Patrick Foster is expected to face stiff competition from several rivals in this year’s Digicel 3G+ Bermuda National Squash Championships as he goes in search for a record sixth title.The competition will be staged at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association courts from Sunday.According to squash spokesman, Roger Sherratt, competition in the men’s open division is stronger than it has been in many years and could spring a few surprises.He said: “Number one seed Patrick Foster, former World number 69, and the present BSRA director of squash, has held the title since 2006 and will be looking for a record sixth consecutive victory,.“But he could face a serious challenge this year, not only from number seed, Nick Kyme, but also from Bermuda’s top junior player, Micah Franklin, and from the BSRA’s new Assistant director of squash, Andrew Mount, who recently arrived on the Island from Canada.”Sherratt believes the dark horse this year could be number ¾ seed, Micah Franklin, who is currently living and training with the Dutch national team in Amsterdam.“Franklin is flying in especially for this event before heading onto his first Pro Tour event in Cayman in April.“Franklin was improving in leaps and bounds even before he left for Amsterdam, and local squash fans are eager to see how much improvement his international training has made,” he said.“Another outstanding player to watch is Noah Browne, the current Caribbean Under-17 champion who is studying and training in the US.“Browne lost out in an exciting match to Franklin in the final of the Bermuda junior national championships in December, but Browne is very tall and talented and determined to make his mark on the senior game.”In the ladies open division, the perennial rivalry between Liz Martin and Denise Kyme is expected to continue. Both have won numerous titles but this year they will face a strong challenge from 17-year-old Rachel Barnes, the Bermuda national junior champion who has returned to the Island for this tournament.Sherratt believes the competition in the men’s veterans will also be fierce.He said: “With number one seed Eugene Bothello, last year’s champion, looking to repeat his victory in a thrilling five games match against Andy McComb who is looking to turn the tables for his first national title, but both face strong challenges from brothers Jan and Richard Brewer.The Digicel 3G+ National Squash Championships run from Sunday through to the finals on Saturday, March 19th starting at 5pm.Entry to the BSRA is free and members of the publics are welcome to watch.