The world class Indian Shuttling team dashed Sri Lanka’s dreams, on the opening game day of the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, earlier today. India left no room for Sri Lanka to clock in a single win and the Lions had to settle for a 5-0 loss.
Sri Lanka’s top performers Niluka Karunaratne and Madushika Dilrukshi opened rails for the Lankans early on, taking on the Men’s and Women’s Singles. After 37 minutes of play, Niluka Karunaratne went down tamely to the second ranked player in the world, in straight sets, 21-16, 21-10. Likewise, Madushika Dilrukshi stood no chance against the 12th ranked Sania Nehwal as she suffered a 21-8, 21-4 defeat.
Niluka’s younger sibling Dinuka Karunaratne teamed up with Buwaneka Goonethilleka for the Men’s Doubles against Satwick Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty. The Indian pair took home victory with an easy 21-17,21-14 score-line. India faced an early threat in the mixed doubles with Pranaav Chopra and Ruthvika Gadde dropping a set against Sachin Dias and Thilini Pramodika Henahewa and winning it just at the last moment but 21-15, 19-21, 22-20.
Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy defeated Thilini Pramodika Hendahewa and Kavidi Sirimannage in women’s doubles by 21-12, 21-14.
With India off to a positive start in the games, Sri Lanka will have to step up in their next tie against Scotland later today. India’s second tie will take place later today as well.
