The 4th annual Sri Lanka Match Play Championship teed off on a positive note on the 18th of April 2017 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, Colombo. The tournament was contested for the Rukmini Kodagoda Trophy.

In the Gold division age group boys 18 and below for the coveted Rukmini Kodagoda trophy and the Sri Lanka Junior Match Play Championship title was won by T. Akash who played excellent golf of 2 over par to dethrone last year’s winner Vinod Weerasinghe. T. Akash played a composed game showing his maturity as a player demanded for the match play format. In the Open girls category Taniya Minel had an easy win over Anelka Desinghe 7/6 who was no match for Taniya’s improved game hitting long off the tees and sharp short game. However it was encouraging to see Anelka make the final and likely to see her talent blossoming in the future. Taniya won the prestigious trophy for the first time.

In the silver division age group under 15, top seed Dilshan Malinda was defeated by S. Dhuwarshan of Nuwara Eliya 2 up, creating the biggest upset for the day. The win is an encouragement to the junior golf development program structured by the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club. Dhuwarshan showed his determination being 2 down after 4 holes but sinking a birdie on the 5th hole to gain confidence and take the up on the turn, which the lead he continued till the end. Emerging talent was evident in the Bronze division age group under 12 with Yannik Kumara playing impeccable golf chipping and putting where as Nireskh Tejwani though long off the tees could not convert the putts. Both players show much promise though Yannik went on to win the division 5/4.

In the most junior category 9 years and under (Copper Division), we saw a ding dong battle between Kaya Daluwatta and Reshan Algama. The match was played over 9 holes and Reshan managed the win on the final hole for par against Kaya’s bogey. The prize distribution was hosted by the sponsor Perera and Sons Bakers Ltd and the tournament was organized by the Sri Lanka Golf Union, the governing body for golf in Sri Lanka. The prizes were given by the President of the SLGU – Priath Fernando, sponsor Mr. Gihan Perera, Mrs. Sweenetha Rodrigo, Dr John Scarth and Vice President of the SLGU – Mr. Johnny De Saram.

 Results 

Match Play Winners

Copper
Winner – Reshan Algama
Runner up – Kaya Daluwatte

Bronze
Winner – Yannik Kumara
Runner up – Nirekh Tejwani

Silver – Girls
Winner – Taniya Minel
Runner up – Anelka Desinghe

Silver – Boys
Winner – S. Dhuwarshan
Runner up – Dilshan Malinda

Gold – Boys
Winner – T. Akash
Runner up – Vinod Weerasinghe

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