Jarryd Dillas and Kim Botelho will lay their titles on the line at the Bermuda Match Play Championships, which get underway at Port Royal Golf Course on Friday.

Dillas defeated Jevon Roberts four and two in last year’s final to claim a record ninth men’s title and he is prepared to make a bold bid to retain the crown.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend. The weather forecast looks great, so it should make for an exciting few days of golf,” he said.

Dillas is among a formidable field that also boasts the likes of Damian Palanyandi and promising teenager Oliver Betschart, who could pose a threat to his title hopes along with last year’s runner-up Roberts.

“Match play can be a somewhat unpredictable format, so it’s important to not overlook anyone and just take it one match at a time,” Dillas said.

“The Bermuda Golf Association will be selecting the Island Games teams next week, so there is maybe a little extra riding on this event. I encourage everyone to come out to Port Royal and support.”

Botelho is also up for her title defence in the women’s championship.

“I'm looking forward to the Match Play Championship this weekend and can hopefully put in a good effort to try and defend my title,” she said. “I have been back competing for the past year and really enjoy playing with the ladies.”

Botelho, who beat Katrin Burnie four and three in an exciting and evenly-fought final at Port Royal last year, has her work cut out against a field featuring Ann Symonds, Ebonie Cox and Burnie.

“We have a competitive field, so I'm sure there will be some good matches in store,” Botelho said.

“Personally, I'm just happy to be out playing again and look forward to the weekend with my uncle Blip [Douglas Morris], who’s on the bag with me.”

The men’s senior division is guaranteed to have a new winner this year as reigning champion Calvin Hendrickson is not back to defend his title.

Hendrickson beat Christopher Phillips two and one in a close affair in last year’s final.

The tournament starts today with the stroke-play qualifier to determine seeding for the main event.

Dillas and Botelho are not required to take part as the default top seeds in their respective divisions.

Actual match play begins tomorrow morning with the quarter-finals taking place in the afternoon. The semi-finals will be held on Sunday morning followed by the finals which will take centre stage in the afternoon.