Mathonsi, Shyngarova wheelchair tennis champs

Anuradha ABEYSEKARA

South Africa’s Sydwell Mathonsi and Ukraine’s Olena Shyngarova walked away with the men’s and women’s single titles at the second SSC Open International wheelchair Tennis Championships which concluded at the SSC clay courts yesterday.

The Sri Lankan number one Upali Rajakaruna went down to Mathonsi as he retired during the second set of the final match due to a shoulder muscle injury. Rajakaruna who played four matches on the other day was very tired and Mathonsi comfortably beat him in the first set for 6/4.

Olena, who won two matches against two Sri Lankan players Anosha Amaratunge and Umesha Alahakoon claimed the womens single title keeping Anosha and Umesha on the back seat in second and third places respectively.

Rajakaruna with his partner D M Gamini beat Mathonsi and Marshall Marsh (SA) in the Main Draw doubles final match (7/5,6/2)

After successful completion of three back to back International Tennis Federation (ITF) NEC series wheelchair tennis events, Negombo Open, Sri Lanka Open and SSC Open local players will be elevated in the world rankings when it update its rankings on Monday,” said the Tournament Director Lt. Col. Shiran Abeysekara.

Results

Men’s single final

Sydwell Mathonsi (SA) beat Upali Rajakaruna rtd (6/4, 2/0.)

Women’s single

Champion: Olena Shyngarova

Runner-up: Anosha Amaratunge

2nd runner-up: Umesha Alahakoon

Men’s double final

Upali Rajakaruna/ D M Gamini (SL) beat Marshall Marsh/Sydwell Mathonsi (SA) 2-0 (7/5, 6/2)

Men’s single final

W H S Pushpakumara (SL) beat K D M Dharmaratne (SL) 2-0 (6/0, 7/5)

Men’s double final

D M S Jayashantha/N R L Jayasundara (SL) beat W K G Nadeeka and W P J Wijesiri 2-0 (6/3,6/0)

Consolation Draw Men’s single final

D M Gamini (SL) beat Wasantha Balasooriya (SL) 2-0 (6/0, 6/3)