The Digicel National Squash Championships kick off on February 23 at the Bermuda Squash Club in Devonshire with all four defending champions, Patrick Foster, Denise Sommers, Richard Brewer and Liz Martin, back and looking to reclaim the coveted prizes they won in their respective divisions last year.

Coordinators are looking to surpass the total of 120 entrants seen in 2007, with competitors ranging from Bermuda's best youth players to veterans looking to entertain the crowd.

Foster, who is gunning for his third title in as many years, will have a stiff task to advance to the finals, knowing that some of Bermuda's best lie waiting in the wings for an upset.

Two of the three men's world championship team, Mel Caines and Chase Toogood, will be in the thick of things as the tournament heats up.

Foster said of the two challengers: "With Mel, you don't know what to expect. You can call him Mr. Unpredictable because you never know what you will get from him."

"Chase is finally coming good with his potential. In the build-up to the Worlds, he was on a massive training regime, so he definitely can't be left out of the names of favourites to win."

Yet the biggest challenger to Foster's crown is Nick Kyme, who has confirmed his participation. Previous winner Kyme was the last champion prior to Foster's dominance.

On the ladies side, Sommers is set to launch her assault on all participants as she looks for back to back titles. After lifting the trophy last year, she will return as the odds on favourite to be left standing when the smoke clears on March 1.

Last year's beaten finalist, Leah Bishop, is also in the field and will be looking to avenge her comprehensive straight sets defeat to Sommers.

Not to be left out, some of Bermuda's best young talent will be involved for the first time in the pro division and could pose a few problems with their energy and could pull off a few upsets.

While most of the best junior ladies are currently abroad in school, Under-13 Emma Keane will be on hand to show her budding potential. Along with Keane, Under-17 boys' Kristian Mouldoon will do battle in the competition along with Micah Franklin and Noah Browne, both of whom are also juniors.

The Digicel championships will be held at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association in Devonshire. The tournament starts on February 23 and ends on March 1, with the men's final being played at 8 p.m. Match nights are free, and entrants need to be a citizen of Bermuda to enter.

Last year's beaten finalist in the Men's Division, James Stout, has yet to confirm his intentions to play and could wait until the last minute to enter.