Dhanika and Maleena for British Junior Golf C’ship

Richard DWIGHT

Maleena Awn	Dhanika de Silva

Two fifteen-year-olds, in former Royalist and currently British school student, Dhanika de Silva, and Maleena Awn of Ladies College, a member of the national team at the recent Queen Sirikit Cup in Japan - have been selected by the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) to represent the country at the British Junior open from July 14 to 16 in the UK.

The selections for this most prestigious golf championship organised and sponsored by the Royal and Ancient for youngsters under 16 years - were made after three competitive rounds of trials at the Nuwara Eliya Golf club recently.

This Junior open which is held once every two years takes place at the beautiful Hesketh Golf Club in England’s golfing capital of Southport. The 54 - hole tournament regularly attracts well over 100 entries from across the golfing world.

The best boy and girl team under the age of 16 from 70 countries will be taking part this year. Many a golfing great the world over have emerged from this junior championship.

The Junior open precedes the British open, the world’s oldest golf championship and, in keeping with tradition all competitors at the Junior open, will be invitees of the Royal and ancient at the open played at the nearby Royal Birkdale at the Junior level in the year 2006, the Sri Lanka team comprising Avinesh Nareshkumar and Dhanushi Senadhira, did the country proud, when Avinesh playing in the silver category was placed fourth while Dhanushi playing in the bronze category was placed seventh.

The SLGU has sanctioned and provided all assistance to Dhanika and Maleena, in achieving what is the first step towards International golf - whilst the national carrier SriLankan airlines has generously come forward to sponsor the travel of the youngsters.