Karunaratne reigns

Dilanka MANNAKKARA

The undisputed king of Badminton Niluka Karaunarathne yet again proved his dominance in the courts as he convincingly beat his brother Diluka Karunarathne 21/14,21/17 in straight sets in the men’s open singles event of the SSC badminton open.

Niluka and Diluka were involved in several rallies as Diluka tried to overcome his brother by displaying an array of smash shots. But Niluka’s experience was the turning point as he quickly went on the defensive and produced some perfect drop shots to gain points.

However the pick of the games was the match between veteran Chandrika De Silva and Lekha Shehani for the women’s open finals. Lekha Shehani who created a major upset by defeating star shuttler Thilini Jayasinghe was in fine rhythm.

The first set was an even contest although Chandrika used her experience to gain crucial points. Chandrika won the 1st set 21/16. Lekha came back very strongly in the 2nd set and played some delightful smashes, drop shots and back hands to take the set 21/11 which was quite a shock.

The match went on for a third set which was a tie breaker. Both players gave everything they had and the large crowd were thrilled as the pendulum swing both ways. It was 20/20 and Lekha was near out of breath and the evergreen Chandrika capitalized on it to win the game 22/20.

In the women’s doubles match Chandrika De Silva and Nadeesha Gayanthi had it easy against Gayani Anuththara and Subodha Dahanayake. They won it 21/12,21/4.

In the men’s doubles finals Niluka Karunarathne and Eranga Fernando managed to down Diluka and Dinuka Karunarathne 21/15,21/18. Diluka and Dinuka fighted valiantly but the experience of Niluka and the power of Eranga was the key to the victory.