Former Royal College skipper Binura Jayasooriya turned things around to qualify for the Mens Open final at the 32nd Senior National Squash Championship.
Binura who was based in the USA for the better part of this year faced former National Champion, Saman Thilakarathna in the quarter finals. The quarter final saw Binura being stretched by Saman for an hour long five setter with scores reading 5/11, 19/17, 3/11, 11/1, 11/8 in favor of Binura. In the semi finalsBinura beat National no 3 ranked Dilshan Gunawardena in a four setter.
Meanwhile defending National Champion Navin Samarasinghe beat Yasir Issadeen in the quarter finals in straight sets. In the semi finals Navin faced Gihan Suwaris and outplayed him in a four setter. Navin who played a well controlled game struck back offsetting his defeat to the latter at the recently concluded SSC Open Squash tournament.
Navin already having won eight Senior National titles will use his much valued experience to outplay Binura who is yet to win a National title. Binura who is not as experienced as Navin, will no doubt ,use his powerful shot selection and agility to put more pressure on his opponent and take home his maiden National title. The match will definitely be a test of controlling the pace and rhythm of the game.
In the Womens Open top two seeds Mihiliya Methsarani and Naduni Gunawardena qualified for the final without having much trouble. Gayara Jayasuriya and Dulakshi Elikawela lost to the top duo in the semi finals. Both Mihiliya and Naduni who will be playing in a Senior National final for the first time will put up their best performance to clinch the title.
