Gamini stuns Mathonsi

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

The unseeded Sri Lankan, D M Gamini defeated world ranked number 36 South African player Sydwell Mathonsi after a tough battle (7/5, 5/7, 7/5) in the men's single semi final on the second day of the first Negombo Open Wheelchair Tennis Tournament.

The match went on to a three setter as Mathonsi won the second set in a close fight. Gamini fought hard in the third set while keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats and overcame the opponent in a nail bitting finish. The match dragged on nearly three hours due to high competitiveness.

The local champion Upali Rajakaruna who had an easy win over South African contender Evans Maripa (6/2,6/1) in the other semi final will meet Gamini in the finals tomorrow.

Main Draw men's semis

D M Gamini (SL) beat Sydwell Mathonsi (SA) (7/5,5/7,7/5)

Upali Rajakaruna (SL) beat Evans Maripa (SA) (6/2,6/1)

Main Draw double semis

Zaquan Ariffin (Malaysia) and Sydwell Mathonsi (SA) beat M Basnayake (SL) and K M S P Perera (SL) (6/3,7/5) D M Gamini (SL) and Upaili Rajakaruna (SL) beat Evans Maripa (SA) and Marshall Marsh (SA) (6/4,6/3)

Main Draw women's

OShyngaryova (Ukraine) beat A Amaratunge (SL) (6/4,6/1)A Amaratunge (SL) beat U Alahakoon (SL) (6/1,6/2) O Shyngaryova (Ukraine) beat U Alahakoon (SL) (6/0,6/0)

Second Draw single semi finals (for the non ranking players)

W P J Wijesiri (SL) beat K D M Dharmaratne (SL) (7/5,6/4) N R L Jayasundara (SL) beat W H S Pushpakumara (SL) (2/6,7/5,6/3)

Second Draw double semis

W K G Nadeeka and W P J Wijesiri (SL) beat W H S Pushpakumara and H A P Samankumara (SL) (7/6,(3), 7/6(2)) K D M Dharmartne and D S R Dharmasena (SL) beat D M S Jayashantha and N R L Jayasundara (SL) (7/5,1/6,6/2)

Consolation Draw single semi finals (for main draw losers)

K M S P Perera (SL) beat B Subramaniam (SL) (6/3,6/2) M Basnayake (SL) beat T B Nadasena (SL) (6/1,7/5)