Patrick Foster said winning a tenth title at next week’s Digicel Bermuda National Squash Championships would be like “a dream come true”.

Foster clinched a ninth title after beating Kristen Johnson in last year’s final at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association, and he is confident about his chances of retaining his crown.

“I am feeling good and have had some good matches in the build-up, so I am there or thereabouts,” he said.

“I wouldn’t go as far as to predict results. But I’m in it to win, and I’d definitely love to get myself from nine to ten titles. That would be a dream come true, and why not?”

Foster has his work cut out among a formidable Men’s Open field, which includes top seed and past winner Micah Franklin.

“Micah appears to me to have gone up a couple of levels from the results I have seen in his level of training down here in the last few days,” Foster said.

Former professional Johnson is also expected to be in the thick of contention for honours.

“Kristen is playing some of the best squash of his life,” Foster added. “The field is so strong that it’s a tough prospect, but one that I am definitely up for.”

Franklin is also up for the challenge of regaining the title he lost in 2014.

“I am up for it for sure and have done whatever I can to prepare,” he said. “I am well ready and looking forward to test it again and get the title back.

“The field keeps getting stronger every year. It seems like every year it’s getting more and more competitive, which is great.

“The other guys are taking it more serious than in other years and so the better the competition the better for me.”

As the top seed going into the tournament, expectations will be high for Franklin to deliver.

“Being the No 1 seed adds a bit of pressure on yourself,” he said. “I am the only touring professional on the island at the moment, and so with that bit comes that bit of pressure and added nerves.

“This time around I am trying to let that become as little a factor as I can. I think last year I let that get to me a little bit too much and put too much pressure on myself, whereas this year I am going to try and enjoy it and let my squash do the talking.”

Rachel Barnes is the favourite for the title among a formidable Ladies Championship field, which also includes training partner Susie Lacey and past winner Laura Robinson.

In the senior men’s and women’s categories, defending champions and top seeds Murray Brewer and Denise Kyme will both be keen to retain their titles. Brewer leads a record entry in the men’s event, while Kyme will have to face a familiar challenge from Christine Barnes, who is making a tournament comeback after a string of injuries.

This year’s championships, involving 100 players, will be held from March 13 to 18 and is free to the public.