Junior national squash from September 18

Dilanka Mannakkara

The 21st Junior National Squash Championships conducted by the Sri Lanka Squash Federation and sponsored by Ritzbury Chocolates will be held at the Gymkhana Club Squash Courts in Maitland Crescent, Colombo 7 from September 18 to 25.

This national ranking tournament, is billed to feature great squash and performances of a very high standard, especially with the participation of top ranked players. The eight day long tournament will consist of 18 events.

Junior National Squash Championships will feature the ‘Circuit Draw System’ thus ensuring fair participation and with more matches to all top ranked players. Entries will be accepted only at the SLSF Secretariat, Tamil Union C and A Club, Colombo 08 till 5.00 pm on September 13.

The draw will be held at 6.30 pm on the same day. The age cut-off date is July 01, 2010.

Brand Manager of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd, Nilupul de Silva said that they were proud to partner the SLSF on the 21st Junior Nationals. “We see a perfect brand fit with Squash as many players tend to consume chocolates prior to a match as it gives instant energy and we are very happy to be associated with the Junior National Squash Championship, which we see as the first stepping stone for future champions.”

Gihan Suwaris of S. Thomas’ College Mt. Lavinia, who won the 2009 title is expected to defend his title against stiff competition from players like Binura Jayasuriya, from Royal College.

Sharya Guruge, of Holy Family Convent Colombo 4, who won the Girls under 19 title will also be defending her title. She will have to battle it out with the likes of Nadindi Udangawa, Dulakshi Elikewela, Kavini Amarasekera and Gayara Jayasuriya.

The winner of Boys Under 19 will be awarded the ‘Navin Piyatissa Challenge Trophy’, named after the first Junior National Champion in 1990, whilst the Girls Under 19 winner will receive the ‘Nirasha Guruge Challenge Trophy’, named after the most successful Girls Junior National Champion, who won the title in six occasions from 2003 to 2008.

In addition to those, two special awards will also be awarded to the ‘Most Improved Player’ in the Girls and Boys under 17 and Over 13 categories.”