Lasitha in hard fought win over Rakitha

RANJAN ANANDAPPA

Lasitha Menaka Karunathileka seeded No.6 was made to sweat by unseeded 15 year old Rakitha Perera prior to beating his opponent in a third round match at the 56th National Badminton Championship 2008 at the Royal College Sports Complex Courts yesterday.

Rakitha Perera who won the first set 21-18 over the national poolist Karunathileka went down fighting in the remaining two sets 21-15, 21-8.

Men's singles third round: Lasitha Karunathileka beat Rakitha Perera 18-21, 21-15, 21-8. Niluka Karunaratne beat Harsha Perera 21-11, 21-14. Udara Nayanajith beat Rangana Pieris 21-4, 21-18, Eranga Fernando beat Amila Fernando 21-15, 21-11. Dinuka Karunaratne beat Hasith Chanaka 21-16, 21-9. Diluka Karunaratne beat Chamika Manawadu 21-8, 21-9. Nuwan Hettiarachchi beat Imal Gurusinghe 21-14, 21-10, Yehan Ranasinghe beat Hashan Anuradha 21-12, 21-13.

Women's: Renu Chandrika received a walk over from Punsara Jayalath. Rochelle Cooray beat Vichitra Rupasinghe 21-8, 21-11. Gayani Perera beat Ishara Dias 21-10, 21-9.