Defending champions Buwaneka Goonatilleka and Ranithma Liyanage once again emerged men’s and women’s open champions at the 71st National Badminton championship ended at Mercantile Badminton Association courts Colombo 7 yesterday.
In fact former Richmond shuttler Buwaneka’s achievement was outstanding as he clinched the triple crown winning mens open singles, doubles and mixed double finals.
Both Buwaneka Goonatilleka and Ranithma Liyanage had it easy with straight set wins while Buwaneka the experienced.
shuttler defeated world number 76 player Viren Nettasinghe by 21/16, and 21/7 to clinch the title while 18 year old shuttler from Christ Church girls school Baddegama Ranithma defeated Varangana Jayawardena of Lumbini College 21/10, 21/6 to win the title more comfortably.
In fact Varangana Jayawardena beat Suhansi Vidhanage in a three setter game to enter the final while Ranithma beat Praveena Wijesundara in two straight sets to enter the final. In the men’s open semi final Buwaneka beat Lochana de Silva and Viren Nettasinghe beat Dumindu Abeywickrama after hard fought three setter game to enter the final.
Buwaneka Goonatilleka with Viren Nettasinghe won the men’s doubles defeating Lahiru Weerasinghe and Maduka Dulanjana 21/15, 23/21 while Hasara Wijeratne and Jananuwani de Alwis won the women’s doubles defeating Dilini Ambalangodage and Ranumi Manage in a three setter game 19/21,21/13,21/17.
The mixed doubles final was won by Buwaneka Goonatilleka and Natasha Gunasekara defeating Maduka Dulanjana and Butmi Galagamage 21/13,15/21,21/18.
The events of boys and girls under 11,13,15,17 and 19 singles and doubles masters over 30 to over 60 events were conducted in this seven day tournament which was successfully organised by Sri Lanka Badminton.
Sports Ministry Secretary K.Maheshan was the chief guest while sports Director General Dr Shemal Fernando and SLB President Rohan de Silva gave away the main awards.
Dhammika Ratnaweera-Daily News
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