Top-class Indian junior golfer Manoj Sreeramappa and theoretically correct and long-range specialist Dhanushi Wanasinghe protected the top Gold segment wins at the boys’ and girls’ events, respectively, at the Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship 2024 accounting for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy.
This year’s event saw more than 100 kids in action at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) recently.
The event marked the ninth year of this admired competition, which has become a vital part of Sri Lanka Golf’s efforts to develop the sport among the youth. It was supported by Perera and Sons in its efforts to support the fast-growing sport of golf in the country.
Manoj Sreeramappa emerged victorious, beating Yannik Kumara by a convincing margin of 3 and 2. Manoj’s impressive performance showed the depth of talent under his belt and his exposure gained by playing in the Asian courses.
Dhanushi claimed the girls’ Gold/Silver medal, beating Anumi Karunathilake 4 and 3, while Thejas Rathis Kanth took the Silver medal, defeating Kiyan Johnpillai in a carefully contested match.
Thejas was four-up in the 14th hole but lost the 15th one. However, in the end he went to victory the encounter 3/2 in the 16th hole.
In the Bronze division, Lavidu Premarathna outclassed Revaan Amarasinghe 4 and 3 in the boys’ event, while Nimasha Dahandu edged out Vihara Herath one-up in the girls’ competition.
The Copper division saw Jaeden Sathasivam defensive his title for the second year running, defeating Yuvan Rathis Kanth one-up, with Jaeden also emerging victorious against the same opponent in the 2023 edition.
Nine-year-old Jaeden, a student of the Asian International School, secured this title first when he was eight years old.
Reshan Algama won the longest drive for boys in the Gold division while in the Silver division, Varun Fernando prevailed. Sithara Lorance gained for the girls in Gold/Silver segments.
Perera and Sons, the event’s sponsors, played a vital role in supporting the development of junior golf in Sri Lanka. Its long-standing partnership with Sri Lanka Golf has ensured the continued success and discernibility of this important tournament.
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