Haroon Aslam and Kaya Daluwatte emerged junior match-play boys and girls champions in the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy golf championship that concluded at the Ridgeways course on Friday (12).
Aslam the Kandy based player, continued to play good golf and his accuracy saw him edge out the technically correct K. Danushan 2 and 1 in a tense final in the gold division for boys.
Haroon was 3-up going to the 16th hole, but the under pressure Danushan fought back to win the 16th with a birdie.
However, Haroon kept his cool and halved the 17th to win the title.
Kaya Daluwatte overcame the long hitting Sherin Balasuriya in the Girls Gold Division, 2 and 1 to claim the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy for girls.
Kaya displayed her true potential with a confident performance in this format at the Junior Championship. She is bound to go places in future tournaments too.
Reshan Algama faced little opposition to defeat Jacob Norton easily 5 and 3 to annex the Silver division title.
Thejas Kanth also faced little opposition from Saqeeb Zuhar to romp home an easy winner 8 and 7 in the Bronze division final.
The ever smiling Yuvan Rathis Kanth took the Copper division title in the age category of 9 years and under. He also had an easy win over Danil Daluwatte 5 and 3 over an extended 14 hole final.
The prize distribution took place soon after the finals with Shan Perera and Srima Seneviratne the two sisters of Rukmini Kodagoda in attendance. The tournament was sponsored by Perera and Sons Bakers for the seventh time.
Players from the Anuradhapura Golf Academy were appreciated for their participation in the junior championship 2022.
Results at a glance:
Gold Division: (junior boys):
Champion - Haroon Aslam,
Runner-up: K. Danushan 2/1
Gold Division: junior girls
Champion - Kaya Daluwatte,
Ruuner-up: Sherin Balasuriya 2/1
Silver Division:
Winner – Reshan Algama,
Runner-up: Jacob Norton 5/3
Bronze Division:
Winner – Thejas Kanth,
Runner-up: Raqeeb Zuhar 8/7
Copper Division:
Winner – Yuvan Rathis Kanth,
Runner-up: Danik Daluwatte 5/3
Complimentary Events -
Plate winners:
Gold Division Boys – Sankanath Hesara
Gold/Silver Girls – Dhevinka Kaga-Isvaran
Silver Division Boys – H. Senal
Bronze Division – Yehansa Senanayake
Copper Division – Anuja Methsara
Best Medal Score Qualifying Round
Gold Division Boys – Haroon Aslam 67 Gross
Gold/Silver Girls – Kaya Daluwatte 73 Gross
Silver Division Boys – Reshan Algama 76 Gross
Bronze Division – Theja Rathis Kanth 61 Gross (14 Holes)
Copper Division – Danik Daluwatte 50 Gross (09 Holes)
Anuradhapura Academy
Winner: Yehan Kenthula Gross 76
1st Runner-up: Senkanath Hesara 76
2nd Runner-up: Thenuk Sathnidu 76