Dinuka Karunaratne and Thilini Hendahewa retained the men’s and women’s Open singles titles at the 66th National Badminton Championship which concluded at the Royal College sports complex Reid Avenue yesterday.
Karunaratne defeated promising shuttler Ranthushka Sasidu in two straight sets 21/11, 21/15 to win the final as he lived up to his number one status after a hard fought three setter game against Buwanaka Gunatilleka at the semi final. In fact this is the third time Karunaratne won this major title having done so in 2010 and 2016.
Defending champion Thilini Hendahewa once again dominated the women’s singles defeating Kavidi Sirimannage 20/22, 21/9, 21/17. It marked the sixth time that she bagged the title. Thilini and Kavidi won the women’s doubles title while Kavidi and Buwaneka created a major upset at the mixed doubles final by defeating Sachin Dias and Thilini Hendahewa who were the defending champion pair of this event. Sachin and Buwaneka once again took the men’s doubles title.
Louie Karunaratne the father of Dinuka also won the men’s over-55 doubles title with Rohan Fernando.
Former National champion Niroshan Wijekoon proved his ability by winning the men’s over-50 singles and doubles event while partnering with Ranil Pathirana.
Sports Minister Faiszer Musthafa was the chief guest while Sri Lanka Badminton president Nishantha Jayasinghe, representative from Sponsors Pyramid Wilmer and Yonex Sunrise were present at this finals.