Team Sri Lanka got off to a blistering start in their stint at the Sudirman Cup Badminton Championship 2019, as they topped their group with 3 back-to-back wins.
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On their 3rd match day, team Sri Lanka held their own in a nail-biting clash against Switzerland, the last tie in the group. After being 2-1 down in the tie, the Men’s and Women’s doubles pairings drove it home for Sri Lanka in 2 three-setters, leaving the bench at the edge of their seats till the very end.
As usual, reigning national champion, Dinuka Karunaratne started the day off for the Lankan team with a straight set victory. However, Sri Lanka started to sweat with two quick losses in the Mixed Doubles and Women’s single that followed.
Around closing time, the Men’s and Women’s Doubles were the two remaining ties to draw and possibly pull out a win. After more than an hour of tight action, the women of the hour did the deed for Sri Lanka winning the final and crucial decider.
This marks the completion of the group stages and Sri Lanka finds themselves a spot in the group knockouts. Joining Sri Lanka in the knockout draw are Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, New Zealand, Slovakia, Nepal and Lithuania.
Earlier in the tournament…
Pooled in with Switzerland, Slovakia and Lithuania, Sri Lanka faced their opening fixture yesterday, 20th May against Slovakia. Losing just 1 rubber of the 4, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start to the tournament.
On their second day of competition, Sri Lanka faced off against Lithuania in a 5-rubber contest. Leaving no room for error, Sri Lanka finished with a whitewash over a helpless Lithuanian side to secure their entry into the knockouts.
Sri Lanka vs Slovakia
Sri Lanka won 4 rubbers in the tie, having lost just the Women’s singles.
Team Sri Lanka consists of Sachin Dias, Thilini Hendahewa, Dilmi Dias, Dinuka Karunaratne, Kavidi Sirimannage and Buwaneka Goonethilleke for this tour.
Sri Lanka’s first knockout clash will be against Ireland on the 24th May.
Keep it logged on to ThePapare.com for daily updates and results of Sri Lanka’s journey in the Sudirman Cup 2019.
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