singles and it looks likely to be a close affair.

Last year's mens' doubles winners, John Hughes and Paul Robertson' are the top seeds in this year's contest.

Richard Moss and Mick Wilcockson, three-time winners, are seeded second.

Andrea Potter teams up with Martin Lowe in the mixed doubles as top seeds, while Marion Broadbent is Potter's partner for the ladies' doubles, where they are also seeded in prime position.

Seven-times winner Mick Wilcockson is the top seed in the veterans' singles, restricted to those over 40.


York Championships seedings

Men's singles

1 Martin Lowe, 2 Richard Moss, 3 Paul Robertson, 4 Jon Wooldridge, 5 Mick Wilcockson, 6 Richard Crowther, 7 Nathan Horsley, 8 Paul Swift.

Men's doubles

1 John Hughes/Paul Robertson, 2 Richard Moss/Mick Wilcockson, 3 Mike Fenby/Martin Lowe, 4 John Farmery/Graham Hatfield.

Ladies singles

1 Jean Carter, 2 Andrea Potter.

Ladies doubles

1 Marian Broadbent/Andrea Potter, 2 Jean Carter/Chris Bartle.

Veterans' singles

1 Mick Wilcockson, 2 Richard Crowther, 3 John Farmery, 4 John Hughes.

Veterans' doubles

1 John Farmery/Graham Hatfield, 2 Richard Crowther/Mick Wilcockson, 3 Mark Blackburn/John Hughes, 4 Mick Kenyon/Alfie Potter.