Sharmal Dissanyaka’s return single win in the final day seemed to be not worth it as Sri Lanka failed to win the final single against Thailand as the latter went on to register a 3-2 game win against Sri Lanka in the Group II Asia Oceania tie this afternoon.
Harshana Godamanne was once again put in hot water with Sri Lanka tied 2-2 against Thailand. Facing a tough competitive opponent, Godamanne gave a great fight against Pruchya Isarow who has a world ranking of 472. The Thailand player won the first set 6-4 only to find Godamanne fighting back in the second as the Lankan won 6-7 (5) on break points. The third set saw Isarow winning it 6-3 and Godamanne gave it his optimum best in the next as the game once again preceded to break points having ended 7-6. Unfortunately Sri Lanka was not able to come out on top as Thailand won the set and subsequently the match 3-1.
The final game extended to a span of over two hours and it was an encounter that brought out the best of the Sri Lankan veteran. Earlier in the day it was Sharmal Dissanayaka who brought in hope for the Sri Lankans after their loss in the doubles, winning his returning single. Facing Puriwat Chatpatcharoen, Dissanayaka won the match 3-2 having lost the first two sets.
The first set saw Dissanayaka falling behind as the Thailand won it 6-4. Puriwat continued to rattle the Lankan taking the second set 6-2. Staging a fight straightaway from the third set, Dissanayaka went on to win the remaining sets 6-3, 6-1, 6-1 levelling the tally 2-2. Unfortunately Sri Lanka could not progress forward in the final set.
The doubles encounter took place on Friday (4th) and the Ratiwatana twins of Thailand defeated the Lankan pair Dineshkanthan Thangarajah and Yasitha De Silva. It was a walk in the park for the Thailand duo as the siblings won the game outright 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. The first day was once again a mixed celebration where Godamanne won his single and Dissanayaka lost.
In conclusion Sri Lanka came out very strong and with the element of surprise, they were able to rattle their opponents. Sri Lanka will take positives from this encounter when they fly back to the island and ready themselves for the next challenge.
