Shamika and Nadith enter junior boys finals

YASARATNE GAMAGE in Ambalangoda

Shamika Hasarange and Nadith de Silva of Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda entered the finals of junior boys while Sachithi Illeperuma of Sangamitta College, Galle and Kavindi de Silva of Dharmasoka College secured their places in the junior girls finals in the Ariyadasa de Silva Memorial Badminton Championship 2011.

The first, second round matches, quarterfinals and semifinals of under 15 boys and girls worked off successfully at Ambalangoda Dharmasoka College indoor stadium yesterday.

Shamika Hasarange had some effortless wins in the first and second rounds and beat Thamal Thilina by 21-19, 21-15 in the quarter final. In the first semi final he went on to beat Damith Weerasinghe at 21-9, 21-3.

On the other court Nadith de Silva who was unbeaten from the first rounds beat Resinthe de Silva by 21-10, 21-16 in the quarter finals and comprehensively beat his schoolmate Sachin Madushan by 21-13, 11-6 (Retired) in the second semi.

In the girls encounter, Sachithi Illeperuma defeated Kasuni Fernando at 21-13, 21-12 in the quarter-final to beat Vidurangi Kalpana of Dharmasoka College by 21-19, and 21-12 in the girls first semi final. Kavindika de Silva of Southland College, Galle in the second semi-final defeated Bhagya Deemanthi of Dharmasoka College by 21-11, 21-17 who earlier overcame Minoli Isanka at an easy game of 21-5, 21-11 in the quarter finals.

Event results:

Under 15 boys semi finals: Shamika Hasarange beat Damith Weerasinghe (21-09, 21-03). Nadith de Silva beat Sachin Madhushan (21-13, 11-06 retired).

Under 15 girls semi finals: Sachithi Illeperuma beat Vidurangi Kalpana (21-19, 21-12). Kavindi de Silva beat Bhagya Deemanthi (21-11, 21-17).

The finals will be held tomorrow at the same venue.

The second day of the tourney started yesterday with men's and women's open singles first and second round matches. Boys and girls under 17 early round matches followed by quarter and semi finals were also scheduled to be played at Urban Council courts in Ambalangoda.

Kamod and Damidu in Under-17 final

The semi-finals of under-17 boys and girls badminton encounters were completed yesterday at Ambalangoda Dharmasoka College indoor sports complex in the 24th Ariyadasa de Silva Open Badminton Championship 2011.

Kamod Radmitha of St Peter's College, Colombo and Damidu Kalhara of Rahula College, Matara qualified for the finals by beating Reanzie Gehan of St Josephs' College, Colombo and Hansa Sandaruwan of Am/Karandeniya Central College.

Kamod overcame Reanzie in a two setter by 25-23 and 21-06 while Damindu sent Hansa out of the tournament by winning the other semi-final by 21-15 and 21-9.

Girls under-17 semi-finals went to Colombo lasses when Hashini Malsha of Dharmasoka College was beaten by Thilini Hendihewa of Yashodara Balika MV, Colombo. Geeshani Tharuka of Vishaka Vidyalaya overcame her schoolmate Isuri Kamalka in the other semi-final which was the only match yet then that went to a three setter and reserved her place in the final against Thilini.

Event results.

Under 17 boys semi-finals Kamod Radmitha beat Reanzie Gehan (25-23, 21-06), Damidu Kalhara beat Hansa Sandaruwan (21-15, 21-09).

Under 17 girls Thilini Hendihewa beat Hashin Malsha (21-05,21-09), Geeshani Tharuka beat Isuri Kamalka (21-10,17-21,21-14).