By Dhammika Dharmaweera
Buwaneka Gunathilleka created major upset when he beat former national champion Niluka Karunaratna in the quarterfinals of men’s singles at the 66th National Badminton championship which is now in progress at the Royal college sport complex. This is the first time that the 16 times National champion Karunaratne was out-beaten in a quarterfinals match of the men’s singles event.
However, the encounter between the former Champion and Buwaneka was a close tussle with the latter taking a 1-0 lead after winning the first set 24-22. Niluka with his vast experiences fought back in the second set to level 21-17 to level scores. In the third set, Buwaneka fought hard to be leading 18-12, when unfortunately Niluka had to withdraw retired hurt offering victory to former Richmondite Buwaneka. The pair had met each other in the last years’ nationals, where Niluka Karunaratne had the better off Buwanka.
Meanwhile defending champion, Dinuka Karunaratne beat 17- year-old Viren Nettasinghe 21-11 and 21-14, while Diluka, the third from Karunaratna family beat Chiran Sudeera 21-8 and 21/16 to enter the semi final. Ranthushka Sasidu from Nalanda College will meet Diluka at the semi finals.
Meanwhile in a women’s singles second round match, Kavidi Ishadi recorded an easy win over veteran champion Chandrika de Silva with straight sets. However Chandrika used her vast experience played well with good approach to the game with young Kavidi who is the number two of the women’s singles event.
Be the first to comment