March 13/14th sees the 10th Anniversary of the Old Cheltonian Rackets Weekend here at Cheltenham College - a unique chance to witness a tremendous array of world class players! World numbers 1 and 2 are both playing, as well as two other World top 10 players. World number 1 is, of course, former pupil Jamie Stout.

Since the opening of the court in 1988, Cheltenham College has enjoyed great success at this most challenging of racquet sports. The game, which dates from the mid-nineteenth century, is the fore-runner of squash, and is the fastest racquet sport in the world. We have one court in which the ball - similar to a golf ball - travels at speeds over 100mph.

Currently one of the top two in the country out of all the 16 rackets playing schools, College has won the the Public Schools Rackets Competition's National title four times in the past 20 years and been ranked in the top four for most of that time. Upper Sixth pupil Felix Clarke is the current Senior Singles Champion and Lower Sixth pupils Richard Owen and Alfie Gilbert are the current National U16 Doubles Champions. Held annually at Queen's Club, London, the Public Schools Rackets Competition is the most prestigious schools rackets event in the UK. It takes place this year between 22nd and 26th March and we have high hopes - especially as two of our doubles pairs are so far unbeaten this year!

Hosting this weekend's event is The Old Cheltonian Rackets Club, one of the most active alumni clubs in the country. Keen that OCs participate in each and every National Tournament, its Secretary Charlie Liverton works tirelessly to enthuse and support each and every OC, regardless of standard, to "serve up". At this competition, each playing pair will comprise one Old Cheltonian and one non OC. Play commences at 9am Saturday morning, with quarter-finals taking place on Saturday afternoon and the semi-finals and Final taking place on Sunday. There will be a Black Tie Dinner in the evening to which OCs have been invited.

Good luck to all involved!