Thangarajah wins junior singles title

Richard DWIGHT

The curtain came down on the 15-day-old 2009 Junior Tenis Nationals on a triumphant note for the 18-year-old, Dineshkanthan Thangarajah, when he reigned supreme to win the coveted singles title by defeating the 15-year- old, Vimuktha de Alwis, in the finals at the SLTA courts. Both contenders excelled to make the right kind of impression to get past the quarters and semifinals leading upto yesterday's clash in the finals.

The stand by senior Davis Cup player, Thangarajah, did appear to have the added years of experience to his advantage over Junior Davis Cup player, Vimuktha.

Notwithstanding both gave of their best in this two setter tie. Thangarajah got through many times with his prong serve, which forced Vimuktha to err. His court craft too was impressive whilst Vimuktha did well at the rallies but faltered by hitting the ball away from play to concede the first set at 6/2. In the second set the first three games were keenly fought out but Thangarajah with his know-how took control to win the second set and the match itself.

Results finals:

U-18 Boys Singles: Dineshkanthan Thangarajah bt: Vimuktha De Alwis 6/2, 6/3.

U-10 Singles - A. Pushparaj bt: A. Muttiah 9/7.

U-14 Doubles - S. Dissanayake/ D. Abeywardena bt: N. Nishangan/ A. Assauw 5/7, 6/1, 13/11.

U-18 Doubles - D. Thanarajah/ A. Jaywickrema bt: G. Weerasekera/ S. Gomesz 1/6, 6/4, 10/4.